Speaking from just my own experience with my therapist, I noticed that she acted most provocatively (“forgetting things”, “poor listening”) when we had a very long stretch of consistent appointments - like when we were doing series of twice a week appointments or she had just come back from a vacation and wouldn’t be going anywhere for a while. It doesn’t seem to me like he would pull out therapy tricks when he can’t be there to support a potential crash. Selfishly, I doubt he would provoke a client before his own vacation which I’m guessing he just wants to relax through and disengage with work.

I think there could definitely be a subconscious reason he might have forgotten. I think the fear of disappointing you sounds quite valid. Though “just forgetting” seems plausible too.

Regarding your feelings - totally understandable!!! I would have been extremely upset too! I used to plan topics and gauge intensity of sessions based on her availability. There were places I wouldn’t go if I knew she wouldn’t be there the next week.