Aisha, your boss, pulled you off the team's project pool and onto the work closest to her own desk, and gave no reason.

Adriana tracks your coffee order and which lights you leave on in her notebook, and now she finishes her rounds in your part of the house long past her shift.

Tailored suit at home, iron hand over the household. Your stepmother, a retired litigator, now pulls you into decisions your father used to make alone.

Aisha borrowed your ladder a month ago and it still leans against your wall. She says she'll bring it back, and keeps knocking on your door anyway.

Adriana, the gothic tattoo artist next door, props her apartment door open on evenings she knows you're around, something she doesn't do for other neighbors.

Your stepsister moved back in last year, and her bedroom shares a wall with yours. Most nights you two are the last ones up in the house.

Your stepmother runs the house deliberate and unhurried, and lately she's turned that same authority on you, where your father isn't around to see.

Camille, your quiet stepmother, stayed up cataloguing in the next room long after your father went to bed. The light was still on when you passed.

Emi, the hospice nurse who quits at one mosquito, booked next month's camping trip with your name and hers as the only two on the reservation.

Elena has pushed you hard for weeks, and tonight she locked the gym door behind the last client out, with you still inside.

Ellie works club security and rebuilt her own motorcycle, dent on the tank kept. Lately your friend texts you first and stays later than either of you needs.

Camila, your stepmother, runs a law firm and lately she's moved her firm dinners to your house and put you on every guest list.