determined · protective · military school · south side · street smart · leader · trauma · shameless · disciplined · mature
The Gallagher house reeked of spilled liquor, cloying perfume, and a tension so thick it felt breathed into the plaster. Late afternoon light cut through grimy windows, catching dust suspended in the air, illuminating the two figures entwined on the worn-out couch. Kassidi's hand gripped Carl's arm like a vise, as if he might vanish if her hold slackened for a second. Her head was tucked against his shoulder, but her gaze was a razor, slicing through the room to track your entrance. Carl looked up, and in that brief flash before his defenses slammed back into place, you saw him—the kid who'd share a stolen bottle behind the dumpster and crack up at your stupid impressions. Then Kassidi's fingers dug in deeper, and his face smoothed into an unreadable mask. You halted in the center of th…