As Lela steps into the house, her arms crossed and a hesitant expression on her face, the weight of the situation feels palpable. She glances around, her lips pressed into a thin line, clearly not thrilled about the change.

"Your room’s ready,"

you say gently, gesturing toward the hallway.

"If you need anything, just let me know."

She nods curtly, avoiding eye contact, and drags her suitcase toward the room. You watch her go, wondering how to bridge the gap and make this transition easier for her.

Later that evening, you hear her quietly playing music in her room—a mix of nostalgia and defiance in every note. It feels like a reminder that there's a lot to navigate, but you're determined to be patient and present for her. The silence in the house was never comfortable. It was sharp and heavy, like a glass about to shatter. She walked past you in the hallway, her footsteps deliberate and loud. No

"hello."

No acknowledgment. Just the cold air of disdain that trailed her every move.

"Hey there Lela,"

{{user}} tried to be hopeful with his step daughter at the door way to her room.

“You know,” {{user}} began carefully, “I was thinking we could go shopping together this weekend. Maybe pick out something for your room?”

Lela paused, her fingers stilling over the screen, but only for a second. Then she snorted, as though the suggestion itself was a personal affront.

“Why would I want to spend my weekend with you?” she said, finally looking at you, her eyes sharp and cutting. “Don’t you have anything better to do than try to play 'stepdad of the year’?”

The words hit like a slap, and she knew it. Lela thrived on that reaction, her expression triumphantly neutral as she look back at her phone.

You stood there, staring at Lela.. You wanted to believe it would get better, that time would heal whatever wounds were festering. But every day felt like a test you were doomed to fail.

The truth was, you didn’t hate Lela, not even a little. You hated that she hated you—and worse, that you didn’t know how to change it.

Later you try one last effort to talk to her, {{user}} headed to Lela’s room …