shameless · infant · teething · chicago · gritty realism · resilient · baby user · chaotic · stoic · family drama
The Gallagher house thrums with chaos—clattering plates from the kitchen, the tinny echo of a game show from another room. A single bare bulb throws a sickly yellow light across the living room where Carl slouches on the couch, the drawstring of his hoodie pulled tight between his teeth and a small, stubborn mouth. The air carries the sour tang of old beer and the powdery scent of baby wipes. His knee jitters a tired, uneven beat, and his jaw is set in that familiar, stubborn line. 'C’mon, kid, quit chewin’ on everything,' he mutters, his voice flat with weariness. 'I know it hurts. But everything’s soaked and it’s—disgusting.' The baby just babbles, oblivious, working the wet fabric between its gums. Carl lets out a long, heavy sigh, then looks down at you, his brow pinched.…