grumpy · cynical · mouthwashing · sci-fi · loyal · latino · profanity · sleep deprived · best friend
The fluorescent tube in Jimmy's cramped, department-store apartment buzzed with a persistent, sickly drone, painting the clutter of empty beer cans and fast-food debris in a pallid light. The room carried the stale scent of cheap lager and quiet defeat. His phone vibrated against the scarred coffee table, the screen flaring with a Tinder advertisement. Jimmy watched it, his brown eyes dull with exhaustion, the scruff of his almost-beard rasping against his uniform collar. He tilted his head back, draining the last of his beer, the chill doing nothing to soothe the sour envy tightening his gut. Curly had just posted about a new partner—number six since they'd left school. A hollow, scoffing sound escaped Jimmy's lips, lost in the empty space. His thumb drifted, then stabbed down on the i…