The Green Dress (Short Story)

It was a sultry Monday afternoon. I was cuddling on the couch to watch my favorite sitcom, “How I met your mother,” with my husband. But he suddenly stood up and walked into his bedroom. I knew what he would pop out the exact same question that he had asked me 10 minutes ago. 

“Hey, why don't you dress up?” he was wearing his wedding suit and sternly asked me. Charlie, my husband, was diagnosed with brain cancer last summer.

“Honey, come here and sit next to me. We will not be late.” I tried to smooth his irritated mood.

“No, no, no. I clearly remember the schedule. Our guests are waiting for us at the yard.” He seemed to become grumpier.

The doctor told me that he would lose his memory and have confusion with date or place. 

“I think the green one is better.” Charlie said to me when I was ready to wear the red chiffon dress. Charlie bought me this green silk dress as my 30 birthday gift.

“OK, the green one. Dear, why don't you have some water before the wedding starts? It’s hot outside. ”

“You are so bossy. I don't like tape water. You know that. Diet coke, yeah, more ice.” He hummed, shook his head and went down the stairs.

Ten minutes later, I went down the stairs to check whether he was ready to go.

But, he fell to sleep on the couch and snored lightly. The sunshine gushing through the white curtains was on his radiant face quietly and peacefully. I sit next to him to wait for him to wake up.

20 minutes, 30 minutes, and 40 minutes later.

“Jane, is it your birthday today? Are you waiting for me to celebrate?” He asked me.

“My birthday?” I was puzzled in fright.

 “Look, you dressed up and did make up. Oh, sorry, I forget to buy you a gift. You know, I’ve been busy these days.” He started explaining.

“But….”

“Jane. It’s my fault. I promise I will buy you the green dress.”

“Charlie….”  

“Jane,” he was holding my hands and said, “Today, let me cook a dinner for you. So, any ideas for dinner?”

“Dear, I’m not hungry. I will be happy if you come and sit next to me.”

“Ok. It is your day. You are the captain.”

“Charlie, do you remember my 30 birthday party?”

"Sure, sweetie. When we passed by that antique shop, you were immediately captivated by this gorgeous dress. You didn't spill a word to me, but I knew that dress totally caught your attention. "

“Why did you buy that dress for me? We didn't have enough money to afford that pricy dress.” I asked him.  I was wondering why I have never asked him this question.

 “Right. So I shifted two part-time jobs to figure out more money.” He chuckled, “Jane, you have done a lot for the whole family. You gave up your dream job, a graphic designer, to stay at home for taking care of our three kids. Olivia, Parker, Asher and I love you so much. It was pricy, but it was worthy. Thank you for everything what you have done for the family. "

“Hey, darling, thanks for the green dress. I love it. But I am old, look, my flaccid arms, my wrinkles, and my grey hair. I even cannot zip up my lovely green dress. Oh, my fatty belly. Why don’t you help me?” I complained to him.

“Jane, let’s fix a diet routine for you. No candy, no ice cream, and no chocolate. Dear, you have diabetes. Follow your doctor’s instructions and advice, you will be better. You will fit into the green dress.”

“Charlie, I am starving. You said you would cook me a dinner. It is my birthday. You forgot?” I complained to him. 

“Charlie, where are you? Are you in the bathroom?” I start yelling.

“Jane, I am here. Happy birthday!” Charlie was smiling at me and touched my cheek softly.

“Mom, mom, mom! Are you OK!”  I turned around and saw my older daughter, Olivia.

“What are you doing here?” I asked her.

“Mom, don't you remember that you called us to come back home for your birthday.” Parker said to me.

“Mom, today, actually, it’s ….” Asher said.

“The green dress, the green dress. It was my birthday gift from your father. Where is your father?”

“Mom, dad has been dead for a year.”

“No, Charlie was here. He was sitting next to me. We were chatting. I guess he is shaving. 

We plan to go to our favorite restaurant for celebration.” I told them.

“Mom, Let’s go. Today, it is dad’s death anniversary, your birthday as well.” Olivia grabbed my pill bottle, labeling “dementia.”