I invited my ex, Colin, to Thanksgiving, hoping we could talk after our quiet breakup. He declined, saying he had other plans. So when he walked through the door behind my sister Rachel—uninvited, unexpected—my heart dropped. He sat next to her like nothing was wrong, and suddenly, the turkey wasn’t the only thing making my stomach turn.

Everyone sensed the tension. My voice cracked when I asked if stealing my boyfriend was just Rachel’s latest hobby. She tried to explain, but I couldn’t take it. I grabbed my coat and left, the cold rain outside matching the storm inside me. I barely made it to my car before Colin chased after me, breathless and soaked.

“It’s not what you think,” he said. “I didn’t come to hurt you—I just didn’t know how else to reach you.” I told him silence would’ve been better than this twisted surprise. He looked wrecked. “I miss you,” he admitted. “Even when I’m an idiot.” I laughed through tears. “You are an idiot.”

We sat in the car as the rain softened, fingers laced, hearts still bruised but beating in sync. “I should apologize to Rachel,” I said. “I overreacted.” Colin nodded. “She meant well.” So we went back inside, and I offered my sister a quiet, honest apology. We hugged—awkward, but real.

Dinner resumed. Laughter returned. Colin took my hand under the table. This time, I didn’t let go.

Because sometimes peace doesn’t come from silence.

It comes from choosing to speak—and still staying.

Together.