Once Upon a Memory

dos

Third Person's POV

The familiar creak of the gate sent an odd chill down Irene's spine as she stepped out of the car. The house in front of her was the same one she had left behind years ago, yet somehow, it felt different—like a relic of a past life she had tried to forget.

She swallowed hard, her fingers tightening around the strap of her purse.

"Parang hindi ka naman umalis," Patty murmured beside her, studying her expression. "The house looks just like you left it. Well, except for the alikabok."

Rachel snorted, running a finger along the window ledge before holding it up with mock disgust. "Mukhang hindi lang 'alikabok' ang problema. Baka may multo na rin sa loob."

Irene let out a short laugh, shaking her head. "If there is, then I'm sure it's a friendly one."

"Or," Rachel smirked, "it's here to remind you of unfinished business."

Irene froze for half a second before forcing a chuckle. "You never change, Rach."

Her son, Alfy, was more focused on the house itself. He stepped forward, eyes scanning every detail—the high ceilings, the large wooden door, the balcony overlooking the street. "So this is where you used to live, Mom?"

She nodded. "Yeah. This was home."

Alfy turned to her with an easygoing smile. "Cool. Do I get a tour?"

Patty nudged Irene playfully. "O, ayan, he's excited! Don't just stand there like a statue."

Taking a deep breath, Irene reached for the door handle and pushed it open.

The moment she stepped inside, time folded in on itself.

The scent of aged wood and faint traces of her old perfume clung to the air. Her eyes flickered to the grand staircase, where Greggy had once chased her up the steps, laughter spilling between them. The hallway—where he had pulled her close, murmuring secrets against her skin. The living room—where they had dreamed of a future together.

Irene shook herself out of it. No. She wasn't here for memories.

"Still feels like home?" Patty asked softly.

Irene exhaled. "It feels... familiar."

Rachel, ever observant, leaned against the doorway. "Familiar, huh? And how will it feel when you run into him?"

Irene tensed. She knew who Rachel meant.

"Rachel—" Patty started.

"No, let her talk," Irene cut in. "Because she's right. I can't avoid him forever."

Rachel raised an eyebrow. "So you're ready?"

"Not necessarily," Irene admitted. "But I knew this was coming the moment I decided to return."

Alfy, who had been silent, suddenly spoke up. "I think you should see him, Mom."

Irene turned to him, surprised. "And why's that?"

Alfy shrugged, hands in his pockets. "Because you always told me and Audrey that we'd meet him someday." He met her gaze, his voice quieter. "Maybe this is someday."

Her heart twisted painfully at the mention of her late daughter. If only things had been different...

She forced a small smile. "We'll see."

But deep down, she knew—Greggy was no longer just a ghost from her past. He was a part of her present, whether she liked it or not.

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