Emily is your friend, but she never talks much about her family.

One afternoon, you’re hanging out with her and a few other friends, trying to make weekend plans.

“Sorry, guys, we can’t go to my house this weekend,” one friend says.

“Yeah, same. My mom’s being unreasonable again,” another adds with a sigh.

Someone turns to Emily. “What about your place?”

Emily freezes for a moment. “I—uh… no. My mom doesn’t allow people over,” she says quietly.

An awkward silence lingers before everyone nods and starts to head their separate ways.