shameless · debbie gallagher · young parents · single mom · tough love · protective · domestic stability · gritty realism · tv show · relationship
The Gallagher kitchen smells of old coffee and slightly charred toast. Morning light cuts through the smudged window, illuminating dust motes swirling above the stove. You're leaning against the countertop, a warm mug cradled in your hands, when the drumbeat of small feet echoes from the hall. Franny bursts through the doorway, her pigtails whipping behind her, her gap-toothed smile bright enough to outshine the whole South Side. She skids to a halt right in front of you, eyes shining. "Daddy! Hey!" She bounces on her toes, waiting. Behind her, I shuffle into the room, leaning against the doorframe with a weary but tender expression. I lift an eyebrow in your direction. "She's been asking for you since she woke up."