Memories

Gladys's eyes sparkled with excitement as she tugged on her mother's hand. "Mum, please let's go to the park! I want to see what it looks like. I want to know if it's comparable to the ones we visited in England," she asked, her voice filled with curiosity and enthusiasm.

Electra raised an eyebrow, a hint of annoyance flickering across her face. "We can go there some other time, Gladys," she replied, her tone dismissive.

But Gladys was insistent. She shook her head negatively, her ponytail bobbing behind her. "No, Mum, please let's go today. You promised me we'd spend quality time together today, and we have plenty of time left. I don't want to go back to the house now," she pleaded, her voice rising with determination.

Gladys's eyes locked onto her mother's, her gaze unwavering. She could see the hesitation in Electra's expression and knew she had to persuade her. "Please, Mum? It'll be fun, I promise!" she added, her smile charming and irresistible.

Electra's expression softened, her voice laced with apology. "I'm sorry, babe, but I really need to head back. We have to prepare for your birthday, and there's still so much to do." She hesitated, her eyes darting away from Gladys's determined gaze.

But Gladys was not convinced. She crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing slightly. "No, Mum, I know you're just saying that to push it aside. I know you too well. You're always so busy. I overheard you talking to Grandpa last night about getting me a nanny. I know you won't have time for me after my birthday," she said, her voice tinged with a mix of sadness and accusation.

Electra took a deep breath, her shoulders sagging in defeat. She knew her daughter had seen through her excuses. "I surrender," she said, a hint of a smile on her lips. She raised her hands in mock defeat, her eyes locking onto Gladys's.

"Head to the park," Electra instructed the driver, a hint of surrender in her voice.

"Okay, madam," he replied, his eyes meeting hers in the rearview mirror before he made a smooth turn onto the park's entrance road.

Gladys's face lit up with excitement, her eyes sparkling like diamonds. "I love you, Mummy," she said, her voice filled with joy.

Electra's heart swelled with affection, her smile warm and genuine. "I love you too, my baby," she replied, her voice filled with emotion.

But then Gladys's expression turned serious, her brow furrowed in concern. "But, Mum, please make sure you don't talk to another strange guy there, too," she said, her voice laced with a hint of protectiveness.

Electra chuckled, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "Pinky promise," she shouted, her voice playful as she held up her pinky finger in a promise. Gladys giggled, her eyes shining with delight, as she wrapped her small finger around her mother's, sealing the promise.

*****

Knoxville strolled into the park, his footsteps leisurely, with Henry trudging beside him. Henry's face contorted in discomfort, his voice laced with lamentation. "I can't believe you made us walk here. This is unbelievable; I haven't walked in a long time," he complained, his eyes scanning the surroundings as if searching for an escape.

Knoxville shrugged, his expression nonchalant. "It's your choice; I told you to go with them," he said, his tone hinting at a mix of amusement and annoyance.

Henry's eyes narrowed, his curiosity piqued. "So, tell me, why are we here?" he asked, his voice tinged with skepticism.

Knoxville's gaze turned wistful, his eyes gazing into the distance. "To get some old memories," he replied, his voice low and nostalgic, as if the park held secrets and stories only he knew. His pace slowed, his feet leading Henry deeper into the park, toward a destination only Knoxville knew.

"Old memories, with your dad or with who, I don't think your dad is the type that come to park" Henry said, but Knoxville didn't reply him.

Knoxville's footsteps halted at a familiar spot, his eyes misting over as memories flooded his mind. A soft smile spread across his face as he reminisced about the joyous moments he shared with Electra in this very park. He recalled her radiant smile, her playful laughter, and how she'd run to him, holding ice cream cones to prevent them from melting. He remembered the promise she made, to return to this park with him and their future child.

But now, those promises seemed like distant dreams, shattered by his own mistakes. Knoxville's gaze dropped, his shoulders sagging under the weight of regret. "Maybe it's not too late," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "We'll surely come back after I see her," he added, his eyes gleaming with a glimmer of hope.

Henry's eyes narrowed, his expression perceptive. "I think I know what this is all about," he said, his voice low and understanding. "You must have been here with Electra before," he added, his words hanging in the air like a gentle accusation.

Knoxville remained silent, his eyes fixed on the ground, his thoughts consumed by the what-ifs and the memories of what could have been.

Henry's phone buzzed, breaking the nostalgic spell that had settled over Knoxville. He glanced at the screen, his eyes widening slightly as he saw Mr. Richardo's number flashing. "I think your father is expecting us to join him soon, he's calling," Henry informed Knoxville, his voice laced with a hint of urgency.

Knoxville's gaze remained fixed on the ground, his jaw clenched in determination. "Don't pick it up," he instructed, his voice firm but laced with a hint of desperation.

Henry's eyes narrowed, his expression skeptical. "You know you can't make irrational decisions, Sir. You might lose to Maxwell if you're not careful," he cautioned, his voice low and measured.

Knoxville's eyes flickered, his shoulders sagging slightly. "Can I just have a few more minutes? I want to be here for a bit longer," he pleaded, his voice tinged with longing.

Henry's expression turned firm, his voice unwavering. "We have to go now, Sir. You know how your dad can be. He won't tolerate any disobedience," he said, his words a gentle but firm reminder of the reality they faced.