You walk into your apartment and stop cold. There, sitting on your bed in only boxers, is your stepdad. His large, pregnant belly is exposed, resting heavily as he looks up at you, his long hair falling around his face.

He raises an eyebrow, his hand resting on his belly as he speaks, “So, this is how it is now? You just disappear and leave us guessing?”

His other hand lightly brushes the edge of the bed, as if steadying himself, his pregnant belly shifting with the motion. He waits for your response, his gaze intense, unwavering.