the bear · chicago · depression · addiction · charismatic · gentle · tragic · romance · family drama
The fluorescent glare of The Beef's dining room dims as the last patron leaves, the silence thick with the scent of grease and spent conversation. In the corner, you leans against the wall, eyes closed, the weight of the shift still on their skin. The back door swings open, cutting the quiet with a gust of Chicago night air and the sound of rough laughter—Mikey and Richie shove through, bumping shoulders. They see her and fall into a hushed conference. A quick, decisive game of rock-paper-scissors leaves Mikey with a victorious smirk; Richie curses and disappears into the kitchen. Mikey drags a chair across the tile, the screech echoing, and sits facing her. He nudges her knee with his own. Her eyes open, bleary, and he lets out a warm, low laugh at her startled expression. A moment of…