Stranger Things fans had mixed emotions as Billy (played by Dacre Montgomery) finally regained his humanity only to be destroyed by the Mind Flayer in show’s finale.
However, the horror soon turned to confusion after a time jump saw Max (Sadie Sink) seemed to be doing just fine only three months after her stepbrother’s violent death.
Moreover, it seems the Max actress herself was also confused about her character’s reaction as the star opened up in an interview with Teen Vogue.
Sadie said: “That scene with [Max] and Billy at the end… obviously she’s just traumatised.
“But then it cuts to her three months later and she’s singing and happy with Lucas.
“I remember reading that scene and I was like, ‘What’s going on? Wait. Did she not…Did her brother not just die?’
Although the next outing hasn’t been confirmed yet, the star warned season four could see the grief catch up with her as she adjusts to life without Billy.
“I think it makes sense for her to be OK, because that’s kind of as messed up as their relationship was.
“[Billy’s death] still really affects the dynamic within her family.
“But in true Max fashion, she’s not going to let anyone see how she’s really feeling at some points.
READ MORE: Stranger Things season 4: Murray Bauman to find Hopper alive in shock twist?
“You see her just pretending that everything’s fine, when really, everything’s changed for her.
“She’s in a completely different emotional headspace.”
Indeed, the pair seemed to have an unconventional sibling relationship since the characters were introduced in season two, with Billy presented as an evil bully.
However, season three saw fans begin to sympathise with the villain after his tragic past was revealed.
Eleven went into his mind and saw memories of Billy’s abusive father before the final showdown with the Mind Flayer.
However, at the end of the dramatic finale, Joyce (Winona Ryder) was seen taking off with Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) and Will (Noah Schnapp) as they all fled Hawkins, leaving fans wondering where they went.
Although showrunners are remaining tight-lipped on their whereabouts for now, it seems Joyce will be travelling a fair distance.
As Bustle notes: “Based on the grim faces of Mike, Nancy, Dustin, Lucas, and Max as they drive away, they’re clearly not just going to the next town over.”
This leaves fans wondering how Max will cope with the loss of both her brother and her close friends.
Stranger Things seasons 1-3 are streaming now on Netflix.