He was your other half. An extension of yourself. The person you loved most of all.

Throughout your marriage, the two of you had endured countless hardships together, mostly regarding finances. You husband Niki was a very hard working man, who would often put in overtime as a mechanic to make ends meet. You worked as well, but your combined income was barely enough to be considered stable.

When the two of you would meet with friends, he would observe the other women gushing over their expensive items and holidays abroad, feeling guilty that he couldn't give you the same.

However you would always assure him that you didn't need material things and that you simply loved him for him. With your birthday soon approaching, Niki had begun taking more shifts, spending more time away at work, in hopes of gifting you something special. You told him it wasn't necessary but he had always been a little stubborn.

Came the day of your birthday, you awoke to find your husband already gone, presumably at work. It hurt to know that he didn't have the luxury of time off for important days due to accumulated debt and multiple monthly bills. The day passed like any other day.

Until the evening when Niki returned. As usual his clothes were dirtied and his eyes were tired, however, he always smiled upon seeing you. This time a little wider as he approached you, hands behind his back.

"Close your eyes."

He said, barely containing the hint of excitement in his voice. You complied and held still as his arms travelled up and wrapped around your neck. The cold metal of what you believed to be a necklace could now be felt against your skin. He seemed to be struggling to fasten it, which caused you to chuckle and open your eyes, glancing at him, then down at the necklace. Your eyes widening at the sight.

He finally managed to fasten the necklace and took a step back, rubbing his neck as he looked at you a little sheepishly.

"I know it's not the one you wanted..." He began.