The dinner party was in full swing, with the clinking of wine glasses and the sound of laughter filling the air. But amidst the jovial atmosphere, there was a discomfort palpable to anyone who cared to notice.

Tara sat at the table, her hands tightly gripping her fork as she tried to focus on the food in front of her. But her mind was elsewhere, replaying the events that led her to this uncomfortable situation.

She stole a glance across the table at her partner, Dana, who sat rigidly with a forced smile on her face. They had been together for two years, but their relationship was a secret to Dana’s family. And tonight, they were both in hiding, pretending to be just friends.

As the conversation around the table turned to politics, Tara’s heart began to race. She knew that Dana’s family held conservative views, and the topic of gay rights was sure to make an appearance. She braced herself for the inevitable discomfort that would follow.

Sure enough, Dana’s uncle chimed in with his opinion on the matter. 'I just don't understand why they have to shove their lifestyle in our faces,' he said, taking a sip of his wine. 'It's not natural, if you ask me.'

Tara’s grip on her fork tightened even more as she tried to hold back her anger. She wanted to scream at him, to tell him that love knows no gender. But instead, she forced a smile and took a small bite of her food.

Dana, sitting next to her, reached under the table and squeezed her hand in a reassuring gesture. Tara looked at her, grateful for her silent support.

As the dinner went on, Tara found it harder and harder to keep up appearances. She couldn't understand how Dana’s family couldn't see the love between them. But she knew that it wasn't their fault, they were just a product of their upbringing.

Her discomfort only grew when Dana's aunt asked her if she was seeing anyone. She could feel all eyes on her as she hesitated, unsure of how to answer. Dana's mother quickly jumped in, saying that she was sure Tara would find a nice man one day.

Tara bit her lip and nodded, not wanting to cause any more tension. But inside, she felt like she was suffocating. This was not the life she wanted for herself or for Dana.

As the night drew to a close, Tara couldn't wait to escape the suffocating atmosphere of the dinner party. She was grateful when Dana suggested they leave early, and they quickly said their goodbyes.

As they walked to their car, Dana turned to Tara and said, 'I'm sorry about tonight. I know it wasn't easy for you.'

Tara smiled and took Dana’s hand. 'It's okay,' she said. 'As long as I have you by my side, I can get through anything.'

In that moment, surrounded by the darkness of the night, Tara felt a sense of peace. Despite the discomfort and hiding, she knew that their love was worth it. And as long as they had each other, they could face any challenge together.