I's What Ifs

13: Evening Ritual

Third Person

Irene Araneta stood in the soft glow of their bedroom lamp, the warm, amber light casting gentle shadows on the cream-colored walls. The bed was a bit of a mess, as it usually was after a long day. She hummed softly to herself, a tune from a song that had been stuck in her head since breakfast, while she straightened the sheets and fluffed the pillows. Her hands moved methodically, each gesture reflecting the years of routine and love poured into these small, domestic tasks.

From the bathroom, she could hear the faint sound of running water and her husband's voice, slightly muffled by the door.

Greggy was talking about his recent polo game, his deep, soothing voice mixing with the gurgling of the sink.

"Dear, you should have seen the match today. It was intense!" Greggy's voice floated through the slightly ajar door, tinged with the excitement of recounting the day's events.

Irene chuckled, tucking the last corner of the blanket under the mattress.

"Really? Did you manage to score?" she called back, her tone playful.

"No, but I had some great assists. We won by a narrow margin." he replied, the pride evident in his voice.

Shaking her head with a smile, Irene crossed the room and pushed the door open a bit more. Greggy was standing at the sink, a white towel draped over one shoulder, preparing to shave the little beard he had grown over the past few days. The sight of him, with his dark hair slightly disheveled and his face half-covered in shaving cream, brought a rush of affection. This was a scene that had played out countless times over their years of marriage, a comfortable and familiar routine that was uniquely theirs.

"Do you need help with that?" Irene asked, stepping into the bathroom. Her voice was soft, the question almost rhetorical because she already knew the answer.

Greggy looked at her through the mirror, his eyes crinkling at the corners with a smile.

"Would you? You know I always make a mess of this," he said, his voice warm with gratitude.

Irene moved to his side, taking the razor from his hand.

"Of course!"

Her fingers brushing lightly against his as she took the razor. She dipped it into the warm water in the sink, shaking off the excess before turning her attention to his face.

"Hold still." she instructed gently.

As she began to carefully shave his beard, they continued their conversation, their voices low and intimate in the small space.

"How was your day, Rin?" Greggy asked, his eyes fixed on her face as she worked.

"It was good. Busy, as usual. The boys kept me on my toes," Irene replied, concentrating on her task. "Alfie had soccer practice after school. He's really getting good at it."

Greggy chuckled, remembering the many times their eldest had come home covered in dirt and grass stains, full of stories about his practice.

"Did he score any goals today?"

"Two! He's so proud of himself," Irene said, her lips twitching with a smile.
"And Luis had a photography assignment. He wanted to capture the sunset, so we spent some time in the park."

"Did he get any good shots?" Greggy asked, genuinely interested. Luis's passion for photography was something they both encouraged and admired.

"He did. You should see the pictures. They're stunning," Irene replied, her voice filled with pride. "He's got such an eye for detail."

Their conversation flowed easily, shifting from their children's accomplishments and antics to their own work. Greggy talked about a new project at his office, the challenges and excitement it brought, while Irene shared updates from the school where she taught. They spoke of colleagues, upcoming events, and little everyday occurrences that made up the fabric of their lives.

At one point, Greggy fell silent, watching her with a soft, contemplative expression. Irene noticed the change and looked up, meeting his gaze.

"What is it?" she asked, pausing in her task.

"I was just thinking about how much you do for us, for me," Greggy said quietly. "All the little things, like helping me shave, making sure the boys are okay, managing the house, your job... I don't say it enough, but I appreciate everything you do, Rin."

A warm flush spread across Irene's cheeks, and she felt a swell of emotion.

"Oh, Gregorio." she murmured, touched by his words.

"You do so much for us too. We're a team, remember? I couldn't do it without you."

Greggy reached up and gently took her hand, the one not holding the razor.

"I know. But I just wanted to say thank you. For everything."

She squeezed his hand, her eyes shining with unshed tears.

"And thank you, Mahal. For always being there, for supporting me, for loving our family. I'm grateful for you every day."

They stayed like that for a moment, holding each other's gaze, the bond between them palpable. Then, as if on cue, they both broke into smiles, the tender moment giving way to lightheartedness.

"So, about that polo game,"

Irene said, resuming her task with a twinkle in her eye.

"What was the highlight?"

Greggy laughed, the sound rich and joyful.

"Definitely when we scored the winning goal. It was a team effort, and everyone played their best."

"That sounds exhilarating. Maybe I should come to the next match and cheer you on," Irene suggested, chuckling.

"I would love that," Greggy agreed.

"It would be great to have you and the boys there."

As they continued to talk and laugh, the last traces of Greggy's beard disappeared under Irene's careful hands. When she finished, she stepped back, admiring her handiwork.

"There you go, all done. Handsome as ever," she said, giving him a playful wink.

Greggy inspected his reflection, running a hand over his smooth chin.

"Perfect, as always. Thank you, sweetie."

"Anytime," Irene replied, her heart full.

They tidied up the bathroom together, their movements synchronized from years of shared routines. When they returned to the bedroom, the bed was neatly made, the room ready for the night's rest. Irene slipped under the covers, and Greggy followed, switching off the lamp and plunging the room into a cozy darkness.

As they settled in, Irene snuggled close to Greggy, resting her head on his shoulder.

"Goodnight, Dear" she whispered, feeling a deep sense of contentment.

"Goodnight, Asawa ko" he replied, wrapping his arm around her.

"I love you."

"I love you too." she said, her voice soft and full of emotion.

In the quiet of their room, their breathing slowly synchronized, and soon they drifted off to sleep, their hearts entwined, ready to face another day together.

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