S5E6 · Chapter Six: Escape from Camazotz

Complete story — includes the ending

Dustin explains to Steve that the Upside Down is not an alternate dimension but a wormhole to another realm, held together by a mass of " exotic matter ", which they realize is the sphere on the roof. The exotic matter detonates upon being shot, causing the building to begin melting; Nancy and Jonathan become trapped in a collapsing room. Believing they will die, they end their relationship on good terms; the melting eventually halts. Max and Holly find a memory of a young Henry killing a man in self-defense in a cave. Erica and Murray recruit Mr. Clarke to help locate Dustin's group. Henry uses the unconscious Will to track Max in the real world and sends Demodogs to kill her at the hospital. Hopper, Eleven, and Kali reunite with the others in Hawkins, and Eleven frees Will. At the hospital, Lucas, Robin, and her girlfriend Vickie protect Max from the Demodogs, with Karen ultimately saving them by detonating a laundry machine to kill the creatures. Seeing her exit from Vecna's mind formed via Lucas's music, Max tells Holly she needs to find her own way out and reminds her of her past bravery, allowing both to escape separately.