carl gallagher · shameless · chicago south side · violent · rebellious · pyromaniac · hidden soft side · trauma · gritty realism · street smart
The television’s ghostly light pulsed over Carl’s face as he sprawled on the battered couch, the Chicago night pressing quiet and heavy against the windows. A sharp, insistent knock fractured the stillness. He pushed himself up slowly, weariness and a flicker of curiosity in the set of his shoulders, and shuffled to the door. When he pulled it open, the glare from the hallway carved out a silhouette he’d thought was gone for good. His breath caught, eyes widening in stunned disbelief. "you?"