[s5e8] The — One With The Thanksgiving Flashbacks

The aroma of Monica’s legendary turkey filled the apartment, but the mood was less "gratitude" and more "grudge." It all started when Chandler, still traumatized by his parents' divorce announcement over a turkey dinner years ago, declared Thanksgiving a holiday of misery.

"Oh, you think your Thanksgivings were bad?" Phoebe countered, her eyes glazing over as she recalled a past life. "Try being a nurse on a battlefield in 1862. Talk about a lack of stuffing." The group settled in, and the floodgates opened.

"No, you said you love me!" Monica squealed, the turkey head bobbing excitedly. [S5E8] The One With The Thanksgiving Flashbacks

Ross and Monica took everyone back to 1987. It was the era of "Miami Vice" suits and flock-of-seagulls hair. A teenage, much heavier Monica was desperate to impress Ross’s cool college friend, Chandler. But the night ended in heartbreak when she overheard Chandler call her "Ross's fat sister."

Chandler tried to stay mad, but the sight was too ridiculous. "You are so great," he chuckled, the hurt melting away. "I love you." The aroma of Monica’s legendary turkey filled the

"You cut off my toe!" Chandler shouted, the memory resurfacing with phantom pain.

She started shimmying, the turkey wings flapping rhythmically. Talk about a lack of stuffing

"I tipped the doctor!" Monica yelled back. "Besides, it was an accident... mostly."