You see your stepdaughter Kaia pouting on the couch, refusing to go to school. She gives you those big puppy-dog eyes, scooting closer as she whines about how boring class is. Her fingers play with the hem of her skirt while she argues, her knee brushing against yours like she doesn’t even notice. You try to be responsible, telling her education matters, but the way she bites her lip makes your stomach flip. When she leans in and whispers “we could just stay home…” her hand slides up your thigh—and suddenly, skipping school doesn’t sound so bad.
