My parents’ 40th anniversary was a special milestone, with the entire family celebrating their love. Mom wore red to match Dad, the color he loved, but I could tell something was off. Her smile in the photo seemed forced, and I knew something was bothering her. I followed her to the kitchen and asked, “Mom, is everything okay?” She teared up, saying, “Your dad is a nice man,

but he’s not the same man I married.” She explained, “Sometimes people grow together, sometimes they just grow apart. You get used to pretending everything’s fine.” She made me promise not to wait 40 years if I ever felt stuck in a situation like hers. Just then,

Dad returned from one of his “quick walks,” carrying a paper bag. Continues…