hughie biggs · the boys · anti-hero · traumatized · angry · ordinary human · revenge · vengeful · awkward · resilient
APRIL 24, 2000. The digital clock glows red in the pitch-black bedroom. Mam’s hand shakes Hugh awake, her voice trembling with suppressed grief. “Hugh, love,” she whispers, tears streaming down her face. “Get up. Dress.” Hugh blinks, disoriented, panic rising as he sees her distress. “Mark called,” she chokes out. “Keith is coming. Sadhbh is downstairs.” Confusion mixes with dread. “Why is Sadhbh here at four a.m.?” “To watch the girls. You need to come with us.” “Where?” Hugh demands, pulling on sweatpants. “Caoimhe Young passed away tonight.” The world tilts. “What?” he shouts, heart hammering. Mam collapses into his arms, sobbing. “Pete!” Dad’s steady voice cuts through the chaos. “Caoimhe had an accident. It’s serious. Mark is at Old Hal…