Blooming Emotions

~Δεκαεννέα

Before I knew what happened, it was May. I don't even remember April, to be honest. I missed Hades during the day, wishing he would visit, and became sick by night. Hekate kept up her promise and would help every time I threw up, grew nauseous, got a nosebleed, or got a headache.

But the constant nausea and vomiting meant that I lost weight and retained very little of it. My hair was even a bit thinner. By the end of April, I resembled what I looked like in August of last year. Hekate did her best to get me to keep some weight. I am grateful for everything that she has done for me.

My twenty-third birthday crept closer, but I had no interest in celebrating. The only thing that I wanted was my husband to return.

Hekate shook me awake. "Calantha, I know you're sick, but you're not allowed to sleep the day away!"

I glared at her. "I am dying."

She pinched me. "Gods can't die!"

I laughed and hugged her. "I am glad that you're back."

Hekate has been gone for the past three days, getting me a birthday present. "I am glad to be back. Now, come on, I have your gift."

"But, my birthday is tomorrow."

"That doesn't matter."

I climbed out of bed, ran a brush through my hair, and met Hekate downstairs. She handed me a wrapped gift. I tore off the wrapping paper—it's a scrapbook. I turned a page, and my breath caught in my throat. They were all pictures of Hades.

They were quick snapshots of him: some at his desk, some of him reading, some of him on his throne. There were even a few photos of Kerberos. "Oh, Hekate," I whispered. "It's beautiful."

"Thank you. It took me all three days to get any usable pictures. Hades really doesn't like his picture taken."

I reached forward, embracing my best friend. We were pulled apart by a knock at the door. I frowned. Who is it?

Hekate answered it. "Κυρία τισ Σιταριο," she said, her voice cold.

"Κυρία του Σκότους," the all-too-familiar voice of my mother reached my ears. "May I come in?"

Hekate looked back at me, and I nodded. Hekate moved back, and my mother stepped past her. "Oh, Calantha, you look sick."

I'm a little past 'sick.' I'm considered 'terminal' at this point.

"Yeah, that's what happens when you take someone who belongs to the Underworld, out of it."

My mother ignored Hekate's comment.

"Your birthday is tomorrow, and I want to celebrate Beltane like we always do. Like we did."

I sighed. "I don't know, mother. What you did upset me."

"I only lied about your father to protect you."

"I don't want to hear your excuses, mother. I will think about it, okay?"

"Okay, I suppose." She awkwardly cleared her throat. "I will be right back."

"What did your mom want?" Hekate asked, moving from the kitchen once the door clicked shut.

I rolled my eyes. "To ask if we could still celebrate Beltane—as if I don't wish that she was out of my life."

Hekate laughed and patted my hand. "Well, Calantha, you do whatever feels right to you."