Page 48 of Atlas: The Story of Pa Salt
Her grip on my hand tightened, and her eyes grew wide. ‘Tell me I didn’t just dream that, Bo?’
‘No, you didn’t,’ I replied.
Her face lit up. ‘I didn’t think I did!’ She broke out into a laugh, then threw her arms around me. ‘Hello, Bo!’
‘Hello, Elle.’ I felt euphoric. ‘I love you.’
‘I love you too!’ She practically squealed with excitement. ‘Oh Bo, I’ve been waiting so long for you to speak to me. I knew you could! But tell me, why has it taken you all this time?’
I looked up into the clear Parisian sky, where the Seven Sisters twinkled. ‘Before I explain to you why I took a vow of silence, tell me... do you know about the Pleiades star cluster, Elle?’
She shook her head, still somewhat in disbelief that we were actually conversing. ‘No... I must confess that I do not.’
‘Well, I can think of no better topic for our first conversation. I have not been able to share their story with another for so long.’
She leant her head on my shoulder. ‘Then tell me, Bo.’
‘Do you see the brightest star in the sky? Just above the church spire?’
‘Yes! How beautiful.’
‘Her name is Maia. Now, if you look closely, you’ll see some other bright stars surrounding her, in the shape of a waxing crescent moon.’
‘I can see...’
‘These are the other six of the Seven Sisters – from the top, Alcyone, Asterope, Taygete, Celaeno, Electra... and Merope, the missing sister.’
‘The missing sister? Why do they call her that? I can see her.’
‘I know, I’ve always thought that was interesting. I can only assume that she was missing once, and was found. I like to think of her star as hopeful. Now, to Merope’s left, can you make out one bright star on top of the other? The smaller is Pleione, and the larger... is Atlas.’ I took a deep breath. ‘They are the parents of the Seven Sisters.’
‘You talk about them as if they are real people, Bo.’
‘Who are we to say that they were not? The legend says that whilst their father was condemned to carry the weight of the world on his shoulders, the sisters were pursued by the relentless Orion. So, the all-powerful Zeus turned the girls into stars to comfort Atlas.’
Elle’s eyes sparkled as she stared up at the heavens. ‘How beautiful.’
‘I think so. There are other interpretations, of course, which are not quite as romantic. But this is the story I choose to believe.’ I looked back at Elle. ‘I have spent a large part of my life alone, but never without the stars above me. To me, they are my protectors.’ I looked down at my feet. ‘My father used to tell me that.’
‘Your father? Where is he, Bo?’
I shook my head. ‘I do not know. I have not seen him for years now. I set out to find him, but... although it is hard to admit, I do not believe he is alive.’
‘And your mother?’
‘Dead.’
‘I am so sorry, Bo.’
I dared to put my arm around her. ‘It is a situation you have endured for your entire life.’
‘Which is why I sympathise so much.’ She put a hand on my cheek. ‘Sincerely, I am so very sorry.’
A lump unexpectedly arrived in my throat. ‘Thank you, Elle.’
‘So tell me... why have you chosen to speak to me today? You could have opened your mouth at any time, my darling!’
I paused to consider her question. ‘Well, it is Christmas Day after all – a time which reminds us that we are only alive once, and must not waste a moment.’
