Every year, Sarah had to explain to her parents why she and her husband, Peter, wouldn’t be visiting for the holidays. The excuses always felt hollow, but she went along with it, prioritizing Peter’s unwavering insistence that they spend the season with his family.

As the first snow began to fall and holiday decorations appeared in shop windows, Sarah made a decision: she would no longer sacrifice time with her family. After all, they had graciously stepped aside year after year, waiting patiently for their turn. This Thanksgiving, Sarah would be home.

The crisp autumn air filled the grocery store as Sarah pushed her cart through the aisles, carefully selecting items for the big dinner. Peter walked beside her, his mood unmistakably sour. She had endured weeks of arguments before he reluctantly agreed to visit her parents this year. Even now, he made his displeasure clear with curt responses and heavy sighs.

“Are you still upset about going to my parents’ house?” she asked, holding up a package of festive napkins decorated with cartoon turkeys.Peter snorted. “What do you think, Sarah? I shouldn’t have to skip my family’s holiday because of you.”