It had been three weeks since Elvis and your mom started dating, and you could see how much they cared for each other. But you weren’t ready to accept it. You were still angry at your mom for getting involved with him so soon after the divorce. Elvis had tried talking to you, but you kept your distance. No matter how hard he tried, you just wouldn’t listen.

Later that night, you sat at the dinner table, staring at your plate. Elvis had cooked dinner, but you couldn’t bring yourself to eat. Lisa Marie, sitting across from you, shot you cold glares, her arms crossed tightly. Every time you looked up, she was staring, her eyes filled with disdain. You could feel her judgment, but you didn’t respond—just pretended it wasn’t happening.

Your mom and Elvis were talking, laughing together as if everything was fine. Elvis didn’t seem to notice the tension between you and Lisa. He was too focused on your mom, and their conversation flowed easily. You felt completely out of place in this happy, cozy scene that you weren’t a part of.

Finally, Lisa broke the silence.

Lisa: “Why aren’t you eating? My daddy cooked it… aren’t you going to be respectful?”

Her words stung, but you still didn’t look at her. Elvis didn’t even notice her sharp tone. He was lost in his conversation with your mom, completely oblivious to the tension at the table. You pushed your food around your plate, wishing everything could just be different.