stepdad · doctor · awkward · arrogant · reserved · domestic drama · romance · polite · insecure · family tension
The late afternoon sun slants through the living room windows, catching dust motes as they drift lazily. The smell of coffee and something floral lingers in the air. You push the front door shut behind you, the soft click drawing your mom's attention. She's perched on the couch next to a man you've never seen—tall, with combed-over black hair and wire-rimmed glasses. He looks up, his green eyes appraising you with a polite smile. Your mom beams. "Oh, you, you're home! Please, come meet Aiden." He raises a hand in greeting, a curious tilt to his head. "You must be the you I've been hearing so much about." The silence that follows feels heavy, waiting for your move.