A Light In The Dark

A Mother's Watchful Eye

In a realm untouched by the troubles of the world, Sally Jackson floated in a serene expanse of light. It felt like home, wrapped in warmth and peace, yet a gentle ache resided in her heart. She looked down at Earth, her eyes drawn to a familiar figure—a boy who had grown into a young man, yet remained her little Percy.

The first year after her departure was a whirlwind of emotions for him. She watched as he moved through life, grappling with the reality of her absence. Initially, the bond between him and his friends remained strong. She felt a bittersweet joy as he laughed and played, but it was painful to witness the shadows creeping into his life, slowly dimming the brightness of his spirit.

When Percy turned sixteen, life shifted dramatically. He moved in with Poseidon, who had only just discovered that he had a son. Sally had been hopeful, wishing for the connection between them to flourish, but she quickly sensed the turmoil that lay ahead. From her vantage point, she could see the beginnings of Percy's struggles—tremors that shook his body, moments of confusion, and a growing sense of isolation as he fought against an unseen enemy within.

As the months passed, Sally watched over her son, feeling his fear and frustration. She wanted so desperately to comfort him, to whisper words of encouragement, to tell him that he was not alone. Yet, all she could do was observe, her heart aching with each dizzy spell that stole his vision, each moment that left him feeling helpless.

Though she could not intervene directly, Sally became a silent guardian, sending her love through the winds that rustled the leaves or the gentle sunlight that warmed his face. She hoped he could feel her presence, that somehow her spirit could lift him in those darkest moments.

As Percy reached his twentieth birthday, Sally noticed the weight of the world pressing down on him. The struggles had grown heavier, the shadows darker. Her heart ached as he sat alone, feeling the impact of his condition that left him wheelchair-bound, reliant on others for assistance. She watched the deterioration of his body with helpless sorrow, knowing that his laughter was often drowned by frustration and fear.

Yet, despite the challenges, she also witnessed his moments of resilience. The love of his friends shone like a beacon, and Sally felt a swell of pride as she saw them rally around Percy, their laughter filling the space where despair threatened to take root. They became his lifeline, and in their companionship, she found solace, knowing they were there to hold him up when he felt he could not stand on his own.

Then came the day when Percy's world shifted once more. She watched as he faced the harsh truth of his diagnosis—a mix of neurological conditions that left her heart heavy with concern. Yet even in that moment, she could sense his determination. He refused to let the weight of his illness define him. The love and support from his friends surrounded him like an unbreakable shield.

As the seasons turned, Sally's heart swelled with warmth as she observed one particular day—Percy outside, surrounded by the laughter of his friends in the snow. The sight of them building a snowman, of Percy's joyful laughter ringing through the chilly air, brought tears to her eyes. It was a moment filled with love and light, a testament to the strength of their bond and the beauty of friendship.

Sally watched as Grover and Annabeth helped Percy navigate the challenges of the cold, guiding his hands in shaping the snow. She felt a profound sense of gratitude for the friends who had stepped into his life and offered their unwavering support. At that moment, she realized that even in her absence, Percy was surrounded by love.

"Keep going, my brave boy," she whispered to the winds, hoping he could hear her encouragement. "You are not alone."

As the snow fell softly around them, she marveled at how her son had grown—how he had transformed the weight of his struggles into something beautiful. He was a fighter, and in the face of adversity, he had found a way to embrace joy. The love of his friends illuminated his path, guiding him through the darkest of times.

Sally felt a peace wash over her, knowing that despite the trials ahead, Percy was never truly alone. She would always be there in spirit, watching over him, cheering him on from the heavens above. She would remain a silent protector, a gentle whisper in the wind, forever proud of the man he was becoming.

"Keep shining, Percy," she said softly, her voice a gentle caress in the ether. "Keep shining."