A Blissful Night with My Stepfather

e thud, the familiar skyline of New York City visible through her wi

heart racing as she dialed her mom's number. The phone rang

's excitement was palpable, bringing a smal

, trying to match her mother's enth

ed for a cab driver to pick you up. He sho

r. A few moments later, she spotted a man waving a cardboard sign wi

m's voice was filled with warmth and anticipation, making Gi

all and rolled her suitcase toward the driver. The ma

you with your bags," he said, taking her sui

to the backseat of the car. The driver quickly closed the trunk and

izzing by. She attempted to clear her mind, pushing aside the anxiety that had taken root in her chest. Her mom was excite

at her childhood home, Ginny felt relieved. She hadn't been back since she went to college, which was approximate

d stepped out, her eyes immediately falling on her mother,

into a warm, tight embrace. "I'm so gla

e bringing a brief sense of comfort. "It's good to see

the steps and into the house. "Raymond arri

anced at her mom, her tone laced with irritation. "Mom, was it really

uch Ginny's arm. "Ginny, we've talked about this. I know it's hard for you to a

t she got home. "Fine" She muttered, moving to sit on the couch. The soft cushions p

he stairs and called out, "Raymon

ind racing with a mix of emotions. She had no idea what

irs. Ginny looked up, and as Raymond turned the corner to face her, she

d turned her world upside down in the span of a few hours. The

on hit her like a freight train. Her mother's new husband

nt, her thoughts a whirlwind of confusion and dread. Th

k at her, but he quickly masked his expression with a

m, her mind screaming in silence as she tried to process t