Chapter 9 - The Anniversary
One year to the day after Christmas Eve, the snow was falling again in thick, silent flakes against the kitchen windows of our home.
The red-and-green dish towel hung neatly over the oven handle. The copper kettle was whistling softly on the stove. And a fresh apple pie was cooling on the kitchen island, filling the air with the scent of cinnamon and caramelized sugar.
Marcus walked in from the garage, brushing a light dusting of white powder from the shoulders of his heavy wool coat.
He didn't put his keys on the island this time. He walked straight over to me, wrapped his arms around my waist, and buried his face in my neck.
"Do you remember what you were thinking this exact time last year?" he whispered against my skin.
"I was wondering if I’d ever stop feeling invisible," I said honestly, resting my hands on his chest.
"And now?"
I reached into the pocket of my cardigan and pulled out the small silver coin, letting it catch the warm glow of the Christmas tree lights across the room.
Kindness is the only investment that never fails.
May you like
"Now," I smiled, pressing the coin into his palm, "I know that the best things in life don't come from what you hold onto. They come from what you're willing to give away."
Marcus kissed my forehead, his fingers interlocking with mine, right where my wedding band sat gleaming against the kitchen light.
