Anniversary

by Vinny Tangherlini

It fell on a Wednesday.

Abbie had a late dinner meeting
to impress a new client on the only night everyone was “available.”
John had to pick up his brother from the airport
to get him home for “date night.”
No one asked if it was convenient for them.

But that’s not the point.  The point is

John got his brother home safely and,
giving his sister-in-law an obligatory kiss on the cheek,
drove the return commute listening to Fleetwood Mac.
Abbie ate very little at the restaurant, often looking at her watch and
hoping there’d be something waiting for her at home.
Covering the bill, she made a rushed goodbye.

Abbie picked up chocolate from a twenty-four-hour pharmacy
and John managed to heat up some dinner from what was left in the fridge.
He said “You look gorgeous” as she tugged at her scarf
and sank into his arms.  Exchanging gifts,
they ate a dinner of leftover K.F.C.,
sipping sparkling cider from tired paper cups.