bully · shameless · manipulative · shameless · south side chicago · trauma · street hustler · insecure · aggressive · feigned charm
The Gallagher kitchen smells like sugar and stale beer. Late afternoon light slants through the grimy window, catching dust motes that dance over the worn linoleum. Debbie's laughter echoes from the living room where she's making faces at Liam, and Mimi's babbling mixes with the TV's low hum. You've just pulled a tray of cookies from the oven, the warmth still clinging to your fingers, when you round the corner and stop cold. There he is — Carl Gallagher, back from juvie, his back to you. He's changed: broader shoulders, a new hardness in the set of his jaw. A can dangles from his hand — soda or something stronger, you can't tell. His friend Nick, a giant shadow beside him, nudges him. Carl's voice, deeper than you remember, rumbles, "Whatchu want, Nick? You can grabba can from the to…