Fading Echoes

Special Chapter 5.1

Third Person

It was a calm afternoon in the Araneta household. Irene was in the kitchen preparing snacks for the kids, while Greggy was in the living room, playing a board game with Lui and Lia. Liam was content in his playpen, chewing on his favorite toy. The plan for the day was simple-celebrate their anniversary at home with their children. They didn't think of anything fancy, just a cozy evening together.

But everything changed when the doorbell rang.

"I'll get it!" Greggy called, getting up from the couch and heading to the door, curious about who would show up unannounced. As he opened the door, he was met with a familiar and unexpected sight-his parents, Albert and Divina, or as Irene lovingly called them, Mama and Papa.

"Surprise!" Divina exclaimed with a bright smile, while Albert gave a knowing grin. "It's time for you two to enjoy some alone time."

Greggy blinked in surprise. "Mama? Papa? What are you doing here?"

Albert stepped forward, his eyes twinkling. "We're here to take the kids for the night. You and Irene deserve some quiet time together."

At that moment, Irene emerged from the kitchen, wiping her hands on a towel. "Mama? Papa? I didn't know you were coming by."

Divina approached her, resting a hand on Irene's arm. "We wanted it to be a surprise, dear. It's your anniversary! You two should celebrate properly, and it's been a while since we've had the grandkids all to ourselves."

Lui, overhearing the conversation, popped his head out from behind Greggy. "Wait... we're going to Mama and Papa's?"

"Yes, apo," Albert chuckled, reaching out to ruffle Lui's hair. "We've come to take you three for the night so your parents can have some time alone."

Lia gasped with excitement, bouncing up and down. "Yay! I love going to Mama and Papa's house!"

Irene exchanged a glance with Greggy, her brow furrowing slightly. "But we didn't plan anything. We were just going to stay in and celebrate with the kids."

Greggy took a deep breath and then smiled. He leaned close to Irene and whispered, "Actually, I've been thinking... maybe we could take this opportunity for a quick getaway. Just the two of us."

Irene looked at him, a little surprised. "A getaway? But where?"

Greggy gave her a playful wink. "Leave that to me. I've got something planned."

Divina laughed softly, clearly pleased with the idea. "He's right, Irene. You two hardly get time for yourselves anymore. We'll handle everything here-don't worry about a thing."

Lia rushed forward, grabbing her bag. "Can we pack, Mommy? Can we go now?"

Lui, always the more thoughtful one, looked at Greggy and Irene with wide eyes. "You really want us to go?"

Greggy knelt down to Lui's level, placing a hand on his son's shoulder. "We do, bud. But don't worry, you'll have so much fun at Mama and Papa's house. We'll be back before you know it."

Lui thought for a moment, then nodded with a grin. "Okay, Daddy. I guess it's a good idea."

Albert chuckled, already making his way inside to lift little Liam from his playpen. "See? Even this little guy's excited. We'll have a great time."

Irene bit her lip, still processing the sudden change in plans. She looked at Greggy again, and when she saw the excitement in his eyes, she couldn't help but smile. "Alright... let's do it."

Greggy kissed her cheek, clearly thrilled. "That's my girl."

With the kids now buzzing with excitement, they quickly packed their things and gathered at the front door. As Albert and Divina helped them into the car, Irene waved, feeling a mix of emotions. She adored her children, but the thought of some time alone with Greggy felt... right.