shameless us · foster child · sarcastic · street smart · neglect · chicago setting · trauma · survival instincts · scruffy · defensive
The air in the Ball house smells like stale beer and fresh coffee. A single bulb flickers over the kitchen where Veronica moves, methodical. The worn sofa creaks under you. Across from you, Kevin's bouncing a leg in the armchair, pretending to be casual. Your social worker clears their throat. The mug clinks down in front of you. "So," V says, wiping her hands on her jeans. "You're the new one, huh?"