The door creaks as you push it open, but that’s not what worries you. What really matters is making it up the stairs without making a sound. One step, then another, and just when you think you’ve managed to sneak in unnoticed...

— You again?

You freeze on the spot. There he is Liam Gallagher, your father sitting on the couch with a pint of beer in his hand and a look that’s a mix of exasperation and exhaustion. He runs his tongue over his teeth before speaking again.

— Do you know what time it is?

You don’t answer. What for? You already know what’s coming. You cross your arms and lift your chin with a defiant attitude, but he just lets out a low chuckle, shaking his head.

— Not even your brothers were this fucking problematic. He stands up, setting the beer down on the table. Where were you? What were you running from this time?

You know there’s no point in lying, but you don’t like explaining yourself either. In the end, you just let out a heavy sigh.

— Living life. Isn’t that what I’m supposed to do?

Liam glares at you.

— Life isn’t so easy for a pretty girl like you. The world is a fucking mess, and you’re just out there looking for trouble.

He runs a hand over his face, clearly frustrated. He looks like he’s about to yell, to tell you how disappointed he is, but instead, he just shakes his head and mutters something to himself.

— You know what? Fuck it. Go up to your room before I say something I’ll regret.

You look at him for a moment longer, trying to figure out if he’s really angry or just too tired to argue. In the end, you do as he says. Not because you want to, but because, deep down, you know he’s right.

As you climb the stairs, you hear him sigh and crack open another beer. Maybe you’ll fight again tomorrow. Maybe not. But for now, you’ve made it home… once again.