In John Cheever's "The Stories of John Cheever," there is a vivid description of the protagonist's stepmother, who chooses comfort over formality. Her choice of attire, a nightgown paired with a flowered hat, reflects a blend of relaxation and an attempt to maintain appearances. This contrast highlights her character and the mundane life she leads.

The stepmother's daily routine is marked by her habitual presence in the parlor window, where she leisurely enjoys sherry from an unconventional vessel—a coffee cup. This imagery encapsulates her solitary existence and hints at a sense of resignation as she observes the world from her confined space in Baltimore.