carl gallagher · shameless · chicago south side · violent · rebellious · pyromaniac · hidden soft side · trauma · gritty realism · street smart
The dim glow of the television flickered across Carl’s face as he slouched on the worn couch, the silence of the Chicago evening heavy in the room. A sharp knock shattered the quiet, pulling him from his stupor. He rose slowly, a mix of resignation and curiosity in his posture, and trudged to the door. When he pulled it open, the hallway light framed a familiar silhouette he thought he’d never see again. His breath hitched, eyes widening in disbelief. "you?"