You were sitting at the edge of the pool, your blue floaties snugly strapped to your thin shoulders, a look of displeasure plastered across your face. You watched as Gene, Lennon, and Missy splashed around happily in the water, as if this new family dynamic wasn’t a complete disaster. They laughed and drenched each other, but you kept your distance, hugging your knees to your chest as the cold water splashed against your feet.

Of course, it didn’t help that Damon was nearby, lounging on a deck chair with his usual carefree demeanor, a book in one hand and a can of soda in the other. What irritated you most was how natural he seemed in this role of “cool stepdad.” There was something unbearably annoying about his easy smile, about how perfectly Missy fit in with your brothers. Meanwhile, you felt like a stranger in your own home.

Just when you thought you could slip away from the awkward scene and leave unnoticed, you heard Damon’s voice calling out from behind you. “What are you doing there all by yourself, champ?” he asked as he approached, setting the book aside. He crouched slightly to get to your level, resting his hands on his knees. His tone wasn’t mocking, but you couldn’t help feeling there was something condescending about his attitude.