Forgotten
No evidence exists to understand why they forgot. It is
unknown if he or she briefly remembered and intentionally forgot. Or, if
sadness, apathy, anger, or hatred ran so deep that the mind simply refused to
remember.
So when it was reported to her via email around 8 p.m. on
a Thursday evening, “Mom called today to say Happy Anniversary,” she continued
with her work at a nearby library. Champagne corks remained unpopped,
celebratory kisses remained trapped behind depressed lips. There was no mention
that this was the anniversary of when they promised themselves to each other
ten years ago. They slept side by side like two half-moons whose arcs nearly
collide but remain separated by the vacuousness of loneliness.
There was nothing left to do but to divide belongings,
decide the least detrimental way to let the house slide from their grip and
determine the fate of their children. They were falling down a snow-covered
hill, no longer fresh and beautiful, but now filled pebbles, dirt, and dead
weeds that cut into their unprotected skins as they tumbled. The free-fall could
not be stopped. When they hit the bottom, nothing would remain.
Found
But, they did not die. Only material goods were lost. So
like nomads, they left in middle of the night with the children and very few
belongings. They headed West like so many restless wanderers before them in
hopes of something better. He told her
she was beautiful. She cooked his favorite meals. There were flowers, walks,
and holding hands until they fell asleep. They lived in house with no furniture
but slowly piece by piece, the house became full again.
Happy 15th Anniversary to my loving, steadfast husband.
