A Valentine’s Day Tragedy: A Love Lost in Anger
Cora Morales woke up on Valentine’s Day with a heart full of excitement. She couldn’t stop smiling as she sat in the living room, checking off the last tasks on her to-do list. Tonight is going to be perfect, she thought, her cheeks flushing with anticipation. She couldn’t wait to see Eric’s face when he saw the surprise she had planned for him.
Their love story had begun at a business conference in Texas. Both orphans raised in foster care, they had dreamed of building a big, happy family together. And they did—just a few years after meeting, they were married, and soon after, they welcomed triplets into their lives.
But life wasn’t always easy. With three babies to care for, Cora had to stay home while Eric worked long hours to support their family of five. The stress weighed on him. No matter how hard he worked, there never seemed to be enough money.
They hadn’t taken a vacation in years, not even for special occasions. Eric was determined to save every penny, and Cora never complained. She made do with what they had, always careful with their money.
That evening, she dressed in an old red dress—the one Eric had given her for their first anniversary. It was a little out of style, but it was special to her. She didn’t need anything fancy.
As the clock ticked closer to Eric’s usual arrival time, she rushed to set the table. A heart-shaped red velvet cheesecake (his favorite), a bottle of wine, homemade dishes, and a small gift box—she had put so much thought into every detail. She lit fragrant candles, turned on soft fairy lights, and scattered rose petals from the door to the table.
Perfect.
Then, the doorbell rang.
“Happy Valentine’s Day, honey!” Cora beamed, kissing Eric’s cheek as he stepped inside.
But instead of smiling, Eric froze. His eyes darted around the room—the candlelight, the roses, the carefully set table. His face twisted in anger.
“What the hell is this, Cora? Are we stupid teenagers?” he snapped, flicking on the harsh overhead lights.
Cora’s smile vanished. “Honey, what’s wrong? Did something happen at work?”
“Are you serious?” he roared. “Is this why I work my ass off? So you can waste money on this nonsense?”
Cora’s heart pounded. “Eric, please—it wasn’t expensive! Just sit down and try the food, okay?”
But Eric wasn’t listening. He took a bite of the spaghetti—then spat it out. “This tastes like garbage! What did you even do to it?” His voice was so loud it startled the triplets awake in their room.
“Eric!” Cora gasped. “The babies—I just put them to sleep!”
“Oh, so that’s my fault too?” he sneered. “I work all day while you sit at home, and you can’t even keep the house clean? Look at this mess!” He grabbed the gift box from the table and hurled it to the floor. “And what’s this? A stupid gift? I’m not a child, Cora!”
Tears burned in her eyes. “You’re impossible! I can’t believe you’re the man I married!” She stormed off to check on the crying babies.
But their wails only made Eric angrier. “Why aren’t they quiet yet? Can’t you do anything right?” he shouted after her.
Cora came back, her face red with fury. “They need new diapers, but we’re out! So you watch them while I go to the store—since you know everything about being a perfect parent!” She grabbed her coat and slammed the door behind her.
Eric rolled his eyes. “Yeah, run away like always,” he muttered, stomping toward the kids’ room.
An hour passed. The babies wouldn’t stop crying. Cora still wasn’t back.
“What’s taking her so long?” Eric grumbled, heading to the living room to call her.
Then—the doorbell rang.
“Finally!” he snapped, yanking the door open—but instead of Cora, a police officer stood there.
“Does Cora Morales live here?”
Eric’s stomach dropped. “Yes… I’m her husband.”
The officer hesitated. “Sir… I’m sorry. There was a car accident. Your wife didn’t make it. We need you to come identify the body.”
Eric’s world shattered. His legs buckled. The officer’s eyes flicked past him to the candlelit dinner table still set for two.
In a daze, Eric called their neighbor to watch the kids. At the morgue, he collapsed when he saw Cora’s lifeless body. The guilt crushed him.
The next day, after the funeral, he locked himself inside, drowning in regret. The Valentine’s setup was still there—untouched. Then he remembered the gift.
With trembling hands, he picked up the box he had thrown away. Inside were two plane tickets to Hawaii… and a note.
To the love of my life, Eric,
Happy Valentine’s Day!!! Guess what? I got a job this month! I knew you were exhausted, so I started applying—and I got hired yesterday! Mrs. Nelson agreed to watch the babies while I work. And those tickets? That’s our surprise vacation—just the two of us! (I have more surprises too… but you’ll find out later!)
Love, Cora
Eric broke down, sobbing like a child. But it was too late. Cora was gone—and his last words to her had been cruel.
He never loved again. He spent the rest of his life working, raising their children, and visiting Cora’s grave every Valentine’s Day, whispering his regrets to the wind.
What Can We Learn?
- Don’t jump to conclusions. Eric assumed Cora was careless with money—but she had planned everything carefully, even getting a job to help.
- Anger blinds us. In his rage, Eric couldn’t see how hard Cora was trying. He lost her before he could apologize.
Some mistakes can never be undone.