Cindy has Merrie Isaac braid her beautiful long hair, just the way Stephen likes it. And she also puts on the dress that she had only worn one time before. It is the dress Fernye and Stephen's Mom, Ruth, had made for her. It's the dress she'd put on over seventeen years ago ---the one she'd worn for that special surprise occasion ---that disappointed her so, when he hadn't noticed.

Yes, she recalls that time she wanted to break the news to him ---the news he still does not know.  

     Cindy chuckles to herself.  It was also the time Stephen had shaved half his face to make a point.  The fact was …that she seldom noticed him either.