it was midnight and she had just gotten out of work, since christmas had passed everybody wanted their lights taken off, and although it took her 6am to now, she managed to get an entire neighborhood's lights off and stored away. it was bitterly cold and she was exhausted, but it was worth the cold hard cash in her pocket. as she drove home her stomach dropped. it was January 5th, Darrel's birthday. she hadn't even seen him once today, he was out of the house before she had woken up to go in the country side for some hard labor. she felt immense guilt. technically, it wasn't even his birthday anymore. as she pulled in the driveway, the living room lights were on. she shut off the loud engine and locked the door, before walking up the porch steps. he was sitting in his recliner, paper resting on his chest, fast asleep. she quietly snuck inside, before going over to him, kneeling by his side.
"baby.." she shook him gently. she probably repeated herself 5 times before he opened his eyes slightly. "let's go to bed." she said softly, rubbing his hand.
"what time is it?" he spoke loudly with a tired voice, slowly coming to his senses.
"it's the 6th..." she said softly, the guilt coming back.
"what?" he raised an eyebrow, stretching his back.
"i'm so sorry, i didn't even get to say happy birthday." she frowned, locking eyes with him.
"honey either i slept an entire day or you're tired." he chuckled, grabbing the hand that was rubbing his.
"wait..." she said slowly, her face turning red.
"babe it's only the 4th, my birthday is tomorrow." he laughed. "and besides, i don't need somebody telling me to be happy, i'm happy because everyday because of you." that made her stop in her tracks and smile, still embarrassed, but her heart warm. "now let's go to bed okay? you need to rest about as much as i do."