ugh. I can understand why that was so triggery for you. I can relate a little... I am in a work situation where I am repeatedly triggered by a colleague's behavior. I know my reaction is waaaay out of proportion to the actual threat. But I can't change it. Ultimately it means that I spend my work days continually *feeling* like I am about to be abused. It's really hard.

Do you think you will have the courage to ask your step son about this?