7. Everybody Is Better As a Statue

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Grover cautiously approached Sally Jackson's apartment as Chiron's words echoed through his mind.

Be honest, be blunt, and most of all—comfort her.

He blinked back tears as he stood in front of her door. The place looked just like it did the last time he was here, when he was searching for Percy. The outside of the apartment still looked rundown, and Grover could hear the sound of an ESPN sports broadcaster drone about so-and-so team and how well they were doing this season. The scene was too normal for the kind of news Grover was about to deliver.

He knocked on the door with a bated breath. Had Hades kept his promise? Was that sorry excuse of a human still there? Was she—

"Grover, what a pleasant surprise!" Sally Jackson said, her blue eyes sparkling.

Before he could respond or gather his thoughts, Sally Jackson was hugging him. Grover felt all the wind leave his lungs, metaphorically and physically speaking. He wanted to scream. God, he got her son killed and she's here, hugging him.

"Where's Percy?" Sally asked after breaking the hug.

Grover simply shook his head. "You might want to sit down for this."

Immediately, Sally's demeanor changed. Gone was the happy person, and now in her place was someone expecting the worst.

"Oh, I see." Her voice shook as she spoke. "Let's go inside, shall we?"

Grover nodded and followed her inside. Immediately, he was overcome by the smell of beer and cigars, of chips and human stench. Gabe was playing poker with three of his friends without a care in the world. He tried not to gag as Gabe looked at him.

"Hey, Sally! That meatloaf done yet or what?" Gabe yelled at them from across the living room.

Sally's knuckles tightened as she responded to his question. "Almost, my dear."

Grover started to fidget as Sally's gaze was again set on him.

"How about we go somewhere else to talk? Then you can tell me what happened to my son." Sally said, her lips tight.

Grover took a seat in the oh-so-small dining chair and immediately began telling her about what happened on the quest. He tried to sugarcoat certain parts (such as Percy falling off the St. Louis arch) but judging by her expression, he wasn't doing a good job. He started to slow down once he reached the part regarding...the pit.

"He saved us all," Grover said as Sally stared at him in shock, "We couldn't have finished the quest without him. Your son's a hero. "

Sally burst into tears. "My boy, my baby boy..."

Grover felt tears leak out of his eyes. Gods, he couldn't believe he failed again.

"I'm sorry, but, I need a minute." Sally whispered as she got up. "Feel free to stay for dinner." Grover nodded, though he didn't have plans to stay. He didn't want to strain Ms. Jackson too much.

Grover heard Sally stumble through the hallway and open the door to a room. He winced as he heard her sobbing.

"Sally, get me a beer!" Grover heard Gabe yell from the living room.

Grover's vision went red as he stalked towards the fridge. He quickly found a beer bottle, and walked to the living room.

"Here." Grover said as he practically threw the bottle at Gabe's head.

"Hey, watch it—"

"She found out her son just died, can you give her a break?"

Grover was livid. God, all the stories he heard from Percy didn't even do the guy justice.

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⏰ Last updated: Jul 24, 2018 ⏰

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