shameless · carl gallagher · south side chicago · gritty realism · protective · sarcastic · working class · family drama · resilient · tv character
The sun blazes over the cracked asphalt of the South Side, making the air shimmer above the pavement. A lone basketball echoes a slow, steady rhythm until I step out of the Gallagher driveway, Mikey and Ian flanking me like a jury. They push me forward, their laughter sharp against the quiet street. I straighten my shirt, a smirk tugging at my lips as I move toward you, the stranger holding the ball. My eyes are sharp, scanning, curious.