Unhappy Birthday

Robert was clearing the vault located at the near end of the office. He was dressed in suit and tie. He looked very anxious. He was sweating. The hair on his forehead was sticking down with sweat. Robert was breathing, heavily. He was putting cash and some documents inside a duffel bag seated right beside him. The room was quiet only the humming air con can be heard. To his surprise, the phone on his desk suddenly rang. He did not answer the phone; he just looked at it while slowly zipping up the duffel bag. Then the call went to his voice mail. His wife, Veronica, left a message to his voice mail.

“Happy birthday, sweetheart!” Veronica sounded excited and nervous.

Right beside the phone was a picture of Robert and Veronica, looking very happy and content.

“Can’t wait to see you tonight. I’ve been trying to reach you on your cell phone.” Veronica was wearing a sleeveless charcoal gray dress that fell to just below the knee.

“I guess it is dead. Just making sure you’d be home by 8 o’clock.” Veronica was standing in front of a full- body mirror cradling the telephone receiver between her ear and shoulder while trying her black stiletto shoes on.

Robert turned off the light, slowly closed the door and left. The room was pitch black only the light coming from the phone on his desk can be seen.

“I prepared a little surprise for you. I’m sure you’re gonna love it.” Veronica was combing her hair in front of the full body mirror while speaking on the phone.

“Anyway, happy 35 ^th birthday. I want this night to be special for you. For us.” Veronica paused and stopped combing her hair. She, then, sat on the bed. Her eyes were glistening with tears. She’s about to tear up.

“In the past few months or probably years. I haven’t really notice. We’re always fighting. We scream at each other. We hurt each others emotions. I don’t know how and when it started. I don’t want to know anymore. I just want us to start all over again. I want to be happy again. I miss being happy -with you.” Veronica sobbed, uncontrollably and hung up the phone.

Robert’s car was parked a few meters away from their house. It appeared very dark; every single light was turned off. Robert, quietly, sat motionless inside his car. He stared at their house with a blank look on his face. His hands were on the steering wheel.

Robert caught a glimpse of himself in the rear view mirror. He looked at his fingers grasping the steering wheels and saw his wedding ring. He took it off and placed it in the glove compartment. His duffle bag was on the passenger seat. He noticed the gate opened up. Veronica came out of the gate and walked towards Robert. She’s smiling and giggling. As soon as she approached the car, Veronica knocked on the passenger seat window signaling him to bring the car in the garage. Robert stared at Veronica for a few seconds and shook his head. Veronica gave him a puzzling look.

Robert got out of the car and faced Veronica’s direction.

“Stop it Veronica! We’ve talked about this. I’m leaving you.”

Veronica came storming in towards him. She placed both her hands to Robert’s face.

“But, we can fix all these. We can be happy again just like before. Today is a good start ..." Veronica began to plead

Robert pulled away from Veronica and held both her hands, tightly. Her efforts seem wasted

“Let’s not use my birthday or any other occasions for that matter to insist what is not right. We keep going in circles. It is not working and besides it is not worth it. I am not happy anymore.” Robert snarled cruelly at his wife.

“Let’s give it another try. Let’s keep trying, Robert. I know we can still save this marriage. We can still be happy.” Veronica pleaded.

“Are you even listening, Veronica? I can’t do this, anymore. Not with you.”

Robert tried to go back to the car but Veronica stopped him.

“Where are you going? You're just gonna walk away from me for some tramp?” Veronica hissed angrily, her eyes narrowed dangerously.

“To hell, away from you!” Robert screamed


“You want to leave?! Leave! But you’re not taking anything with you. All these things you have are from me. I turned you into somebody. If not for my money and influence. You are nobody!” Veronica’s face flushed with anger.

Robert walked out from Veronica towards the gate. Veronica got inside the car breathless and sobbing. She, then, noticed the duffel bag on the passenger seat. She unzipped the bag and saw the cash and documents inside it, surprise to see the cash and started reading the documents. When Robert noticed Veronica reading the documents inside the car, he ran back towards the car.

“What the fuck are these?! Are you trying to steal from me?!” She screamed at Robert

“No Veronica. I was ...” Robert said calmly, shaking his head.

“You prick!” Veronica had gotten increasingly angrier.
“You would have to kill me. I’ll sue you. You’ll rot in jail.” she continued, the threatening edge still in her voice.

Robert pulled out Veronica from the car through its window. Veronica tried fighting back and screamed. But Robert was strong enough to grab her out of the car and covered her mouth. Veronica didn’t give up. She slapped him and grabbed his hair, repeatedly as much as she can.

Robert strangled Veronica to death. When Robert realized his actions had inadvertently killed his wife, it horrified and confused him. Suddenly, he didn’t know which step to take next. Robert heard a vehicle was coming their way. Immediately, he putted Veronica’s body inside the car and drove the car into the garage.

Robert closed the gate and carried her lifeless body to the house. Robert was unable to open the locked door. He searched the key to his wallet but it wasn’t there. He placed Veronica’s body to the doorstep and hurriedly, went to his car to get the key. Then, Veronica started moving. She’s gasping for breath. As soon as she’s able to open her eyes she saw Robert standing to her right side where she’s lying. Robert was unlocking the door knob. And then he saw her coming back to life. Very quickly, he strangled her once again. She wanted to scream but she cannot. Robert’s hands were holding her neck too tight while he’s trying to lift her. She tried her hardest to reach for the door knob. Finally, Veronica reached the door knob and opened the door. And then she died.

The door opened, widely. Lights turned on. It was Robert’s biggest surprise of his life. There were about 20 people- family and friends- waiting for him to enter the house. Veronica gathered these people to greet him on his birthday. Complete with party hats, balloons, blow outs, noisemakers, confetti and a banner with his picture on it that said “Happy Birthday, Robert.” Every one of Robert’s guests saw him squeezing the life out of Veronica. Then, there’s an awkward silence.