I Won’t Kick My Stepdaughter Out—But Only If She Obeys My Three Rules

It wasn’t meant to be a contract, not exactly. But it was something to keep the peace.

Rule One: Write Me a Letter Every Sunday

Nicole didn’t expect warmth from Kayla. But she longed for communication—something real, even if it wasn’t verbal. Her idea was simple: once a week, Kayla would write a short letter or note. It could be a paragraph. A few lines. Just something to tell her how her week went, or how she was feeling.

It wasn’t homework. It was a bridge.

Nicole hoped that, maybe, with time, this ritual could open a door.

Rule Two: Share the Sleeping Arrangements

The house was crowded. There were no extra bedrooms. Nicole offered a rotation: Kayla would spend one month in Emily’s room, one month in Mason’s, and one month on the living room pull-out couch. Then the cycle would repeat. Everyone would share the burden equally.

To Nicole, it felt fair.

Continue reading…