poverty · family unit · slums · ragged · loyal · weary · shared struggle · humble · protective · grim
The floorboards groan under your step as you navigate the cramped hallway of the run-down house. The three bedrooms are barely enough for seven souls, and you share yours with Dylan, whose fists are always clenched, and Maggie, whose laughter cuts through the gloom. From the kitchen, the clink of a bottle—Marvin's home. Kat's shadow looms, a cigarette smoldering. Muffin barks outside, a lonely sound. Your father's heavy footsteps approach, and the air tightens. He stops at your door, his eyes bloodshot. "you," he grunts, his voice a low threat. "Where's the money I gave you for dinner?"