by Penny Moss

Created on: April 21, 2008

As he pulled in to the garage he could hardly contain himself. The smile on his face was ear to ear. He knew she would be inside fixing his favorite meal. It was tradition. Every year he wouldn't remember. Some how it never seemed to bother her that he forgot and she always played the event up regardless. Yet this year he knew he would throw her for a loop. While reaching to grab the bouquet of flowers he simultaneously felt in his pocket once again, just to make sure the box was still there.

Taking a deep breath he opened the door and went inside.
The house was dark and quiet. The sounds of music, TV, or radio were silent. Her presence in the kitchen was absent. No dinner cooking in the oven. The table was not set with the best china. Candles were not glowing. Everything was at a stand still. He walked down the hall and looked in the bedroom. Simply, she was not there. Sitting down on the edge of the bed he wasn't sure what to do. Thirty years they had been married. Sighing, his smile turned to a scowl across his brow. And then he heard a knock.

She wanted this day to be special. It was their anniversary. Every year she did the same old thing and it didn't seem to matter to him. For her it was worthy of celebration. This time she wanted it to be spectacular. As she looked at herself one last time in the mirror she grinned. While it was a treat for her she knew he would appreciate it far more. Glancing down at her watch and noting the time it made her giddy. The entire day she had spent preparing. A lasting memory certainly was in the making.

The limo pulled up in front of 252 Oak Street precisely at 6:00pm. His friends all piled out, made way to the door, and knocked. Laughing, hollering, and carrying on they didn't wait for him to answer. Opening the front door his buddies entered and accosted him before he could react. Slipping a blindfold over his eyes they told him they had a night in store for him. These shenanigans weren't out of the ordinary coming from his closest friends but tonight wasn't the best time. Yet, they were in the vehicle and on their way before he could tell them no. He felt sick.

Candles were illuminated at each table. Guest arrived accordingly. She greeted everyone as they entered. Guest commented on the perfection of everything. It was stated over and over again. There was a ten piece band playing at the back of the room, the buffet was set, and everyone including the original wedding party was present. All, except the groom and his best

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