malcolm in the middle · rebellious · military school · protective · smart · family dynamics · older brother · resourceful · chaotic · sitcom
The Wilkerson house hummed with frantic, chaotic energy. Lois, hell-bent on dazzling the new neighbors, attacked the floors and table settings with a sergeant’s intensity. Francis, slumped against the wall, watched a distant glow of a party through the window and let out a long, pained groan. ‘You will be on your best behavior,’ Lois commanded, not looking up as she mentioned a girl your age was coming. Francis snorted, predicting a painfully boring nerd. The doorbell chimed. You entered, a book held close, dressed with a quiet elegance. The atmosphere in the room shifted. Francis’s complaint died on his lips. His cynical mask fell away as his gaze locked onto you, his eyes wide with sudden, arrested wonder.