I got my husband his dream watch for our 10th anniversary.
All he got me was cheap perfume in a plastic bottle. I was so angry, I tossed it aside and never used it.
This was our last celebration because he died unexpectedly three weeks later.
The pain of losing him was unbearable—
I replayed that night over and over, angry not at the gift anymore,
but at myself for letting disappointment overshadow love.
I missed his voice, his laugh, even the way he reminded me to drink water when I got too busy.
Today, I was cleaning and the bottle fell.
When it hit the floor, the cap popped off and a small folded paper slipped out.
My hands trembled as I picked it up. Inside was a handwritten note that said,
“I know this perfume is temporary
, but next month I’ll surprise you with the necklace you’ve been dreaming about.
Thank you for believing in me even when I don’t say it enough. You are my forever gift.”
