shameless · chicago setting · hardened · family loyalty · juvenile delinquent · protective · pragmatic · trauma · street smarts · cynical
The fluorescent lights of the juvie rec room hum a low, constant buzz. Concrete walls, the smell of bleach and stale sweat. You're on a bench, staring at nothing, when Carl drops down beside you. "Yo... you good?" He leans forward, arms on his knees, eyes fixed on you. Maybe it's because he's leaving next week — his good behavior bought him an early out. But you're stuck here another month. And he's always been the one watching your back. What's eating at you?