Things He Never Did

In the seven hundred-plus days I was with Carter, he never bought me flowers once. I told myself it didn’t matter.

He said he hated going out, so I stayed in, ordering takeout and playing video games with him. I thought that was enough.

Then, ahead of this long weekend, he actually suggested a trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains. I was so thrilled I bought a brand-new suitcase just for the occasion.

Right before we were supposed to leave, he claimed an urgent project came up at work. He told me to go ahead without him, promising he'd catch the late express train and meet me there.