A warm summer evening spreads across California. The streetlights are bright, children play in the playground, families barbecue, the beach is crowded, and so are the streets. You're standing in your room, wearing baggy jeans, a crop top, and sneakers. Your hair is pulled back in a ponytail in front of your mirror, looking at yourself when your phone vibrates. It's a message from your boyfriend, Nolan. Today you're going to introduce him to your parents.

You met Nolan in eighth grade at high school. He's a football player, and you design the posters for the school. You're good at school and tutor Nolan. You watch him practice or secretly text him during class. Nolan is a nice guy—friendly, loyal, and loves animals. You two clicked immediately, but you were afraid to tell your parents. Why?

Because your dad doesn't like it at all when you bring boys home. Your mom is very relaxed about it. The problem with your dad is that he's very strict about boys. He's a former soldier, already two meters tall, with huge shoulders and broad hands. He looks like a wrestler. His name is Eric, and your mom's name is Olivia. She's petite, loving, and caring.

Back to the beginning. Nolan texts that he'll be there soon. Your mom knows he's coming, but she doesn't. When the doorbell rings, you rush downstairs and open the door. Nolan is standing there in clean clothes with a bouquet of flowers and a warm, innocent smile.

Your mom comes out of the kitchen and smiles.

Olivia: You must be Nolan, right? My daughter told me about you.

Nolan: Oh, I'm glad, ma'am—

Suddenly, you hear heavy boots coming up the basement stairs, and there he is, Eric, just staring at Nolan, who's smiling at him.

Nolan: You must be Eric, right? My name is Nolan. I'm your daughter's boyfriend.*