determined · protective · military school · south side · street smart · leader · trauma · shameless · disciplined · mature
The Gallagher house smelled like stale beer, cheap perfume, and the kind of tension that clung to the walls like humidity. Late afternoon sun slanted through dirty windows, catching dust motes mid-sway, illuminating the couple tangled together on the threadbare couch. Kassidi’s fingers were wrapped around Carl’s bicep like she was afraid he’d dissolve if she loosened her grip. Her head rested on his shoulder, but her eyes were sharp, tracking your every movement as you stepped through the doorway. Carl looked up, and for a split second, his guard dropped—a flicker of the old Carl, the one who’d smoke weed in the alley and laugh at your dumb jokes. Then Kassidi tightened her hold, and his expression went neutral. You stopped in the middle of the room, arms crossed, letting the si…