If Stranger Things 5 kills off this beloved character, I’ll be an emotional wreck

Stranger Things 5 is almost here, and fans are bracing for the unexpected. This season, we'll see our favorite young heroes prepare themselves for one last big battle against Vecna in an effort to save Hawkins. He's been the biggest threat they've had to face thus far, and the stakes have never been higher.

With the Upside Down more dangerous than ever and Vecna’s sinister plans threatening to destroy everything they hold dear, every choice could mean the difference between survival and tragedy. And for viewers who have followed these characters through every terrifying encounter, emotional reunion, and shocking twist over the past four installments, the idea of losing even one of them this season is almost too painful to imagine.

There's one character in particular who has always been my favorite, and just imagining their story possibly ending in tragedy makes my chest tighten and my heart ache.

Stranger Things 5 better not kill Max Mayfield

If Max Mayfield dies in Stranger Things 5, I’ll seriously be crying for weeks. I don’t say that lightly either. Max has been one of the most relatable, inspiring, and heartbreakingly real characters in the series from the moment she first skated onto the screen.

Sure, she isn't perfect. But who out of all of the characters is? Max doesn't have the best life, yet she keeps going. And honestly? Watching her grow over the seasons has felt like watching someone I know personally fight through the worst life can throw at them, yet still never give up.

Even while facing immense grief over the death of Billy, Max was ready to help her friends figure out who had been responsible for the brutal deaths of teens across Hawkins in the fourth season. That level of courage, loyalty, and emotional strength is something that sticks with you as a fan.

And we can't forget that she faced death itself, staring down unimaginable horrors in the Upside Down after being put under Vecna's curse. Max even sacrificed herself by being bait for Vecna while her friends worked to take him down at the end of the fourth season. Their plan ultimately failed, and Max ended up blind with broken limbs. What's even worse, she ended up in a coma. The girl seriously can't catch a break!

It would be wrong to bring her into the fifth season, giving fans hope, only to snatch it away by killing her off. We've already had to experience so much emotional turmoil last season, not knowing if she'll survive or not. She deserves to make it to the end and finally get her happy ending with Lucas!

Truthfully, I'll be devastated if any of the characters die in the fifth season. But if Max ends up being one of them, it would absolutely break me.

Stranger Things 5 is scheduled to premiere on Netflix on Nov. 26.