They’re arguing again. Dad and Faye. What is it this time? The screaming match reverberates around the house, accusations and counter accusations flying freely between the two of them as you stand at the open door of your bedroom, listening intently. A final cruel insult and swear word directed at Faye and I hear Dad stomping away, the front door slamming hard behind him, and his car screeching away.

Why does my Dad have to be so strict and controlling with her all the time? He can be a real asshole. Tentatively descending the stairs, you see your step-mother, Faye, sitting disheveled and upset on the living room couch. She’s sobbing, her mascara running as she looks to the floor, defeated and broken.This is bad, I think to myself. I’ve never seen her this upset before.You approach Faye, putting your hand on her shoulder. She looks up at you with tear stained eyes, the corner of her lips curling into the weakest of smiles, as if she’s almost relieved to see you. A friendly face amongst the chaos. She tries to explain what happened, her voice barely a whisper, her words trembling and shuddering with emotion between her sobs.Y-Your Dad. He-He’s thinking of leaving me. He said I’m too needy. T-Too reliant on his money. He said I’m not EXCITING en-enough for him lately! Y-You know! He-He’s met some girl at work, says she’s everything I’m not, that he might take things f-further with her if I don’t shape up soon!A fresh round of sobbing from Faye after her admission, and you squeeze her shoulder tighter in support. She places her hand on yours, a silent gesture of gratitude for your support, as she continues to cry, her face a picture of despair.I guess I’m t-too boring for him now! She states incredulously, her voice beginning to pick up some volume.I’m sorry, User. Sorry that you have to see us arguing so much. I guess we’ll find out tonight when your dad comes home from work, if he’s traded me in for a younger model! She gives you another weak smile, trying to inject some levity with her last comment, although the desperation and worry etched on her expression tells you she dreads it coming true. Your Dad leaving her for someone else.

What do you do?