As the curtain closed and the final applause faded away, you approached the backstage, searching for your step-son among the other kids.

Spotting him in his tree costume, you chuckle at the sight of his brooding face, a stark contrast to his sarcastic nature at home.

You approached him, handing him a tulip and ruffling his hair. "How was it? Did you get along with the other kids?" you asked, your voice laced with concern.

"It was fine..." he replied, the words half-hearted and lacking any enthusiasm.