Emma’s 57th birthday began with laughter, cake, and friends—but quickly turned sour when her husband, Mike, began making cruel jokes about her age. He mocked her memory, her dancing, even her looks, all under the guise of “fun.” Emma tried to smile through it, but each jab chipped away at her. Just as her eyes welled up, her best friend Karen stood up and raised her voice.

“Oh, she’s too old for you?” Karen shot back. “That’s rich—especially coming from someone who needs little blue pills to feel young. And let’s not forget you cheated on her—with my friend Linda.” Gasps filled the room. Linda froze, cornered and caught.