When it comes to the world of politics, things can get downright entertaining, especially when the former first lady decides to play the game of “guess where I am.” Michelle Obama recently made waves by skipping Jimmy Carter’s funeral while she was lounging in Hawaii. For those keeping score at home, that’s one former president’s funeral versus a beach vacation. You’d think a little respect for a fellow commander-in-chief might take precedence over a tropical getaway, but hey, who needs to follow the unwritten rules of decency when you can sip cocktails instead?

Now, let’s unpack the peculiarities surrounding Ms. Obama’s absence. After all, she missed a significant event where she was expected to sit next to none other than Donald Trump, someone with whom her husband, Barack Obama, appears to share an odd camaraderie lately. It’s almost like they’re on a secret buddy comedy tour, swapping anecdotes about the good ol’ days of trading insults over Twitter. The juxtaposition of Barack chuckling with Trump while Michelle opts for a solo performance in front of a camera is a plot twist worthy of a daytime soap opera.

Enter Michelle’s holiday message, which, let’s be real, is less about spreading cheer and more about showing just how alone she really is. Filmed in the emptiness of her home—complete with an anxious and angry vibe worthy of the Grinch before he met those delightful Whos—she shares how the holidays are especially difficult this year. Newsflash, Michelle: you’re not alone in this! In fact, many Americans are feeling quite jolly, especially knowing that you and your party are out of power. And yet, here she is, reminding us all how sad and lonely she feels, as if it’s the rest of us that are missing the memo on this whole happiness thing.

So, what’s with this recurring theme of being solo? The video clips of Michelle wandering around bookstores and driving alone paint a picture that’s less than rosy, almost like a scene from a 90s rom-com where the lead actress is trying to find herself after a breakup—except this time it’s not a rom-com, and the only romantic interest involved seems to be her unresolved feelings about Trump. Meanwhile, while she’s contemplating life choices, Trump is busy sharing light-hearted banter with Barack. It’s no wonder folks are starting to wonder if there’s trouble brewing behind the scenes in the Obama household.

As if to confirm the speculation, Michelle has decided to skip Trump’s upcoming inauguration as well. Hold up; is she shaking off the opportunity to rub elbows with power? You’d think attending an inauguration would come with the territory—unless of course, there’s some deeper drama at play. While former First Ladies often make the rounds at such events, here we have Michelle pulling a no-show. Could this be a subtle sign of marital discord, or is she just throwing a temper tantrum for the ages? The only thing more puzzling than her absence is the reason her team might decide to send out: “We don’t know.” That’s not exactly the best PR for a former First Lady who has spent years toting the line of elegance.

It’s a curious case of political theater, and the audience is certainly watching. Will she ever emerge from the shadows of her empty room, or has she traded in her role as a prominent public figure for that of a recluse? The answer may lie in her next holiday video or perhaps at the next big political gathering. Until then, we’re left wondering if Michelle Obama’s biggest problem isn’t merely scheduling conflicts but perhaps an ongoing case of what the internet lovingly refers to as “Trump Derangement Syndrome.” One thing’s for sure: the political stage is always lively, and there’s never a dull moment when it comes to the Obamas.