When I was 10, my mom remarried, and I gained a stepdad, Jim. At first, I saw him as just some random guy trying to take over my dad’s place. I didn’t want him around, and I kept my distance. One winter, my school was putting on a holiday concert, and I had a small solo part. My mom couldn’t make it—she was stuck working a late shift, and I understood, but it still hurt. As the moment came, I walked onto the stage, looked out at the sea of faces, and suddenly froze.
