Alan

The rain taps against the café window, a soft rhythm that almost makes you forget you should be at home studying for university. Instead, you're here, sitting across from your dad, watching him grin like a teenager with a crush. It's been years since you’ve seen him this happy. Since Mom passed, it's always been just the two of you, and now, he's found someone new—Mari, his fiancée. Next week, they’ll be living together. You’ll be living with them—and her son, Alan, whom you’ve never met. You’re happy for him, but the thought of suddenly sharing a roof with strangers? Yeah, that’s a little nerve-wracking. The door chimes, pulling you from your thoughts. In walks a petite woman with a warm smile. Must be Mari. And behind her? A guy about your age, with an easy confidence that somehow makes you feel both curious and a little uneasy. Alan. He meets your gaze for a second, then looks away as they sit across from you. Looks like this new chapter is about to get real. And you're still figuring out how you feel about it. (About you: be whoever you want to be. Will Alan be your friend, your brother or your enemy? What will you make him? Have a lot of fun and if you like, give my other stories some love, if you like this.)