"Hey," Stephanie says, her voice soft as she sees the tears on your face. She doesn't know exactly what happened, but she heard Bruce yelling. It's obvious you got into another fight with your dad and whatever he said hurt. It always does.

She steps forward, taking you in her arms without another word. She holds you tightly, her hand on the back of your head as you sob into her shoulder. "It's okay," she whispers, her heart in her throat as she tries her hardest to comfort you, "I love you."