Fading Echoes

Treinta y seis

Greggy

Weeks had passed since Cath and I had that conversation in her condo. Her words had been playing on a loop in my head, telling me to figure things out with Irene. I'd been working up the courage to talk to her, but I hadn't seen her around much lately. Every time I thought about reaching out, something held me back. Maybe it was the fear of what I'd say or how she'd respond.

But today, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off.

I sat at my desk, staring at the clock. Irene was usually in the office by now, but her desk had been empty all morning. It wasn't like her to miss a day without a heads-up. I checked my phone for any messages from her, but there was nothing.

I finally stood up, heading over to her department, hoping she was just running late. Pero napansin ko rin na maging si Jane ay wala sa station niya. As I approached her team, I spotted one of her senior colleagues, Mara, at her desk, typing away.

"Hey, Mara," I said, trying to sound casual. "Have you seen Irene today?"

Mara looked up, blinking at me for a second before shaking her head. "Oh, you didn't hear? Irene filed for leave last week. She won't be back for a while."

I felt my stomach drop. "What? Leave? For how long?"

"I think it's for two weeks, maybe longer," Mara said, frowning slightly. "She mentioned she needed some time off to deal with personal stuff." she added.

Personal stuff. That phrase hung in the air, heavy and unsettling. I nodded, trying to keep my expression neutral, but my mind was racing. Why hadn't she mentioned anything? And why now, just when I was finally ready to talk to her?

"Thanks, Mara," I muttered, turning away before she could ask any more questions. I headed back to my desk, my thoughts spinning. Irene had taken leave. Just when I was working up the nerve to figure things out between us, she disappeared.

I stared at my phone, debating whether or not to text her. Maybe it wasn't the right time. Maybe she needed space. But I couldn't shake the feeling that this was connected to everything that had happened between us in New York. The way she'd been avoiding me ever since we got back. The way she distanced herself every time I tried to talk to her.

I couldn't wait any longer.

I opened my messages and typed, my fingers hovering over the keyboard for a moment before I hit send.

Hey, I heard you're on leave. Are you okay?

The text sat there, unread, as the minutes ticked by. I waited, hoping she'd reply. Hoping she'd give me something, anything to work with.

But the reply never came.

Instead, the silence between us deepened, and I was left sitting at my desk, wondering if I'd ever get the chance to fix things.

I couldn't shake the uneasy feeling that had been gnawing at me for days. Irene had filed for a two-week leave, which wasn't unusual in itself, but her sudden radio silence was. Irene always responded to my messages, even if it was just a quick, "I'll get back to you." But this time, nothing. I had messaged her, called her-over and over. Days passed, and the silence felt heavier with each passing hour.

Eventually, I decided to reach out to Cath. If anyone might know what was going on, it would be her.

I dialed her number, trying to keep my nerves in check. Cath picked up after a few rings.

"Hey, Greggy! What's up?" she greeted brightly.

"Hey, Cath. Have you heard from Irene lately?" I asked, trying to sound casual. "She filed for a two-week leave, and I've been trying to reach her, but she hasn't responded to any of my messages or calls."