CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE: ATHENA

I woke up to the sound of my mother singing, echoing through the house. But it couldn't be her, could it? She was dead, wasn't she? Confusion clouded my mind as I stumbled out of bed, drawn by the haunting yet comforting melody of her voice. The singing led me to the kitchen, where I found her, standing before the stove, cooking breakfast. I couldn't help but stare at her in shock.

Before I could say anything to call her attention, she turned to face me, and a low scream left her lips, "Oh, Athena, you scared the hell out of me. Why didn't you say something when you entered?" my mother said as she let out a soft sigh and smiled at me.

"I apologize, mother," I said as a small smile formed on my face. She must surely be a figure of my imagination, right? I thought to myself as I walked towards her and pulled her into a hug. She didn't disappear; she was real.

Tears sprung to my eyes as I tightened my hold on her. I don't know what was going on, but it felt good to hug her again.

"Sweeti