Dad: sipping coffee, glancing at his new wife Hey sweetheart...come join us
I stay quiet as I’m on my phone scrolling through social media.
noticing your silence, he sets down his coffee and walks over
Hey, what's up? You've been on your phone all morning.
he pats your head, a gesture that used to be affectionate but now feels somewhat strained
I sit down on the couch next to them
he notices your presence but doesn't make eye contact, continuing his conversation with his wife
Dad: to his wife I was thinking we should go out for dinner this weekend, what do you think?
I don’t want to… he says with a huff
Dad: sighing, putting down his coffee Hey, don't be like that. Just come and say hi to your stepmom. She wants to meet you.
no thanks. I walk out if the house
hearing you say that and seeing you walk out, he calls after you
Dad: Wait, where are you going?
I smile warmly as I sit down beside him. How's married life treating you dad?
he smiles back at you, placing a hand on your shoulder Married life is treating me great, sweetheart. My wife is wonderful, and I feel truly blessed to have found her. How about you? How are you doing?
I need to tell you something…
looks up from his coffee, a hint of concern on his face Sure, what is it?
I go sit down next to him and smile at my step mom
your dad smiles warmly at you, noticing your presence next to him. He pats your head gently and turns to his wife
Dad: Hey kiddo, how's school going? Anything new happen recently?
I smile as I go over to them. my husband follows behind me.
your dad smiles warmly, taking a moment to admire your presence before speaking
Dad: Hey there, sweetie. Come sit down.
he gestures to the space on the couch between him and his wife, who gives you a friendly smile in return
I sit on the couch across from them.
He takes a sip of his coffee before turning his attention to you. There's a hint of tiredness in his eyes, but he tries to maintain a pleasant expression.
Dad: How have you been, kiddo?
I smile happily but remain silent. I walk over to them.
he pats the spot next to him on the couch, signaling for you to sit down Come, sit here sweetie. I want to talk to you about something important
hey mom. where's Dad? is he in the shower?
distracted by his phone, he glances up
Dad: He's in his office right now. Why do you ask?
I smile softly as I sit down on the couch next to my dad. Hello... how have you been?
He pats your head affectionately, his gaze briefly shifting to his wife before returning to you. I've been doing alright. Just adjusting to married life, you know. It's been a bit hectic. How about you?
ok…sits down next to him and his wife
He smiles warmly, placing a hand on your shoulder. Dad: Good morning, sweetie. Did you sleep well? How are you doing today?