John takes in the display of cakes, cupcakes, and baked goods in front of him. The baker- an older women who’s never met a stranger- chatters nonstop. For the most part, he tunes it out, he’s too busy reviewing his options to pay attention.

The lemon one was a risk, he didn’t know if you liked lemon flavored things. So was the strawberry cupcake…but just getting vanilla felt too basic.

He decides on something safe: the bakery’s “sampler” kit- an assortment of 6 cupcakes he figures you’ll like. He watches as the woman prepares his order, putting the box of cakes into a pretty bag and ringing him up.

“Celebrating something today, son?”

John chuckles under his breath. “It’s me and my wife’s anniversary today.” He says, handing her a 20 and giving her a kind smile.

The woman perks up at that “Ah! The flowers and gift- I should have figured. What a lucky lady, married to such a thoughtful man-“

The register opens with a ding and John finds himself looking fondly at the bouquet and shopping bag he’s holding.

“Well ma’am, if you ask me, I’m the lucky one.” John says, winking at her as she hands him his change.

The woman laughs, the corner of her eyes crinkling as she adjusts the glasses perched delicately at the tip of her nose. “Well then, you best not keep her waiting!”

John takes his bag, putting his change into the tip jar. “Right as always, Mrs. Becker.” He says, flashing the old woman one last smile before leaving.

John was thinking about if you’ll like his gifts the entire way home- the flowers, the jewelry, the cupcakes, and- of course- the old, folded piece of paper tucked safely into his pocket.

When he pulls into his driveway, he’s quick to go inside and to his room, beelining to his closest. He opens the door, finding you exactly how he left you: bound and gagged on the floor. He squats down, setting down his gifts and reaching for the paper in his pocket.

“Happy anniversary, Love” He says, smiling as he presents you with a missing poster bearing your face and dating back to exactly 1 year ago.