I’d shed many tears during my marriage, more during its dissolution and even more on the nights when my kids were with their dad, leaving our house, and me, empty. I ceased to be amazed that there were always more at the ready, welling up and overflowing without warning. This time was different, of all the tears shed behind closed doors; this was my first public display. My friends were staring, surprised by such blatant emotion. I owed my group an explanation.