Ashford Series 1: Loveless Vows

Chapter 17

Ang malalambing na tawa ng mga bata ang pumuno sa paligid nang pumasok kami sa indoor playground ng mall.

Nanlaki ang mga mata ni Sandy sa tuwa nang makita niya ang makukulay na slide at malalambot na play mat.

Kahit isang taon pa lang siya, ang galing na niyang makakita ng saya sa mga simpleng bagay.

I gently set her down, watching as she toddled towards a small, padded slide. “Go ahead, baby,” I encouraged her with a smile. “Mommy’s right here.”

Sandy looked back at me, her ash-grey eyes sparkling with excitement.

She reached out to touch the slide, her tiny fingers exploring the smooth surface before she tried to climb up. Her little legs struggled to make it up the first step, but she was determined.

I stayed close, ready to catch her if she needed help. “You’re doing great, sweetheart,” I whispered as she finally managed to pull herself up.

She sat at the top of the slide, looking around as if deciding what to do next. Then, with a little push, she slid down, landing softly on the cushioned mat below.

Her giggle was the sweetest sound, filling my heart with so much love.

“You did it, Sandy!” I cheered, clapping my hands as she looked up at me with a proud grin.

She wobbled on her feet as she got up, then toddled over to a pile of soft blocks nearby. She picked one up, inspecting it closely before deciding it was safe to chew on.

I laughed, walking over to gently take it from her mouth. “We don’t eat the blocks, baby,” I said softly, swapping the block for her favorite teething toy.

Sandy didn’t seem to mind the exchange and soon moved on to the next thing that caught her attention—a small ball pit filled with bright, colorful balls.

She leaned over the edge, her little hands grabbing at the balls, fascinated by the way they moved.

I settled down next to her, watching her every move. Her curiosity was endless, and her joy was infectious.

Each new discovery brought a smile to her face, and seeing her so happy made all the challenges of the past year fade away.

“Mommy’s here,” I murmured, reaching out to stroke her soft hair as she played. “Always here for you.”

Sandy looked up at me with those ash-grey eyes, so much like his. My heart ached for a moment, but I pushed the feeling aside. This was our time, just me and my little girl. Nothing else mattered.

I sat down on the soft, cushioned floor near Sandy, watching as she played in the ball pit, her laughter filling the air.

My phone suddenly rang, and I quickly reached for it, not wanting to disturb the other parents around.

“Hello?” I answered, keeping an eye on Sandy as she tossed a ball up into the air.

“Sabs, it’s Jane,” came the familiar voice of my best friend. “I was thinking… can I come by your apartment later for dinner? Namimiss ko na din kasi ang inaanak ko."

A smile tugged at my lips. “Of course, Jane. I’d love that. It’s been a while since we’ve had dinner together.”

“Great! I’ll bring dessert. See you tonight!”

“See you,” I replied before ending the call. I slipped the phone back into my pocket, my attention returning to Sandy.

She was still engrossed in her game, completely oblivious to the world around her.