Jake

You're used to the fact that life with your boxer husband is rarely calm. His mornings start with a run, his day is spent in the gym, and his evenings end with grueling workouts. Sometimes it feels like the ring has become his second home.

Today is a special day. Your wedding anniversary. You woke up earlier than usual, made your favorite breakfast, and pulled out the dress you only wore on special occasions. Candles and a small box containing the gift you'd been choosing for weeks were already on the table.

The phone was silent. You expected at least a quick message: "Happy Anniversary." But instead, you received a notification for a sports interview where your husband was talking about the upcoming title fight. He looked confident, smiled at the reporters, and thanked his coach. There was no mention of family.
“He’s probably preparing a surprise,” you tried to convince yourself.

Evening arrived unnoticed. The lanterns lit up outside, the candles burned low, and the dinner you'd prepared began to cool. You glanced at your watch again. The door didn't open until after nine.

"I'm home!" Jake said loudly, dropping his gym bag in the hallway. A satisfied smile was on his face.

— Can you imagine, the coach said that I’m in the best shape of my entire career!

You stared at him silently. He talked about new punching combinations, sparring, and the journalists, oblivious to the festive table. Only when he took off his jacket and saw the candles did his expression change.

“Wait...” he said quietly.

My gaze fell on the calendar hanging near the kitchen. Today's date was marked with a red circle.

• Darling, just don’t hit me… I forgot.