55

After dinner Athena disappeared downstairs to tend to her dogs and get into comfortable clothes. "Maverick, Sage come eat." Athena called. The dogs quickly trotted over and began eating their raw food, while Athena headed to her closet for some sweatpants and sat on the futon. She shut her eyes and relaxed her body however her quiet was interrupted when she felt arms around her neck. "Hey Carol." Athena said. Carol smiled. "How'd you know it was me?" Athena opened her eyes and looked at Carol. "Because you're the only one who comes into my room that isn't mom or Aunt Yelena."

Carol moved from behind Athena to sitting on her lap. "Today was one of the best days I've had in a long time." Carol said. "I'm glad, but I'm sensing a but coming up." Athena replied. "Yes there is a but..." Carol said. "What is it?" Athena asked. "I have to go off planet...for a while." Carol stated. "A while? So what like a week, month, year?" Athena asked. "I'm not sure how long I'll be gone..." Carol murmured. "So...is this our breakup conversation?" Athena asked. Carol was silent for a moment but nodded. "Yea...I'm sorry." Carol whispered. Athena nodded solemnly. "Yea...ok." Athena whispered. "I don't want you to wait for me, I won't ask you to." Carol added. Athena looked up at Carol. "Be safe out there in space ok..." Athena whispered. "I'll do my best." Carol said as she stood up and left the room.

Athena sat on her futon as everything sank in. Carol was leaving for some sort of mission in outer space. They broke up. She was single again. Carol didn't want her to wait for her. She wanted her to move on. Could she move on? Did she want to move on? Thoughts flooded her mind as she let her dogs out before crawling into her bed. Her heart ached knowing Carol wouldn't be here in the morning.