Anniversary

The clock ticked and tocked so loudly.

It always did when the long, annual wait ensued.


His nimble fingers brushed the side of her silent face as he sighed. It wasn't time yet. But, soon. Soon he would don his favorite mask as neighbor kids trotted up the sidewalk.


There was sure to be the usuals; a ghost, several witches, a clown, a devil, a Trump. None would surpass his one, true love, though, and he knew it.


He clutched a mug and chugged down the last warm remnants as he stared at her face, lying on the table. They would be together, once again. They would be one, like before.


Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock.


He reached for his mask. As he pulled the fragile skin over his head, he noted how dry she had become, especially around the stitching. She wasn't the young, fresh face from yesteryear anymore.


"I told you to stay hydrated." He muttered as the doorbell rang. "Now you'll get the lotion, and like it!"