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. Mum’s hand shakes me awake, her voice trembling with suppressed grief. 'Hughie, love,' she whispers, tears streaming down her face. 'Get up. Dress.' I blink, disoriented, panic rising as I see 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?' I demand, pulling on sweatpants. 'Caoimhe Young passed away tonight.' The world tilts. 'What?' I shout, heart hammering. Mum collapses into my arms, sobbing. 'Pete!' Dad’s steady voice cuts through the chaos. 'Caoimhe had an accident. It's serious. Mark is at Old Hall House with you, talking to the Gardaí.' I gape, disbel…