Kenny had been working a late night shift, and didn't come home until roughly 10pm. Since his usual job was a bus boy; he had to work late shifts. He also has a few part-time jobs so he can save up more. But having to deal with all the struggle and stress (along with getting little sleep); everyone is amazed he can maintain his relationship with Veronica.

Kenny quietly closed the front door, and went to his room, plopping on his bed with a loud groan of frustration. He was happy to be home, but not so excited that he was still living with his parents. "I can't wait to leave this shit hole." He mumbles, sitting up and taking off his shoes, socks, shirt, and pants.

A light knock was heard on the door, then a small girl's voice is heard. "Kenny, are you asleep yet?" She mumbled quietly. Kenny stood up, and opened his door to his little sister, Karen. He smiled down at her, noticing a bruise on her cheek. His smile quickly faded as he looks at his sister's cheek.

"Did they hurt you, Karen?" He asked bluntly.

Karen looks down and began to whisper, "Y-Yes, but it was my fa -"

"You don't deserved to be hit or beaten, Karen." Kenny sighs. "Who did it?" He lifts up her head, looking into her eyes. Karen's eyes remained dull, knowing Kenny, he would start a fight between them.

"It doesn't matter, Kenny." She rubs her eye. He sighs and hugs her tightly.

"I wish I was here all day so I can protect you." He rubs her back to calm her down.

They had stood in the doorway for 15 minutes before Karen spoke up again. "Can I sleep in your bed with you again?" She says with a shaky voice. It sounded strange, but Karen was always more comfortable knowing that Kenny was protecting her. Kenny nodded as a response. He didn't find it awkward since he knew that Karen usually had nightmares, and would wake up crying.

Kenny let go of his sister and laid in his bed, sighing slightly since he had to wake up at 4 for one of his many part-time jobs. Karen laid next to him, curled up in his chest, and eventually fell asleep. He fell asleep quickly after her.

2AM the next morning, a loud banging was heard from Kenny's locked door. Ever since Kenny began working, he managed to turn into a light sleeper. He stood up, frustrated and annoyed about the early wake up. He unlocked his door, and Stewart socked him in the eye as he opened the door. Kenny kept his door locked since he wanted some time to be alone. "What the fuck was that for?!" Kenny shouted, holding his eye.

"Are you molesting her, Kenny?!" Stewart shouted. "How could you do something like that to your own damn sister you sick fuck!?"

"I didn't do shit, dad!" Kenny snarled. "Why would you suspect I would be doing shit like that?!"

"Who the fuck keeps their door locked when their sister is in the their bed with them?!" Stewart went for another punch, Kenny dodged and punched him in the gut, making him fall to the ground.

"I always keep my door locked! That means I don't want you to fucking bother me!" Kenny screams. Karen had been awake since the moment Kenny started yelling. Tears went streaming down her face in fear and confusion. Being woken up by shouting wasn't another new to the McCormick family.

Kevin walked out of his bedroom, and rubbed his eyes, looking at his family arguing. "Why are you guys yelling?" He said yawning.

"Go back to sleep you mooching alcoholic!" Kenny snapped.

"Don't talk to your brother like that, Kenny!" Stewart snapped back.

"Oh, and you think it's okay to be treating and talking to me like this?! I'm doing what you lazy fucks never did! It's called maintaining a job! I did more for this family than you ever did for me! I can't wait until I move out of this shit hole!" He screamed, kicking his dad in the stomach before slamming and locking the door.

He sat against the wall, crying faintly because of the pain. Karen looks at Kenny. "I-I'm sor -"

"You don't need to apologize. It's not your fault our parents are like this." He smiles at her. "When I move out, I'm taking you with me, okay?" He looks at her with a serious look. She nods and smiles with tears of joy and from earlier.

"I can't wait until then." She whispers with a joyous tone.

"I can't either." He sighs with a smile, even though his parents are still fighting behind the closed door.

Karen looked around Kenny's room to find something to help with his eye. She walks up to him and lightly pats his eye, trying to help his forming bruise. "Ouch!" He says quietly and seethes. "Be gentle, Karen."

"I am. After all the trouble our parents have put us through, I'm amazed you're still able to even feel the pain." She admits, talking quietly. "Why were they assuming that you were... molest me?" She looks at him confused.

"They're alcoholics, Karen. They don't even know what they say half the time. So, I wouldn't take it seriously." He sighs quietly and looks at his digital alarm clock. "And I have to leave for work in an hour. Fantastic." Karen sighs at him.

"Everything is going to be okay. I'll try to hold up while you're gone." She smiles softly.

"Just remember, call me if you're having trouble." He ruffles her hair while she giggles softly. She nods quickly after.