Blooming Emotions

~Δεκαοκτώ

In the morning, I awoke to the warm sun on my face but a cold bed. Hades was nowhere in sight. Although I anticipated that outcome, it didn't sting any less. I had hoped he would wake me before he left, but as I have learned, not everything works out in my favor.

My chest seemed empty, and my head full. Or is that from my illness? I wanted to stay in bed all day. I yearn to bury myself under the covers and go back to sleep, but my nausea stirred once more in my stomach. I slowly got up—maybe walking around a bit will get the air unstuck in my stomach.

I moved downstairs, taking care not to slip down them through my slanting vision. I noticed my dead roses disappeared. Wow, Hades genuinely loathes them. But something glittering snatched my attention. I moved closer; my interest piqued.

On the counter, where my roses used to be, was a stunning brooch in the shape of a single rose. A note sat next to it. Are those real rubies and emeralds on the rose?

Oh, tell me Hades did not pay for this!

I picked up the note, scanning it:

Dear magnolia,

Although I have no remorse over the roses, you loved them dearly. Take this instead. It is much more dazzling than the other roses—and this will not wither away. I can hear your thoughts from here: Yes, the jewels are real, but I did not pay for them. Being the god of riches has a few perks.

By the time you read this, I will have left. For that, I am sorry—eternally sorry. Don't mourn me; I will always be near if you need me. I will take our case up with the Fates.

I love you.

Your adoring husband and forever dinner companion.

A tear dripped down my cheek. My lip wobbled, but before I could cry any further, my doorbell chimed. I set down the letter, my heart racing. Please don't be another rose delivery!

I crept toward the door, seeing a silhouette through the curtains. I answered the door, catching the person as they threw themselves at me. I staggered back. Hekate's coal-dark hair caught the light, and I tightened my hug.

"Oh, how I've missed you!" she screeched.

"I missed you, too," I said, setting her down on the floor. "Did Hades send you?"

"He did. At first, I wouldn't see him, but then he said that someone attacked you. I had to come!"

"Well—"

"What happened? Are you hurt?"

I cut off her fussing. "Hekate, I love you and all, but you're starting to sound like my mother."

She wrinkled her nose. "Oh, eww. Don't call me that. But honestly, are you okay?"

"I'm fine—thanks to Hades. He swooped in and saved me."

"Well, that's wonderful! And I've come to stay!"

I looked around to see the suitcases in my doorway. I showed Hekate to the room across from mine. "What about Dilys?" I asked.

"She is the one to take care of things at my residence. She won't be joining me."

As she leaned in to hug me, I had to vomit again. I raced to the bathroom only to dry heave. I guess that's what happens when you haven't eaten breakfast.

"Calantha? Oh, my! Are you all right?"

I dry heaved as an answer. Hekate traced something on my back and murmured in what I think is Latin. My stomach settled down, mollified by whatever spell she cast. I wiped the sweat off of my forehead.