02
The next morning I woke early to a knock at the door.
Years of muscle memory took over, and without thinking I reached out to shove Max awake so he'd get up and answer it.
But the space beside me had long gone cold.
When I got up and came out, I saw Max wheeling Ivy's suitcase inside.
He offered an explanation.
"Ivy forgot her key, so she'll just make do here for now."
"We'll call a locksmith to open her door tomorrow."
I was about to argue when Ivy cut in first.
"I've already seen you in photos. You're even prettier in person."
"I'll just stay one night. You don't mind, do you?"
The next moment, Max thoughtfully took her luggage from her.
"She's very easygoing. She won't mind."
"Just settle in and stay. We'll figure something out tomorrow."
At that, Ivy's eyes brightened.
Right then her stomach growled, and she rubbed her head, a little embarrassed.
"I rushed to catch my ride and forgot to eat."
"You two haven't eaten either, right? Then let's all go out and grab a bite!"
I watched them coldly and said nothing.
I just got myself ready and went out to find somewhere to eat.
And then, on the food street, I ran into Max and Ivy, who had followed along.
The whole way, Ivy chattered eagerly, pointing out the good places to eat.
Max answered her now and then, and the way he looked at her carried a hint of indulgence.
I trailed behind them like part of the scenery.
Breathing in the greasy smell of the food street, I glanced at Max without meaning to.
Wanting to see whether he'd remember that today was our wedding anniversary.
But his eyes held nothing but Ivy.
Then Ivy picked a noodle place and sat down.
Max followed close behind her.
I couldn't stop myself.
"Max, do you remember what day it is today?"
He stared at me, blank for a few seconds, then it clicked, and he leaned close to my ear.
"I remember now. Today's our anniversary. Perfect, we can spend it together right here."
"Ivy just got back today. Let's not spoil her mood."
Then he ordered an extra chicken drumstick for me.
Seeing that, I said nothing more.
By then the noodles we'd ordered were being brought out.
Max smoothly set the bowl with no cilantro down in front of Ivy.
My hand, half reached out, hung in the air.
He'd forgotten. I don't eat cilantro either.
When Max saw that I still hadn't moved, he set a bowl in front of me too, but it was heaped with cilantro.
My appetite vanished on the spot, and I put my chopsticks down.
"I'm not eating."
Hearing that, a flicker of irritation crossed Max's face.
"Charity, don't throw a tantrum on me here."
"At home I'll indulge you however you want, but we're out in public now. Don't make me lose face."
I met his eyes, refusing to back down.
Then he suddenly remembered I don't eat cilantro, and picked all of it out.
But the noodles had already gone cold.
On the way back, Max passed an accessories stall and bought two gifts.
Seeing that, some of the anger in my chest eased.
He turned around and handed me one.
The other, he gave to Ivy.
