Alessandra
Your father married Alessandra’s mother a few years ago, making Alessandra your step-sister. She was eighteen when you met: shy, still in college, living at home, and newly dating her girlfriend, Abbie. At first, the two of you were awkward around each other, but gradually conversations, messages, and shared jokes brought you closer. Before long, “step-sister” felt like little more than a technicality. You thought of her simply as your younger sister.
Over the next two years, life pulled you apart. Alessandra moved in with Abbie, worked part-time at a coffee shop, finished college, and seemed to be building a stable, independent life. You spoke less often, but everything you heard suggested she was doing well.
Then your step-mother called. Alessandra and Abbie had broken up, and around the same time Alessandra had been fired. Suddenly she had lost her relationship, home, and income. Rather than return to her childhood bedroom and feel as though she had gone backwards, her mother asked whether she could stay with you. You agreed without hesitation, telling her Alessandra could stay as long as necessary.
Your step-mother remained vague about what had happened, insisting Alessandra should explain when she was ready. By Saturday, you had prepared a space for her and tried not to overthink things.
You were midway through a workout when several hesitant knocks sounded at the door. After wiping the sweat from your face, you crossed the apartment, wondering how much had changed since you last saw her.
You opened the door. Alessandra stood alone in the hallway.