Fading Echoes

Special Chapter 3.2

Irene

I walked hand in hand with Lui and Lia, their small backpacks bouncing as they excitedly—or in Lia's case, reluctantly—made their way toward the school gates. It was the first day of school, and while Lui could barely contain his excitement, Lia's face was already scrunched up, her tiny hand clutching mine with a force that said she wasn't letting go anytime soon.

"Mommy, can we go now? I want to meet my classmates and see the playground!" Lui practically skipped beside me, his grin stretching wide as we approached the entrance.

I smiled, giving his hair a playful ruffle. "Of course, Lui. But we'll walk in together, okay? Let's make sure your sister's all set, too."

Beside me, Lia tugged harder on my hand, her bottom lip trembling. "Mommy, I don't want to stay here," she whimpered, eyes wide and glistening. "What if you forget me? What if you don't come back?"

I knelt down beside her, my heart twisting at the sight of her fear. "Oh, baby, of course I won't forget you. I'll be back before you know it. And you'll get to play with your new friends and show me all the fun things you did today."

Lui, now standing tall and proud, knelt down next to his sister, trying to mimic what he had likely seen Greggy and I do countless times before. "Lia, it's fun, I promise! Last year I met so many new friends on the first day, and there's a big playground with swings! And...and maybe you'll get to paint pictures like me."

But Lia wasn't buying it. Her grip on my hand tightened as she shook her head vigorously, her eyes now spilling over with tears. "No! I don't want to! I want to stay with you, Mommy," she cried.

That's when Greggy stepped in, kneeling down next to our daughter and gently lifting her tear-streaked face. "Hey, princess," he started softly, his voice soothing. "You know, school is an amazing place. It's where you get to learn new things and make new friends. And you'll have so much fun drawing, playing with toys, and maybe even learning songs. Doesn't that sound fun?"

Lia shook her head, still sniffling. "But I don't know anyone. I don't want to stay here alone, Daddy."

Greggy wiped her tears with his thumb and smiled warmly, a quiet confidence in his tone. "You won't be alone, sweetheart. Mommy and I will be right here. I'll wait for you, okay? I'll stay just outside your classroom, and if you need me, I'll be right there."

Lia looked up at him, her sobs slowing down as she considered his words. "You promise?"

Greggy leaned in, placing a gentle kiss on her forehead. "I promise. I'll sit right outside, and I won't leave until you're okay and ready to have fun inside with your new friends."

Her little face still looked uncertain, but the tears were drying, and that was enough for now. "Okay," she whispered.

Lui, already impatient to start his own day, stood up and grinned. "See, Lia! It'll be fun! And Daddy's just outside if you need him."

We all walked into the school together, Greggy carrying Lia in his arms as she continued to cling to him. The classroom was bright and colorful, with a friendly teacher waiting at the door. Lui immediately rushed in, waving goodbye as if we were the ones reluctant to leave.

But Lia remained hesitant, holding onto Greggy as he knelt once again beside her. "Remember, I'm right here," he said, pointing just outside the door. "You're going to be so brave, and I'll be here until you're ready."

Lia looked back at him one last time, then, with a small nod, allowed the teacher to take her hand and lead her inside. Greggy watched her carefully, making sure she was okay before stepping out.