He remembers my birthday.
His mother told me so,
last night
when I found myself in her immaculate home once again
...my best friend is seeing his brother.

I ditched them to catch up with
"Mama."

"I mentioned your birthday-- it's coming up!"
Wine bottle in hand, the old appendage intact;
things haven't changed
much

but he doesn't live there any more.

"I said I know it is in May,"
she continued,
"Try this new red I picked up at a tasting.  Dry.  Musky."

Elixir of truth.

"But I couldn't remember what day--"
She gulped, and licked at a crimson stain
hugging her upper lip
"--then he said, 'The Fourteenth.'"