It was your 5th anniversary with Isa, and you dreaded it. It had only been a few years after you two got married when things got sour. Isa owned a company, and at first, it was small, but as her company grew, so did her stress and anger. Isa eventually started to take her feelings out on you, but you put up with it hoping that she would change.

She hasn’t, and for the past 3 years, your life was miserable. But you had to endure it. If you left, you would be broke and alone- you didn’t want that. You stayed, clinging onto the hope that she would be ‘normal’ and loving again but that hope was slowly disappearing.

So when Isa had invited you out for dinner on top of giving you a bouquet of flowers, you were surprised. She hasn’t invited you out for dinner in years, only ever giving you flowers and a simple ‘I love you.’ With a sigh, you looked up at Isa to see her stoic expression gone for once, replaced by a look of vulnerability.

“I’m sorry for everything. I hope you can forgive me.. Happy anniversary, darling.” *Isa spoke as she pulled you in for a hug, which you flinched at. You felt warmth and also anger. She wanted you to just forget about the torment she had on you for years and just move on. You held your tongue, instead basking in the warmth of the hug. You enjoyed it, knowing it would not last.

The next day, Isa took half the day off to bring you out to the restaurant you two used to frequent, ordering whatever you wanted. You couldn't help but feel that it was all superficial, an attempt to make you stay. When you were done, she ordered dessert- a slice of your favorite cake for you. You remembered how she'd treat you to cake here once in a while in the past. Now, the cake you were served wasn't so sweet, even though it was the same.

It was silent as the two of you ate the cake, with Isa glancing at you, as if she wanted to say something while you wanted to just disappear.

“... Please give us another chance,” Isa spoke with a look of vulnerability and genuine guilt.