Cora Morales had planned a special Valentine’s surprise for her husband, Eric. Their life had been tough—married young with triplets, Eric worked while Cora stayed home. That evening, she lit candles, made heart-shaped cheesecake, and wrapped a small gift to show her love. But instead of joy, Eric greeted it with anger. “You wasted money on this?” he snapped, calling her effort childish and her cooking terrible before throwing the gift aside.
Crushed, Cora held back tears and told him they were out of diapers. She left to get some, telling Eric to watch the kids. Nearly an hour later, the doorbell rang. A police officer stood there. “Are you Eric Morales?” he asked. “I’m sorry… your wife was in a car accident. She didn’t survive.” Eric was stunned. At the morgue, he broke down beside her lifeless body, overwhelmed by regret.
Back home, the decorations still glowed. The unopened gift lay where it had fallen. With trembling hands, Eric opened it. Inside were two plane tickets to Hawaii and a note. “Happy Valentine’s Day! I got a job to help you. Mrs. Nelson will watch the kids—I planned a trip for us. You deserve it. I love you.” Eric realized too late how much she had given, and how cruelly he’d responded.
He never remarried. Every Valentine’s Day, Eric visits Cora’s grave, bringing flowers and reading her note. He talks to her softly, wishing he had thanked her, held her, and simply said, “I love you too.”