Fading Echoes

Veinte

Irene

"Ma'am, may meeting po pala kayo with the Alcantara Group by 4:00 PM," Jane informed me as I was lost in a sea of papers piled high on my desk.

I glanced up at her, grateful for the reminder. "Thanks for the heads-up, Jane," I replied, giving her a quick smile before returning to the task at hand. I was deeply engrossed in reading through the documents when I noticed her approach my desk.

She placed two food containers in front of me, her concern evident in her eyes. "Irene, hindi pa po kayo kumakain mula kaninang umaga," she said softly, worry etched on her face.

I paused, setting down my pen and staring at the food before me. "Sabi po ni sir, kung makalimutan niyo man po kumain, bilhan ko nalang po kayo," she added, her voice filled with empathy.

My lips pressed into a straight line as I heaved a sigh, glancing at my wristwatch. It was already 2:30 PM. "Salamat, Jane," I managed to say, my heart warmed by her kindness as I grabbed the containers. I could hear her let out a gentle sigh, and I felt the weight of her words sink in.

"Ma'am, alam ko pong hindi naging madali nitong mga nakaraang buwan, but please don't be too hard on yourself," she mumbled before turning to leave.

I sat still, staring at the food in front of me—Greek salad and a chicken sandwich. It seemed like such a simple meal, yet it represented a small act of care in a life that had become overwhelmingly difficult. These past few months had been a whirlwind of grief and work. I poured all my energy into my job, often returning home late, and there were days when I and Greggy barely crossed paths.

When we lost our baby, we lost each other.

I was startled by the sound of my phone ringing, jolting me from my thoughts. I stood up from the couch, moving to grab my phone from my desk. The caller ID read "Ate Imee," and I quickly answered.

"Hoy loka, umuuwi ka pa ba?" she greeted cheerfully, and I couldn't help but chuckle as I settled back into my seat, taking a bite of my sandwich.

"Sometimes," I replied, trying to keep my tone light.

"Gaga ka, andito ako sa bahay ninyo. Sabi sa akin ni Manang Yeda, hindi ka umuwi kagabi? Si Greggy, madaling araw na raw nakauwi," she informed me, concern creeping into her voice.

I didn't know that.

"Oh, natahimik ka? Umuwi ka rito for dinner, ha? I'll cook for you. Nangangayayat ka na rin, sabi ni Manang," she continued, her tone playful but with an edge of seriousness.

"Ate, I have an outdoor meeting. Baka past dinner na ako makauwi," I reasoned, but the truth was, I wasn't ready to face anyone—not even my family.

"Wala akong pakealam, Celeste. Umuwi ka rito at hihintayin kita," she insisted, her stubbornness shining through.

"Okay, fine," I relented, defeated. "I'm having lunch," I added, but that didn't seem to convince her either.

"Lunch pa ba 'yan? Merienda na 'yan, Irene Celeste!" she shot back.

"I have to go na, ate. I have a meeting in a few; I need to prepare," I said, trying to escape the conversation.

"Sige, see you later, ading ko," she replied as she hung up.

After finishing my 'meal,' I quickly prepared for my meeting. I preferred driving myself; it gave me a sense of control. Mang Fred was typically assigned to drive Greggy, as he often had out-of-town inspections and meetings.

"I'll get going na, Jane. You can leave na rin if you're done with your work," I told her as I gathered my things.

"Mag-iingat po kayo, ma'am. Happy weekend po!" she chirped, and I smiled as I walked away, the warmth of her kindness lingering in my mind.