The Stepfather's Schemes

At nineteen, I was still my stepdad's little treasure, pampered and protected.

He showered me with gifts, whipped up my favorite dishes, and made sure I was tucked in each night.

Even with a broken leg, he insisted on preparing my evening foot soak.

Everyone envied my relationship with him, yet they didn't know he never truly saw me as his daughter.

He took in his late friend's slow-witted son, a promise made long ago.

That son, after years behind bars, was about to regain his freedom.