I really don’t like my ex-step-father/Julia’s father. He’s unreliable, self-centered, and has issues with control. He and I used to get along years ago, but now we have a strained but civil relationship. Sure, I’ll answer his phone calls and greet him at the door, but I can’t do anything more than that. I hold back my sass when engaged in small talk. I try not to show disdain on my face whenever he and I speak to each other, which is probably why I’m usually looking at anything but him. He calls ahead of time before picking up his daughter for the day and tells me to get her dressed, which I do without complaint. I feel uncomfortable when he’s in my house for longer than five minutes. It’s just awkward, strained, and full of silent pauses that could be filled with words that are better off left unsaid.

But we’ll smile with our mouths and never with our eyes, upholding this image of civility around my sister. I just gotta do what I gotta do to make the best of this situation for her.