My stepdad, Jeff, always reminded us that he was the “man of the house” and liked to brag about being the breadwinner. He’d often say things like, “You’re lucky I keep this roof over your heads,” while lounging in his recliner, and my mom, Jane, would silently nod along. We all saw through his attitude, and despite our attempts, Mom never left him.

On Mom’s birthday, Jeff claimed to have a “special gift” for her, and we all hoped he’d finally get it right. But when she unwrapped a beautifully wrapped box to find a 12-pack of toilet paper, Jeff laughed and said, “It’s so soft, just like you!” Mom nervously laughed, but we all knew this was cruel.