(I don't have a title for it yet)

“Every year he gets me something just god awful! I know he’s my husband and he loves me, but is it asking too much to NOT get me some ridiculous gift? I mean, Betty, I’ve cooked and cleaned and loved him for five years now. Wow, we’ve really been married five years. The first year he got me-”1

“I know Catherine; he got you a fishing pole so the two of you could go fishing together on your anniversary,” said Betty with shear boredom.2

“Then on year two-”3

“He bought you reading glasses. Year three it was two memberships for a gym, one for you and one for him quote the card. Finally came last year when he brought home a little puppy for you. I know the stories Cat.”4

“Betty, you don’t understand. An anniversary gift is supposed to symbolize the meaning of the relationship. Why can’t he take me out to dinner, or at least go with a nice bracelet or something instead of...the usual things?”5

“I think what he gives you normally is kind of sweet in a twisted sort of way. Look at it from Vinny’s point of view.” Catherine couldn’t help but laugh at Betty’s response. How could she know what Vinny was thinking? Vinny didn’t even know what he was thinking! Catherine felt trapped, trapped in a marriage where her partner just didn’t understand her. What she neglected to realize was how much Vinny did understand and how little she really did.6

“Cat, all I’m saying is that instead of thinking about the gift, think of how many times he made you happy. Think of how many times he tried to do something really nice even though it came out all wrong. Aren’t those the things you should remember on your anniversary?”7

“Maybe you’re right. He normally plans our anniversary around whatever he gets me so I guess I can fake happy for one night. God knows it wouldn’t be the first time.”8

“Just cheer up. He loves you and you love him. Never forget how much he loves you.”9

“Alright, well I have to get off here. He should be home before too long. At least I still have a week until our anniversary.”10

“Ok, bye Cat.”11

“Bye Betty…” Catherine carefully placed the corded phone back onto its base then hopped off the counter she was sitting on. She loved Vinny, that wasn’t the problem. She just felt like a trapped housewife that got married too early in life. Five years of marriage, no kids, a dog, and Vinny to deal with. At least this year she could legally drink away her problems. Alcohol had become her best friend and the only thing she felt she could depend on anymore. Betty had been her friend since 4th grade and helped her through everything. Betty had been there when Catherine decided she would drop out of school and marry Vinny. Betty was there when Catherine needed a shoulder to cry on. Cat was grateful for everything her friend had done, but she felt like Betty had no idea what she was dealing with. Betty never dropped out of school. She finished and went to college, she never got married, but most important she didn’t marry Vinny, thought Catherine. She gazed at the clock and scowled. Vinny would be home in two hours from his factory job and she hadn’t done the dishes or the laundry. She even forgot to start dinner. Heavy hearted and now crying, Cat picked up a pan out of the sink and scrubbed it until she was too upset to even hold on anymore. 12