MY HUSBAND MOCKED ME IN FRONT OF HIS FRIENDS AFTER A DIFFICULT CHILDBIRTH – THEN HIS OLDEST FRIEND STOOD UP AND DID SOMETHING NOBODY IN THAT ROOM EXPECTED

To smooth everything over.

To reassure everyone that Richard hadn’t crossed a line.

I opened my mouth.

Nothing came out.

David calmly set his beer on the table.

Then he stood.

“Sit down, man,” Richard said. “Come on. The second half is starting.”

David ignored him.

He walked across the room, gently took the package from Richard’s hand, and set it on the coffee table.

The laughter vanished.

“Game’s over for me,” David said. “I’m leaving.”

Richard stared at him.