Page 12 of Flowers Near Me

Peter turned to Persephone with a smile. “Oh, I assumed you two would stay up. Of course, our little night owl over here still woke up at five thirty, even after staying up past ten.”

Helena giggled.

“Are you tired?” Persephone asked as she sat next to Helena.

“Nope!”

So much like Laura. Her niece’s quirks and resilience mirrored her mother’s natural confidence, something Persephone had always tried to emulate, even if she’d never admit it.

Helena picked up a blue crayon and began shading the shirt of a figure on her paper, her little hands moving with focused intent. Calming swirls of blue and purple filled the page. Persephone found herself entranced by the simple rhythm of the strokes, the soothing colors, and the melodic hum of Helena’s song. The pressure in her chest slowly unraveled, tension bleeding away with each sip of coffee.

But two cups later, her mind began to spiral again.Why hasn’t Mom called me back?How did Hades manage to buy an app I already owned?Was Eurydice a traitor, or was she forced into it?

When Helena had to touch her aunt’s cheek to get her attention, Persephone snapped out of her thoughts, offering a quick apology. Excusing herself, she retreated to the guest room to grab her running shoes, sunglasses, and a baseball hat. Within minutes, she was outside, the townhouse door clicking shut behind her.

Sprawling oaks lined the sidewalk and the air smelled like laundry and baked goods. She walked past a woman wearing leggings and a fitted tank top with a yoga mat slung over one shoulder. Minutes later, an older man nodded a hello as he held the leashes of four tiny but vocal dachshunds. Eventually the sidewalk widened, and rows of bricked buildings turned into taller oaks and maples. A few fiery leaves peeked through the green branches. An iron fence spanned the perimeter of a grassy field with footpaths and flowering shrubs. Persephone rolled her shoulders back and picked up her walking pace. Parents pushing strollers lifted one hand in greeting, squirrels darted left and right on the sidewalk, and the crisp air grew heavy.

Reaching into her shorts’ pocket, Persephone pulled out her phone. There was one unread message from her mom, which she opened immediately.

Mom

Ran into issues. Will keep you posted.

Persephone’s heart sank. She typed back:

Persephone

Alright. Let me know what I can do.

She dabbed the sheen of sweat on her face, then pushed up her sleeves and continued on the park’s path. She drew deep breaths in and out, trying—and failing—to shed the worry at her mom’s reply. After fifteen minutes, she left the park and headed back to her sister’s townhouse when her phone pinged.

Laura

Get back here. Hell has broken loose.

Persephone

What happened?? I’m coming!

She broke into a run, halving the length of the return trip.Fates,what had Laura meant by that? Now her heart was racing so fast, she felt a pounding in her ears.

Parked outside the townhouse was a gunmetal-gray SUV with impossibly dark windows. Two suited men she didn’t recognize stood near it with arms crossed and tight frowns on their faces. Once she approached the front steps, they each gave her a smile and nod. Too confused as to what they were doing outside her sister’s, she returned the gesture and hurried to the townhouse’s entrance.

Skipping steps two at a time, Persephone launched herself towards the door and swung it open.

“Persephone!” Her assistant Hermes stood in the middle of the foyer, dark bags under his eyes and the tight curls of his hair tousled. Persephone rushed towards him as she yanked off her hat and sunglasses.

“Hermes!” They exchanged a brief hug. “Why are you here?”

Had he been crying?No tears lined his brown eyes, but the whites were red.

“Your mom asked me to stop here this morning.”

“Oh? Why didn’t you text me?”

“She said not to contact you. I’m so sorry. I really wanted to reach out, especially last night. I can’t believe this is happening.”

Her coffee churned in her stomach. A mix of low voices sounded from the kitchen. “What’s going on? Did Hades steal the flower app?”

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