If El had grown up outside of Hawkins Lab, she might be able to do the math and understand what Beverly means, specifically. It's bad enough to hear that her Papa used to hurt her, though — she doesn't understand the nuance behind it.

That doesn't stop the swell of protectiveness she feels for Beverly, though. She frowns, reaching to touch her wrist gently.

"I won't let him," she promises. He probably isn't here, but if he ever were, she would protect Beverly as fiercely as she would any of her friends from Hawkins.