Fading Echoes

Treinta y nueve

Greggy

It's been three weeks since we decided to live together again in our house. Everything's been so smooth between us. The only struggle recently is her cravings. Minsan ay nagigising siya ng 2:00 AM para lang manghingi ng pickles and strawberry ice cream. But I don't really care at all, as long as she's happy and our baby's healthy. Mabuti na lang din at hindi siya maselan sa umaga.

The morning light filtered softly through the curtains, and I woke up first, finding myself lying next to Irene, still sleeping in my embrace.

She looked peaceful, her face relaxed, her breathing soft. I couldn't help but smile to myself as I admired her, taking in every detail. She always had this effortless beauty, even more so when she slept. Without thinking, I leaned in and kissed her forehead. Once, then twice, and a third time, just because I couldn't resist.

Irene stirred slightly, her eyes fluttering open. She stretched a little, smiling as she woke up to the soft touch of my lips.

"Good morning," she said, her voice still a little raspy from sleep.

"Good morning, beautiful," I replied, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "You slept well?"

"Yeah," she mumbled with a lazy grin, reaching out to wrap her arms around my neck. "Especially with all those kisses."

I laughed, pulling her closer. "Couldn't help myself."

We stayed like that for a while, lying in bed, savoring the quiet. It felt like time stood still, just the two of us in our little bubble. Eventually, my stomach growled, breaking the silence, and Irene giggled.

"Someone's hungry," she teased, poking me playfully.

"Yeah, I guess I am," I said with a laugh. "Come on, let's go get breakfast."

We rolled out of bed and did our morning routine. "I'm glad you're not having morning sickness, lovey" I muttered as I watched her brush her teeth. She looked at me before spitting and gargling before she answered, "I'm glad too. Even my previous pregnancies..." She smiled bitterly. I, of course, noticed the sadness in her tone, so, I went and kissed her temple.

After we settled into our morning activities, we made our way downstairs, hand in hand. In the dining room, Manang Yeda had already prepared breakfast—warm pandesal, scrambled eggs, and some Vigan longganisa. The smell filled the room, and my mouth watered instantly.

"Good morning, Manang!" Irene greeted her with a smile.

"Good morning, oh siya kumain na kayo. Gorio, anong oras na hindi ka ba mahuhuli sa trabaho niyan?" Manang Yeda replied andscolded me with her usual warmth, but this morning, there was something extra in her voice—a sense of relief.

As we sat down to eat, she looked at us both, her eyes softening. "Oh di ba, ang ganda tignan. Magka-ayos kayong dalawa. Naku, huwag na uli kayo maghihiwalay at masyadong malaki 'tong bahay para sa akin" she chuckled.

Irene blushed and laughed, while I looked at Manang Yeda and gave her a reassuring smile.

"I promise you, Manang, that will never happen again. I won't let it," I said, glancing at Irene, who squeezed my hand under the table.

Manang smiled, satisfied with my answer. "Mabuti. At baka pag-untugin ko na kayong dalawa diyan... oh siya, asikasuhin ko na muna mga halaman sa labas. Naku, Gorio mga aso ninyo sinisira mga halaman ko!" Natawa naman ako dahil totoo nga naman. Simula nang iuwi ko uli dito si Rocher at Magnus, our Golden Retriever and Labrador, wala na ginawa si manang sa garden namin kundi ayusin at linisin. I laughed at the thought, "sige po manang, papasukin ko pa mamaya" I told her and placed some bread on Irene's plate.