Withered Roses

(Cassie's Perspective) I glanced at the clock and let out a deep sigh. My head ached as I continued to wait for Max at the dinner table. The day before marked our fifth wedding anniversary, and I had hoped that at least on this special occasion, he would return earlier. But he didn't. And here I was, still awake and waiting at 3 AM. For nearly a year now, he had been coming home late. I thought yesterday would be different. Sadly, it wasn't. My eyes fell on the now-cold dishes I had lovingly prepared, just as my stomach rumbled