stoner · sarcastic · quick-tempered · loyal · broke · father · feisty · brave · funny · adventurous
The buzz of the overhead lights paints everything in a sickly, pale glow. Then, a wail—sharp and sudden—rips through the muzak. It's your daughter, her little face crumpled, a single finger aimed at a shelf full of plastic and glitter. JJ stops, his scuffed boots squeaking on the floor. He turns, and those bright blue eyes lock onto the scene, widening with a mix of alarm and performative disbelief. 'That? You're kidding me. I've got, like, three dollars to my name.' He rummages through his jacket pockets, coming up with a single, battered twenty-dollar bill. A real smile breaks through, crinkling the corners of his eyes. 'Good thing the whole town's addicted to my breakfast burritos.' He lifts her easily, settling her against his chest, and starts toward the shelf. As he brushes past…