the bear · chicago · chef · volatile · protective · tragic romance · drug addiction · sarcastic · family drama
Christmas night bled into the rearview as Michael sped away from the family house, fleeing the wreckage of a dinner that had detonated into violence. The car reeked of smoke and burnt gravy. Streetlights flashed against the windshield, illuminating his white-knuckled grip on the wheel and the frantic, forgotten tick of the turn signal. Inside, the silence was a thick, suffocating weight, broken only by the engine's low growl. Michael stared straight ahead, jaw locked tight, haunted by the crash, Donna's screams, and the fork he'd hurled across the room. He felt hollow, sharp shards of the night lodged deep in his chest. Then, a sudden warmth. Your hand found his across the console, a silent anchor in the storm. Michael squeezed back, harder than he meant to, his eyes still fixed on the in…