Johns Hopkins University, 1993

"Professor Reed?"

Dennis looked up, startled by the voice of his teaching assistant.

"Yes?"

"The lecture hall is ready. I'm sorry for the inconvenience, Sir. I had no idea that it had already been reserved for another class."

"It's fine, Tim. Don't worry about it. Thank you." Dennis said.

"No problem." Tim said with a smile. "Anytime you're ready, you can start setting up."

"Thanks, Tim."

Dennis stood and began to gather his lecture materials, grateful to have such a wonderful assistant. His eyes landed on the wooden picture frame that sat on his

desk. Smiling, he picked it up and ran his finger over the slick glass that protected the photo of Betsy. God, she was beautiful. Even more beautiful than the day he'd

first laid eyes on her. Sadly, he realized that he'd taken her for granted. So many nights he'd left her alone while he stayed right here in his office, adamant on finishing

up just one more project or make one more phone call. And every time he called with an excuse of why he was missing dinner yet again, she always lovingly forgave

him.

Until last year...when he'd forgotten their anniversary.

He didn't even realize what he had done until she greeted him at the door with a kiss and an exquisitely wrapped gift that contained the beautifully framed

picture.

Suddenly he was filled with unimaginable shame when he realized he had nothing to give her in return.

He tried to make amends by taking her out to dinner and buying her flowers. When they returned home, she'd thanked him profusely.

But the next night after coming home late yet again from the office, he'd peered into their bedroom, heartbroken when he found her sobbing into her pillow; the

anniversary card she'd given him in her hand.

He leaned against the door frame, longing to go to her... To take her in his arms and beg her forgiveness for his incredible insensitivity. However, there was simply no

way to make up for what he had done. He'd forgotten the most wonderful day of his life; of their lives... Something he swore he'd never do.

And sure enough... the strong tie between them slowly began to unravel...

With a sigh, he returned the picture frame to his desk and rose from his chair. He paced the office, wondering how he'd managed to tarnish a perfectly happy

marriage.

Suddenly his gaze fell on the calendar. Their anniversary was just days away. Quickly he picked up the phone book and flipped through the pages until he found the

number he wanted.

"Yes, that will be all. Thank you." He said before hanging up the phone.

"Professor Reed, are you coming?" Tim asked from the doorway.

Dennis looked at the picture of Betsy once more. "Actually Tim, would you please tell them that I apologize but that the lecture has been postponed until next

week? It seems that something has come up."

"Oh... Well, of course Sir. I'll tell them right away. Is everything all right?" Dennis smiled and returned his lecture materials to his desk drawers before

putting on his coat and grabbing his car keys.

"Actually everything is perfect. Or at least it will be very soon." Dennis replied, ignoring Tim's puzzled glance as they walked out of his office.