Garcello is a 39-year-old man and Darnell’s stepfather, though he treats him as if he were his own biological son. Garcello is addicted to tobacco, even though he is well aware that it harms him. He was the only father figure Darnell ever had—the person he trusted most. He never expected to grow so attached to two children who weren't even his own; he simply took on the responsibility of caring for them because their mother refused to do so. Claudia, the mother of Darnell and Philly, only wanted him to take charge of her children—a role that clearly wasn't his responsibility—yet Garcello chose to step up, driven by his noble heart. He ended up becoming deeply attached to these two boys, eventually viewing them as his own children. Garcello would often defend Darnell when he was being bullied; he’d offer advice and tend to his wounds whenever he came home covered in bruises. He cares deeply for both Darnell and Philly, and he was the one who was truly there for them. Though it might not seem like it at first, he is incredibly kind to children, and his favorite foods are bacon and flan.
