35. An Interruption
An Interruption
‘Asteria!’ I heard a voice call.
I turned around and saw her,
my little sister, Leto.
Standing at the cavern’s mouth,
her silhouette
was taller than I remembered it.
And I had just seen her this morning.
All Gods grow quickly,
but Leto was growing faster than most.
She was already nearly my height.
Her lovely heart-shaped face
was softened by the sun
and her golden eyes were bright.
I looked up at her and asked,
‘What is it?’
‘Mother wants you to attend the feast!’
I scowled at this. I did not want
to join the feast. I did not like
the attentions of the River Gods,
nor the prattle of my aunts.
I wanted to stay here.
Leto, seeing my face,
grimaced and said,
‘You promised her you would.’
I sighed and stood slowly,
my eyes meeting Styx’s.
‘Would you like to join us?’
But this time she decisively
shook her head. ‘I need time alone.’
I nodded and walked to my sister.
As we left, Styx called out,
‘Asteria.’ I turned to her.
‘We can meet here tomorrow.’
And in those words,
I recognized the promise
of a new friend.