I was so intent on my efforts to calm my mutinous stomach that I missed an entire conversation, not able to tune in until the subject landed on Sofia’s upcoming wedding. The prospect of attending yet another family gathering sent my gut into a tailspin—one I could no longer control. I swiftly rose, excusing myself, and made my way to the hall bathroom as quickly as I could manage without raising suspicions. As if vomiting wasn’t undignified enough, trying to do so with as little noise as possible made the task downright obscene. I lowered my head practically inside the toilet bowl and wretched for a solid three minutes. Once I got myself under control, I made my way back on shaky legs and reached for a piece of bread as soon as I sat down. “You okay?” asked Sofia quietly from her chair nex
