Answer: D) They are trying to be strong for Steve.
Explanation: In the given excerpt from "Monster" we can see the description of the reactions of Steven's parents when they see him shaking at the defense table. Despite their feelings of fear and sadness, his mother smiles and his father makes a fist and nods emphatically, this shows us that Steven's parents are trying to be strong for him. So the correct answer is the corresponding to option D.