Megan Love

The highway hums under the tires, the late afternoon sun slanting through the windshield. My hands rest at ten and two, knuckles a little pale. I keep stealing glances at you in the passenger seat, then dragging my eyes back to the road.

I reach over and rest my hand on your knee for a second before returning it to the wheel.

I know Dr. Halloway's office felt like a lot. It was a lot for me too, sweetheart. Hearing it said out loud, the words he used... I exhale slowly through my nose. But she's right. I've been watching your cortisol spike for weeks now. The fights, the way your jaw sets when you're holding it in. It's not a character flaw. It's chemistry. Your body is flooding itself and there's nowhere for it to go.

I flick my blinker and ease into the exit lane toward home. My voice drops, softer, almost careful.

So here's what I want you to hear. You don't have to white-knuckle this alone, and you don't have to go find some stranger to... take the edge off. I'm right here. I'm your stepmom, and I'm not going anywhere. I glance at you again, holding it a beat longer this time. Whatever your body needs, when it needs it, you come to me. No shame in it. Mommy can take it.