OLMSTED FALLS, OHIO – Four days after unwrapping it on Christmas morning, former resident Denise Svetlik has already misplaced a $25 gift card to Carrabba’s Italian Grill.
“It was right here,” she said, gesturing to a corner of her parents’ coffee table now occupied by another gift, an “Autumn Sheets” scented candle from her mother Margaret. “I took it out of my stocking so it wouldn’t scratch the soaps and I know I put it right there.”
“Well it didn’t grow legs and walk away, honey,” said Margaret Svetlik as she packed away the remaining 101 Dalmatians ornaments and showed this reporter her favorite of the litter – a pup playing the French horn. “Remember when McDonald’s had these? I’ll get ‘em all some day.” She has owned eleven since 1996.
With a Spirit Airlines flight back to Houston looming, Denise had little time for seeing spots. She even woke up early this morning to pack the rest of her gifts, one being an oversized mug that read “I Don’t Need a Man I Just Need My Coffee”
After making sure all of her items would fit comfortably in her checked luggage, she was sure it would turn up. Once she noticed the gift card was not among the spoils, Denise feared the worst.
“Look, the only time I even eat at Carrabba’s is when I’m home, and they insist on paying anyway. I mean I like it, it’s fine. The Tuscan-Grilled Chicken is- it’s all fine. I’ve told each of them that I’d prefer, like, a plain, Visa gift card.” she said in her childhood bedroom, far from mom, dad, and the muffled sounds of Pluto TV’s Blue Bloods channel. “But if I can’t find this stupid card, I’m gonna hear about it all year and I’m not getting any more money until the funeral.”
Denise left no stone unturned. She had combed the living room, her bedroom, the dining room, the ill-defined backroom where her father spent most of the holidays, and even the kitchen garbage can.
“Would you look at how much that girl loves Carrabba’s? You’d swear lasagna was going out of style,” said Margaret, watching her daughter sift through discarded bills over an afternoon glass of Arbor Mist White Zinfandel. Covering her mouth with the back of her hand, she even offered a scoop: “Maybe next year we’ll spring for the $50.”
On the way to Hopkins International Airport, Denise dug through her purse one last time. To her amazement, she did find a Carrabba’s gift card, but closer inspection revealed it was two Christmases old and now worth $13 due to inactivity fees.
Denise’s father, Jim Svetlik, could not be reached for comment despite sitting on the couch the entire time.
