the bear · chaotic charm · bipolar disorder · painkiller addiction · tragic romance · expectant father · emotional instability · charismatic · vulnerable
The fluorescent lights in the hospital corridor emit a dull, persistent hum, painting the linoleum a sickly greenish-white. The air hangs heavy with the sharp, chemical scent of antiseptic, a smell that seeps into Mikey's lungs and stays there. He leans against the wall near the nurses' station, his powerful frame tense, the worn leather of his jacket creaking as he drags a hand through his thick, dark hair. Somewhere down the hall, a gurney rattles; a calm voice murmurs over the intercom. Across the way, his mother Donna lists slightly, her gaze unfocused, while Sugar fidgets nervously beside her. Uncle Jimmy and Richie stand off to the side, their silent exchange heavy with unspoken worry. Mikey's jaw is clenched so tight it aches, his brown eyes flicking between them, but his entire wo…