Where You Go ― Jason Grace

vii. ophelia learns proper arugula maintenance

tw: mention of suicide

LEARNING ABOUT THE intricacies of growing vegetables in Venice wasn't as terrible as Ophelia had been expecting, but that didn't mean she wasn't practically dying of boredom by the time Frank returned with a snake in his hand.

"You found one!" the farmer god exclaimed.

Frank ignored him. He stormed into La Casa Negra—Ophelia swore he looked taller than he had when he'd left—dragging the python by its tail like a very strange Santa Claus bag, and dropped it next to the bed.

He knelt at Hazel's side.

Ophelia had kept a close eye on the daughter of Pluto while Triptolemus was telling her about the ideal soil conditions for growing basil, and she hadn't improved. But she was still alive—green and shivering, barely breathing, but alive.

And Nico was still a corn plant. Ophelia hadn't been able to convince the god to turn him back.

"Heal them," Frank said. "Now."

Triptolemus crossed his arms. "How do I know the snake will work?"

"The snake is a gift from Mars," Frank growled. "It will work."

As if on cue, the python slithered over to the chariot and wrapped itself around the right wheel. The other snake woke up. The two serpents checked each other out, touching noses, then turned their wheels in unison. The chariot inched forward, its wings flapping.

"You see?" Frank said. "Now, heal my friends!"

Trip tapped his chin. "Well, thank you for the snake, but I'm not sure I like your tone, demigod. Perhaps I'll turn you into—"

Ophelia watched with wide eyes as Frank lunged at the god and slammed him into the wall, his fingers locked around the god's throat.

If she hadn't been afraid of Frank before, she was downright terrified now.

"Think about your next words," Frank warned, deadly calm. "Or you'll be marrying Thanatos before you marry anyone else."

Triptolemus gulped. "You know... I think I'll heal your friends."

"Swear it on the River Styx."

"I swear it on the River Styx."

Frank released him. Trip touched his throat, as if making sure it was still there. He gave Frank a nervous smile, edged around him, and scurried off to the front room. "Just—just gathering herbs!"

Ophelia looked at Frank with wary eyes. "Did... did you get taller?"

Frank frowned in confusion, but returned his attention back to the god as Trip picked leaves and roots and crushed them in a mortar. He rolled a pill-sized ball of green goop and jogged to Hazel's side. He placed the gunk ball under Hazel's tongue.

Instantly, Hazel shuddered and sat up, coughing. Her eyes flew open. The greenish tint in his skin disappeared.

She looked around, bewildered, until she saw Frank and Ophelia. "What—?"

Frank tackled her in a hug. "You're going to be fine," he said fiercely. "Everything is fine."

"But..." Hazel stared at him in confusion and amazement. "Frank, what happened to you?"

"To me?" Frank stood. "I don't..." He looked down and realized what Hazel meant.

Yeah, he'd definitely gotten taller.

"Uh... I don't... Maybe I can fix it," Frank stammered.

Ophelia raised an eyebrow. "Why? You look great, dude."