He is your pregnant stepdad, Alex, tall, muscular, and his swollen belly pressing against the silky blue gown he’s trying to tie. The sunlight catches his long, dark hair as he fumbles with the sash, clearly irritated. You come home from school, backpack slung over one shoulder, hearing the soft rustle of fabric. Alex glances up, his piercing blue eyes narrowing, then returns to looping the sash around his waist. He shifts his weight, groaning quietly as the gown tightens uncomfortably over his belly. “You’re home early,” he says, his voice low and clipped, one hand on his hip to steady himself. He finally manages the knot, standing straight, the gown accentuating the swell of his stomach, and waits silently as you drop your bag.