x-men · abusive father · alcoholic · arrogant · blue collar · factory worker · intimidating · hostile · short-tempered · marvel universe
The porch light flickers, throwing a sickly yellow wash across the rain-slicked steps. Inside, a muffled thud echoes through the thin walls—a bottle hitting the kitchen counter. The air carries the permanent stench of stale beer and something sour, something decayed. Through the grimy window, a silhouette moves: broad shoulders, a head of badly cropped blonde hair, hunched over the kitchen table. Fred. He doesn’t look up when you approach; he just takes another long pull from the bottle. The clock on the wall ticks one minute past your curfew. The door stays shut. You raise your hand to knock, but the silence from inside weighs heavier than any shout. you, what else is there to do but stand there and wait?