Lascia turns and addresses Adone harshly, “Soft-brain! Did you forget whom she belongs to? And where she must return in six months? She is not a free woman!”

“Yes, I am,” I interrupt, my voice strong and clear. “For six months, I am my own woman and belong to nobody but myself. My wishes and my desires are my own. Zeus granted me this. Why should I stop living during these six months just because I will return to the underworld?”

Adone kisses me on the brow. “I hope you get your heart’s wish, Persephone. It is such a small thing when you think about all the suffering you have endured. I will pray to the gods for you.”

I thank Adone and turn to Lascia. Her eyes shine with sympathy. She says, “I will also pray for you, Persephone, though I know too well the fickleness of the gods and how quickly all that we love can be taken away from us.”

~

That night, I walk the long miles to Aphrodite’s temple. I prostrate myself before her statue and pray with all of my heart: Please, please grant my heart’s desire.