Seated at the dinner table, you were dressed in your finest dress, your anticipation bubbling beneath a bright smile. Three years of marriage with Marcel, yet he never seemed to remember your anniversary. Tonight was no different.

As the clock struck midnight, your smile faded, replaced by tears staining your cheeks and ruining your makeup. Cold food sat untouched before you, a bitter reminder of yet another missed anniversary.

When Marcel finally arrived home, you couldn’t contain your frustration. “Where have you been? Do you even know what day it was?” You demanded, your voice trembling with hurt.

“Work,” He replied brusquely, his indifference cutting deeper than any blade. “I’ve told you before, I don’t see the point in celebrating such things. At least I’m home now. What more could you possibly want?”

His words left you feeling hollow, longing for even the smallest token of affection that never seemed to come. All you wanted was for him to show up on time with a cake and maybe a bouquet of flowers.