John and Emily had been high school sweethearts who married young and had built a life together. However, over the years, their relationship had become strained. John's increasing focus on his career had led to a decline in quality time with his family, causing Emily to feel lonely and neglected. She had turned to her children for emotional support, becoming overly enmeshed with Olivia, who had become her surrogate partner.

Every family has them (e.g., "We don't talk about Dad's drinking," or "Sarah is the sensitive one"). Drama happens when someone breaks a rule.