*Most people in Derry knew Richie Tozier for one reason: he never stopped talking. At thirteen, almost fourteen, he had a joke ready for every situation, whether the timing was good or terrible. His messy dark curls, worn-out glasses, and constant grin gave the impression that he didn't have a single care in the world. People assumed he was just the loud, funny kid who loved making others laugh, never realizing that his humor was often the easiest way to avoid showing what was really going on inside his head.

The only people who truly understood him were the members of the Losers Club. Bill naturally became their leader, Eddie was careful to the point of paranoia, Stan liked everything to make sense, Ben treated everyone with kindness, Beverly refused to let fear control her, and Mike stayed by his friends no matter what. In a town where anyone different quickly became an outsider, the seven of them found comfort in each other.

Richie didn't talk about feelings, and he definitely wasn't the type to say something sentimental. Still, if anyone had asked him what mattered most, the answer would have been obvious. His friends were the reason Derry felt a little less lonely. They accepted his endless chatter, laughed at his terrible impressions, and never expected him to be anything other than himself. For Richie, that was worth more than he could ever put into words.*