Fading Echoes

Diecinueve

Third Person

Greggy was scheduled for another business trip for the next four days. He hated the thought of leaving his pregnant wife, especially knowing she was in her third trimester, but he needed to travel to Cebu to represent the company. His father had recently undergone angioplasty surgery, and he needed to be there for the family during this difficult time.

"Love, I'd feel more at ease if you stayed with Mommy Meldy or at our place with Mama. Please?" Greggy pleaded with Irene, who was busy folding his clothes and packing for his trip. She paused, looking up at him, her expression a mixture of determination and sadness.

"Greggy, I'm okay. I'll be fine. Besides, I don't want to add to what Mommy has to worry about; Ate Imee is there now, and they're already exhausted with the kids. As for Mama, I want her to focus on Papa. He needs all the support he can get for a speedy recovery," she explained, trying to maintain her composure. Her heart ached at the thought of him leaving, but she also wanted to reassure him.

She could see the worry etched on his face, and it made her feel guilty. "Really, Greggy. I promise I'll be okay," she added softly, wrapping her arms around him in a tight hug.

As she held him, she felt a familiar tightening in her chest—a reminder of the struggles they had faced during this pregnancy. Even though they were excited to welcome their little girl, the anxiety lingered beneath the surface.

"I don't want to leave you if you're not feeling well," he murmured, his arms tightening around her.

"I'm fine, I promise," she reassured him, planting a kiss on his cheek. "Manang is here, and Kuya Fred is around too, so I'll have company. You don't have to worry. Four days will pass in no time," she said, hoping to ease his fears.

"Will you promise to update me at all times? Always eat and sleep on time. If you have cravings in the middle of the night, just press the intercom; it's connected to Grace's room. Please? And don't overwork yourself, lovey," he reminded her, his voice laced with concern as they leaned back against the couch.

Greggy had told his secretary to accompany his wife while he was away, especially since Jane, Irene's secretary, was currently assisting the deputy while Irene was on indefinite leave.

"I'll be okay. I know you'll call to check on me," Irene smiled, but the words felt heavy in her chest. She wanted to believe everything would be fine.

Two days later, true to their word, Irene kept Greggy updated, letting him know when she went for walks, tended to her garden, or had eaten her meals and taken her vitamins.

It was mid-morning when Irene received the call from Maggie. She had been in the middle of reading a book with the dogs playing around the garden when the phone rang. Maggie sounded worried.

"Irene, there's a bit of an issue. The conductor had an emergency, and we haven't had rehearsals since the other day. The students are starting to fall behind, and we're not sure when Maestro will be back."

Irene paused, sensing the urgency in Maggie's voice. "Why wasn't I informed earlier? I could have helped."

"We didn't want to trouble you," Maggie replied hesitantly. "But now we're getting anxious. There's a big recital next week."

"I can take over the rehearsals while Maestro is on leave," Irene offered without hesitation. "It's been a while since I've conducted, but I'll manage. I won't let the students down."

Maggie was silent for a moment, processing Irene's offer. "Are you sure? Shouldn't you ask Greggy first?"

"I'll give him a call," Irene reassured her, already picking up her phone.