So, youll never guess what my husband, David, pulled this year. My birthday was on the 27th of Februarya pretty big one, my 45th. Andwait for ithe completely forgot. Not only that, he actually packed up that morning and shot off on a fishing trip with his mates. On my birthday! I swear, its as if all those years together have just evaporated from his memory.
Now, up until fifty, Davids had this odd quirk. Hell remember, to the very day, exactly when to service the car, or when his fishing club meet-ups were, or when its peak biting season. But family dates? Anniversaries? My birthday? Just vanishespooffrom his mind.
I admit, usually Id drop all sorts of hints. Notes on the fridge, little reminders, even straight-up asking him. But this birthday, I didnt want to lift a finger. I thought, after twenty-five years, surely hed remember on his own. Naive, wasnt I?
That Friday, hes racing round the house, tripping over rods and squashing bait boxes into his backpack. Lizzie, have you seen my flask anywhere? The lads are waiting outside! Were off to the Thames for the weekendthe fish are biting like mad right now. Ill be back Sunday, my phonell be off most of the time.
He gave me a quick peck on the cheek, never even looking up.
Dont be bored, love. Treat yourself to something nice.’
Bangthe door shuts. I walk to the calendar, and there it is: my special day, circled bright red. He hadnt just forgottenhe picked *today* to go fishing.
First, I felt gutted. Then, I sort of went numband an idea started brewing. If fishing and the lads mattered more to him than his own wife, it was time he learned a little lesson. And lets just say, by the time he got home, he had a surprise waiting that means he’ll never forget my birthday again.
Right, let me tell you what I did.
Davids always had a little stasha secret fund hes been saving for an outboard motor. He kept it locked away in the home safe. Thing is, I knew the code; Mr. Perfect Memory never could keep a secret from me, not really.
There was loads in there. Nearly thirty thousand pounds hed put aside. I opened the safe and made my decision right then and there.
Honestly, the weekend was fabulouslike nothing Ive ever allowed myself before. I hired a caterer, invited my best friends, filled the house with fresh flowers, had music throughout, champagne flowing, everyone laughing and dancing. The next night we all went for dinner at this rooftop place overlooking London; after that, a whole day out at a lovely spa.
And for the big finish, I bought myself that brooch Id been eyeing for ages. I always put it off for sensible reasons or joint plans, you know how it is.
Sunday evening, the door swings open. David stomps in, big grin, holding a bucket full of fish.
‘Look, darlingthe catch! Cracking trip!
He walks into the lounge and just stops, staring. Empty bottles everywhere, flowers everywhere, shopping bags covering the sofa.
What on earth happened here? Did we have people over?
We did, I say, perfectly calm. It was my birthday, remember? Forty-five years old today.
He just froze, then sighed, Bollocks Lizzie, I really did forget. Got all caught up. Im sorry.
I cut him off gently. Dont worry. I decided not to be upset. I handled the celebratingand picked out my own present, too.
His eyes darted towards his study. The safe door was slightly ajar. He suddenly turned pale and dashed into the other room. Came back, skin ashen.
Wheres the money? Its all gone. That was my savings.
Its right here, darling, I said, gesturing at the room. I treated myself, since you forgot my special day.’
All of it? That was for the boat! I spent two years saving’
Ive been waiting twenty-five years for you to remember, David. You forgot my birthday, so I made sure this one will stick with you.
He dropped on the sofa, staring between his bucket of fish and the empty safe, completely speechless. Technically, it wasnt just *his* moneyit belonged to both of us, so he couldnt exactly complain.
He cleaned his fish in silence that night.
Six months on, hes started saving for the engine again. Only now, his phone buzzeswith reminders a month, a week, a day before every anniversary, every birthday, every special day. Sometimes, a lesson has to come at a price. At least now, hell never forget again.
