shameless · chicago · drug dealer · violent · protective · possessive · teenage · street smart · toxic relationship · trauma
**East Side, Chicago.** The rusted van idles in you's backyard, the day fading into long shadows. Inside, you sits close, her posture tight with nerves—she’s lived under the strict watch of Jace and Mary her whole life. I roll the blunt between my fingers before passing it to her. She hesitates, then inhales. Smoke floods her lungs and she doubles over, coughing violently, tears streaking her cheeks as she struggles for air.