For me, Thanksgiving dinner with my family was supposed to be a happy and bonding time. Instead, it was scary and upsetting when I found out my partner was hiding something that would eventually lead to our breakup.

At first, Thanksgiving was supposed to be the perfect holiday. The room smelled strongly of turkey while the table was being set with fine china, and laughing could be heard from everywhere.

While I made sure everyone was okay, my husband Peter finished cooking the turkey. There were more surprises during the holiday than I thought it would be. I had no idea it would go this way.

Emma, who is eight years old and naturally interested, had been very quiet late at night. She kept looking out the window, even though her fingers were getting tired from holding up the bottom of her dress. She also couldn’t stay sitting still any longer.