Always Forgets but Never Forgot to Love
Nanette shut down her laptop, slipped it into her office bag, and locked the faculty room door behind her. A tired sigh escaped her lips, but excitement flickered in her chest. Today was special. Today marked five years since she and Valdi had said their vows. And, as always, she was the one planning something special.
She already knew Valdi wouldn’t remember. He never did. It wasn’t because he didn’t love her.. NO she knew better than that. Valdi loves language wasn’t wired that way. He was a scientist, a man of logic and research, his mind constantly occupied with genomes and experiments. Romance had never been his strong suit. Even when they were dating, he never bought her flowers or chocolates on Valentine’s Day. No candlelit dinners. No dramatic gestures. And yet, she had fallen for him anyway, head over heels.
Her sisters, Ninette and Nanitte, had always teased her about it.
“You’re seriously dating a guy who doesn’t even buy you flowers?” Ninette had scoffed.
“He doesn’t even try to be romantic! Not even on anniversaries?” Nanitte added, shaking her head.
But Nanette had always defended him. “He may not do all that, but he gives me something better. He’s loyal, he’s kind, and he loves me in ways that matter.”
And she meant it. She didn’t need grand gestures. She didn't need flowers and chocolate. She needed Valdi, the man who held her when she was sad, the man who made her coffee just the way she liked it, the man who, despite forgetting dates, never forgot to love her.
Even so, she still liked to celebrate their love.
For their first anniversary, she had booked a hotel room and surprised him with a dinner date. She could still remember the look on his face when he arrived, exhausted from work, still in his lab coat, only to realize what day it was. He had smacked his forehead, muttering apologies, but she had only laughed. That night, she had teased him mercilessly over dinner, her foot brushing up his leg under the table, watching as he squirmed, pretending to be unfazed. He hadn’t lasted long. They had left the restaurant early, checked into their room, and spent the night wrapped in each other’s arms.
That memory alone made her eager to recreate the magic.
This year, she had gone all out again. She had booked the same restaurant, the same hotel. Viona, their daughter, would be staying with Valdi’s parents for the weekend, and Nanette had already sent Valdi a message, asking him to meet her at the Bimasena Club at the Dharmawangsa Hotel. As expected, his reply was short and to the point.
“OK. ”
Her heart did a little flip at the heart emoji. Maybe….just maybe….this time, he actually remembered.
By six o’clock, she arrived at her in-laws’ house with Viona and her nanny, Lely. The moment they pulled up, Viona squealed in delight and bolted toward the gate, where Anton and Dyna, Valdi’s parents, were already waiting with open arms.
“Grandpa! Grandma!” Viona shouted, practically launching herself into Anton’s embrace.
“Ah, my little angel is here!” Anton chuckled, lifting her up effortlessly.
Dyna beamed at her granddaughter before turning to Nanette. “You look lovely, dear. Big plans for the anniversary?”
Nanette smiled, adjusting the strap of her bag. “I booked a nice dinner and a hotel room. Just like our first year.”
Dyna chuckled knowingly. “And Valdi? He forgot again, didn’t he?”
Nanette let out a small laugh. “Most likely. But I’m used to it.”
Anton shook his head, amused. “That boy… he’s been like that since he was a kid. Always had his head in his books, forgetting birthdays, holidays, you name it. One time, he even forgot his own birthday until we reminded him.”
Nanette grinned. “That sounds exactly like him.”
“But you understand him, and that’s what matters,” Dyna said warmly. “Not every woman would be as patient as you.”
Nanette reached for Dyna’s hand and squeezed it. “I love him. And I knew what I was signing up for.”
Dyna nodded approvingly. “Well, go enjoy your anniversary. Viona will be perfectly fine with us.”
Nanette knelt to hug her daughter. “Be good for Grandma and Grandpa, okay?”
Viona pouted slightly. “I will. But will you bring me a present?”
Nanette laughed. “Of course, sweetheart.”
With one last glance at her giggling daughter, she hurried back to her car, excitement bubbling in her chest. Maybe this would be the year Valdi actually remembered.
Nanette arrived at the restaurant first. She had chosen a table near the window, overlooking the softly lit garden. The air smelled of fresh roses and warm bread, the ambiance perfect for a romantic evening.
Seven o’clock.
She checked her phone. No message from Valdi.
Seven-thirty.
Still nothing.
Her heart sank a little. But she told herself not to panic. He was probably caught up at work. He would come.
Eight o’clock.
A familiar sinking feeling settled in her stomach.
Eight-fifteen.
Her fingers tightened around her wine glass.
And then, finally….her phone buzzed.
'So sorry, love. Got caught up in the lab. On my way.'
Nanette exhaled slowly. She should have known. Of course, he forgot.
By the time Valdi arrived at eight-forty, she had already finished her appetizer. He looked exhausted, his hair slightly messy, his white coat still draped over his arm. His eyes met hers, immediately filled with guilt.
“I forgot, didn’t I?” he muttered, rubbing his face.
Nanette forced a smile. “Yes, you did.”
Valdi let out a deep sigh. “Nanette, I’m so….”
She held up a hand. “Just sit down, Valdi. Let’s eat.”
He obeyed, but guilt hung between them like a thick cloud. He reached across the table, taking her hand in
his. “You put so much effort into this, and I just… I’m an idiot.”
She studied him for a moment. He was tired, overworked, but he was here. And, despite everything, she loved him.
“I won’t argue with you there,” she teased, squeezing his hand.
Valdi chuckled softly. “I’ll make it up to you. Promise.”
She smiled. “You always do.”
Because that was the thing about Valdi. He might forget their anniversary, but he never forgot to love her. And, in the end, that was enough.
Or at least, she told herself it was.