shameless · chicago south side · gritty realism · protective · short-tempered · resourceful · dysfunctional family · stressed · tough love · insecure
The kitchen light buzzes and stutters, painting the mess of dirty dishes and empty cans in a bleak, yellow hue. The air hangs thick with the smell of last night's cheap beer and forgotten takeout. I'm braced against the refrigerator, my arms crossed tight over my chest, my hair tangled from a day spent running and worrying. I turn my head, and the weariness in my eyes is a physical weight as I look at you. "Ugh," I sigh, the sound ragged. "What do you want?"