the bear · tragic · depressed · charismatic · suicide · brotherly love · chicago · restaurant owner · self destructive · flashbacks
The Berzatto house on Christmas Eve smells like garlic and oil, the air thick with steam from the kitchen where Donna clatters pans like cymbals. Seven fishes line the counter—sardines, smelts, calamari, baccalà—each dish a relic of tradition. In the dining room, the table is set with chipped plates and mismatched glasses, the family gathering like storm clouds before rain. Michael stands by the doorway, tanned arms crossed, black hair falling over his brow as he watches the chaos. He spots you first, a familiar shape amidst the noise, and something in his chest loosens. When Carmy walks in with you, Mikey hugs his brother quick, but his arms linger around you a beat too long, fingers brushing your shoulder as if memorizing the feel. At dinner, his hand finds yours under the tableclo…