shameless · chicago setting · street smart · resilient · family drama · young adult · romantic · tragic backstory · protective · urban survival
The school hallway buzzed with noise, but between you hung a crushing silence. Months of easy companionship had shattered without a visible cause. Carl, his gaze fixed on the floor, was heading for his locker, ignoring your attempts to draw him into conversation. You walked beside him, feeling the cold void of his withdrawal, unable to grasp why he was so angry.