As they sat at the dinner table, Ethan tried to engage her in conversation. Miss Emily, he’d started hesitantly. Do you like space? We’re learning about the solar system in school.
And Dash. Ethan. Emily cut him off sharply, not looking up from her phone.
I’m busy right now. Eat your dinner quietly, please. Ethan had shrunk back in his chair, pushing his food around his plate.
The silence that followed was deafening. When David was home, however, it was a different story entirely. Emily would ask Ethan about school, laugh at his jokes, and even ruffle his hair affectionately.
But Ethan could see the falseness in her smile, the strain behind her eyes. David, on the other hand, was happier than Ethan had seen him in years. He practically floated around the house, humming to himself and breaking into random bouts of dancing that would have embarrassed Ethan if they weren’t so nice to see.
Isn’t Emily wonderful? David would often say, his eyes twinkling. We’re so lucky to have her in our lives, aren’t we, buddy? Ethan would nod and force a smile, not wanting to burst his father’s bubble of happiness. But inside, he felt increasingly alone and confused.
As the weeks turned into months, Emily’s true nature became more apparent to Ethan. She began to make subtle, cutting remarks when David wasn’t within earshot. Oh, Ethan, she’d sigh.
Eyeing the mess he’d made while working on a school project, you’re such a handful sometimes. I don’t know how your father manages. Or when he’d excitedly show her a good grade on a test.
That’s nice, dear. But you know, there’s always room for improvement. Each comment chipped away at Ethan’s self-esteem, making him feel like a burden in his own home.
He began to withdraw, spending more time in his room and less time in the common areas of the house. One Saturday afternoon, about three months before the wedding, an incident occurred that Ethan couldn’t shake from his memory. David had gone out to run some errands, leaving Ethan and Emily alone in the house.
Ethan was in the living room, watching cartoons and sipping a glass of juice when Emily walked in. Turn that off, she snapped, gesturing to the TV. It’s too loud.
I’m trying to work. Startled, Ethan fumbled with the remote. In his haste, he knocked over his glass, spilling juice all over the coffee table and carpet.
I’m sorry, he cried, jumping up to grab some napkins. I didn’t mean to dash. Before he could finish, Emily was there, her fingers digging into his arm as she yanked him away from the mess.
Look what you’ve done, she hissed, her face twisted with anger. You clumsy, careless boy. Ethan winced at her grip, tears springing to his eyes.
I’m sorry, he whimpered. I’ll clean it up, I promise. Emily’s eyes narrowed dangerously.
You better, she growled. And if you breathe a word of this to your father, you’ll be very, very sorry. Do you understand me? Ethan nodded frantically, his heart pounding in his chest.
As soon as Emily released him, he rushed to clean up the spill, his hands shaking the entire time. That night, when David returned home, Emily greeted him with a kiss and a cheerful, How was your day, honey? Ethan watched from the stairs, rubbing his arm where Emily had grabbed him, feeling more alone than ever. As the wedding drew nearer, Ethan found himself struggling with the weight of his secret.
He wanted desperately to tell his father about Emily’s true nature, but fear held him back. What if David didn’t believe him? What if it made Emily even angrier? One evening, about a month before the wedding, Ethan finally worked up the courage to approach his father. David was in his study, going over some paperwork, when Ethan knocked timidly on the door.
Come in, buddy, David called out, smiling as Ethan entered. What’s up? Ethan hesitated, twisting the hem of his shirt in his hands. Dad, he began slowly, Can I talk to you about something? David set aside his papers, giving Ethan his full attention.
Of course, son, you can talk to me about anything. What’s on your mind? Taking a deep breath, Ethan blurted out, It’s about Emily. Aye, I don’t think she likes me very much.
David’s brow furrowed in confusion. What do you mean, Ethan? Emily adores you. No, Dad, she doesn’t, Ethan insisted, his words tumbling out in a rush.
She’s different when you’re not around. She ignores me, and sometimes she says mean things and dash. Whoa, slow down, David interrupted, holding up a hand.
He sighed, running a hand through his hair. Ethan, I know this is a big change for you. It’s natural to feel a little unsure about Emily becoming a part of our family.
But I promise you, she cares about you very much. But Dad dash, Ethan tried again, but David shook his head. No buts, buddy.
Emily is going to be your stepmother, and I need you to give her a chance. She’s trying her best, just like we all are. Okay, Ethan’s shoulders slumped into feet.
Okay, Dad, he mumbled, turning to leave the room. Hey, David called after him, his voice softening. I love you, kiddo.