Heaven is on earth (Loubbie)

31 .1 year anniversary.

Lou stood behind the bar, the soft glow of dimmed lights casting an inviting ambiance throughout the room. The familiar sounds of chatter and laughter filled the air, blending harmoniously with the soothing melodies playing in the background. It was a typical night at the bar, bustling with patrons seeking solace, celebration, or simply a place to unwind.

The blonde effortlessly moved from one end of the bar to the other, attending to the needs of the customers with a warm smile and a friendly demeanor. She engaged in light-hearted banter, sharing stories and laughter, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie and connection. The bar was her domain, and she took pride in ensuring that everyone felt welcome and taken care of.

Leaning against the bar, she focused her gaze on the empty glasses in front of her. Constance approached her with a concerned expression.

"Hey, Lou. You seem a little down tonight. Is everything okay?"

"Honestly ? Things have been a bit rough between me and Debbie lately. We hardly see each other these days, and when we do, there's this tension in the air. I don't know..."

"Come on , you know you guys are made for each other; it's just a phase."

"I hope it's just a phase, Constance. We've been through so much together, and I love her more than anything. But lately, it feels like we're drifting apart."

Constance placed a comforting hand on Lou's shoulder. "Try to talk to her, she probably feels the same."

"Yeah, you're probably right."

***

Lou entered their home late, the tension from the day still lingering in her mind. As she closed the door, she could sense the heavy atmosphere that hung in the air. The silence was deafening, broken only by the sound of their strained breathing.

Debbie stood there, her arms crossed tightly across her chest, her eyes filled with frustration. "Where have you been? I've been waiting for you."

Lou sighed, feeling a mixture of exhaustion and apprehension. "Work ran late, Debbie. You know how it gets sometimes."

Debbie's voice grew sharper. "It's always work, isn't it? You're never here .

Lou's frustration rose, her voice tinged with defensiveness. "I have responsibilities, Debbie. I can't just drop everything whenever you want me to."

"I bet you don't even know what day it is."

"What do you mean? Of course, I know what day it is. It's... um..."

"It's our anniversary, Lou. A year together, and you forgot."

"Oh.. I can't believe I forgot our anniversary..."

"I thought our love meant something to you.

"Debbie, believe me when I say that our love does mean everything to me. I've just been so consumed by work and stress that I lost track of time."

"Actions speak louder than words, Lou. And right now, your actions are telling me that I'm not a priority in your life."

"I can't believe you're accusing me of not caring. I have been working my ass off to provide for us, and you're making it seem like I don't prioritize our relationship."

"It's not just about the anniversary, Lou. It's about feeling neglected. I need your time, your attention, and your love."

"I can't give you what you want if you don't communicate with me. How am I supposed to know what you need if you don't tell me? I'm not a mind reader."

"I shouldn't have to spell it out for you, Lou. It's about being present, and making an effort to connect with me. It's about showing me that I matter to you."