Break Fresh Ground

60: GROUNDBREAKING LOVE

"Maman." Napalingon ako nang lumabas si August mula sa kwarto niya. The soft morning light spills over her, revealing tousled locks and eyes struggling to break free from slumber. In her grasp, she clings to her beloved rabbit and strawberry plushies, clutching them like talismans of comfort.

My day begins with an early start, the aroma of steaming coffee enveloping me as I sit before my laptop at the dining table. As I rise to meet August, she greets me with a warm embrace, her small arms encircling my neck like a cocoon of affection.

"Good morning, darling. Did you had a nice sleep?" My voice is a gentle, melodic lullaby as I press a tender kiss to her forehead, a whisper of maternal love.

Her response is a delicate nod. "I had a very beautiful dream, Maman."

I sink back into my chair, August nestled in my lap, our connection palpable as I inquire, "Really? Can you share your dream from last night?"

With a smile as radiant as the sunrise, she describes her dream, where we frolic on sun-kissed hills, my partner and I alongside her, and two enchanting children whose faces remain shrouded in mystery.

In response, my heart swells with affection. "Who were those kids?"

August responds with an endearing shrug. "I don't know. But they were cute, just like me."

An intrigued hum escapes my lips. "Hmm. How did you know they are cute? Did you see their faces?"

"No," she pouted. "But they're cute because I said so."

I chuckled at her sassy reply. "Okay, don't hit me with that sassy attitude, my little princess."

"I'm not sassy," she said, furrowing her brows.

I can't resist playfully poking her side, making her giggle and jump. "Oh, but you are."

"No! Stop tickling me, Maman," she laughed, finally escaping my playful fingers as a new voice broke the spell.

"Good morning," Artemis greeted. She looked just as disheveled as August did earlier – tousled hair, clearly just out of bed, and wrinkled pajamas. Yet, she still exuded an undeniable grace and beauty; being unattractive wasn't in her vocabulary.

My heart raced as the memory of our special conversation from the previous night flooded my thoughts. Sleep had eluded us as we grappled with a profound truth, the weight of which was almost palpable. It was during the midst of this intimate, late-night conversation that I had popped the big question, asking her to be my wife. It was an unusual time to propose, right before drifting off to sleep, but in retrospect, it made the moment all the more special.

Artemis came over, planting affectionate kisses on August's cheek and my lips.

"Good morning, Fiancée," she whispered after the quick kiss, making me chuckle and my heart flutter. She didn't wait for a response and greeted August as well.

"Good morning, Mama," August said, her smile a reflection of the love that bound us all.

"Someone woke up in high spirits," Artemis remarked. August then shared her dream with Artemis, and I watched Artemis's face light up after hearing August's story. "Hmm, what could it mean?" she asked me.

"You're thinking the same meaning I am thinking. So," I said, causing her smile to broaden.

Mas lalong umaliwalas ang itsura niya bago siya tumayo at pumunta sa kusina. "Today is Sunday--"

"Burger day!" August announced excitedly, making us laugh.

"We can't eat burger for breakfast, darling," I said, playfully, which made her pout.