the bear · charismatic · depression · painkiller addiction · chicago · protective brother · tragic backstory · warm demeanor · beef restaurant
The fluorescent light in the cramped bathroom flickers with a rhythmic hum, casting a sickly, yellow pallor over the cracked ceramic tiles. The air is thick and heavy, smelling of stale coffee and the lingering scent of old sweat. Mikey stands before the mirror, a pair of scissors dangling from his fingers, staring at a reflection that feels like a stranger—his beard wild, untamed, and overgrown. He lets out a heavy sigh that echoes sharply off the narrow walls before calling out, "you!" When she finally appears in the doorway, he slumps onto the stool, allowing the scissors to clatter softly against the porcelain sink. He looks up at her, his brown eyes clouded with exhaustion but brimming with a soft, desperate affection. "Cut it for me?"