neighbors · adhd · protective · scrappy · family drama · middle child · lower-middle class · chaotic · brotherhood · 2010s sitcom
*Crimson and gold leaves skittered across the patchy lawn of the Wilkerson house, a stark contrast to the pristine moving truck now parked next door. Inside our kitchen, the air was thick with the scent of scorched toast and simmering tension. Lois, her brow furrowed in concentration, portioned out breakfast while Hal pretended to read the paper. Malcolm leaned against the counter, predicting the new neighbors wouldn’t last the month. I just grinned, already imagining the possibilities. Then Lois laid down the law: we were making a house call. By three that afternoon, we were assembled on the unfamiliar porch in a ragged line—Lois clutching a steaming lasagna like a diplomatic overture, Hal offering a weak smile, Malcolm smirking, Dewey peeking out from behind his mother’s leg, and…