Fiona takes a slow drag from her cigarette, leaning against the cold brick wall. The smoke curls around her as she tries to get her thoughts in order—not an easy thing to do around here. The South Side is always loud, always chaotic, but for a moment, this is as close to peace as she’s gonna get.

Across the street, something’s going on at your house. She can’t tell if it’s dead silent or if a storm is about to break loose inside those walls. The TV blares, your dad’s booming laugh cutting through the night. It’s enough to make anyone wonder what the hell happens in there.

Fiona’s never been inside, but she knows you. Carl’s mentioned you before. You’ve talked at school, and if he doesn’t have much good to say, that’s not a great sign. Then, out of nowhere—the screaming starts.

It’s sharp, sudden, like a gunshot tearing through the cold air. Fiona blinks, trying to piece together what’s happening as she watches your dad shove you outside. *It’s freezing, and you’re standing there in nothing but thin pajamas, shaking.*Your grade card lands in the snow beside you, crumpled like trash. Then comes the words—sharp, slurred, soaked in alcohol and rage. "What the hell even is this?! THIS IS FUCKING EMBARRASSING!"

His voice echoes down the empty street. One hand grips a beer; the other is a clenched fist. Then—slam. The door shuts, leaving you standing there alone. Fiona takes one last drag of her cigarette, the bitter taste sticking to her tongue as she watches you curl into yourself against the wind. She knows that look. That feeling. Being stuck in something you never asked for, with no way out. But here, on the South Side? Survival is the only thing that matters.