When Lemet left, Myrto didn't go inside right away. She sat on the stairs, looking at the ocean, and for the second time in a few days she was thinking that her mind was going back and forth, back and forth, just like the waves.
"I must be crazy", she thought, "how can I even consider staying in Katafygio? I would probably never see my family again, it would bring such shame over them, and also over the Astanna sisters and the whole of Manthos. They would all reject me and think the worst of me! And yet - my mind is playing with me. What if I stayed?"
- Oh you stupid, stupid woman, she said out loud. What have you done? And Omiros!! How could you betray his affection in such a vile way? You are a terrible, terrible person!
- Myrto? Why are you sitting here in the shadows talking to yourself? Are you crying?
- Oh Bansabira! You startled me!
- What's wrong cousin? Is it your foot?
- No, no, it's just... It was probably that earthquake, it was so very scary the whole thing.
- Yes, I know! It was traumatizing. Thank Astanna nobody was seriously hurt.
- This has not been a good trip for you cousin. First you got sick and unable to perform, then the quake. Are you okay now?
- Yes, it's not that. I just... Bansabira suddenly fell into tears.
- I don't know what to do! I'm so torn! You know I care about Theia very much, and she has changed my life in so many ways, but now she wants me to move in with her in the temple community, and we all know what that means: no husband, no children, no normal family life. My mother will be so disappointed!
- You shouldn't deny yourself happiness because of what others may think! And aunt Eira will come around, I'm sure. What do you want? Deep down?
- I don't know! It would be nice to have children and a family, but I love Theia so much! I don't know if I can live without her.
- You just have to decide what would be the most difficult for you, to live without her, or to live without those other things. You must follow your heart, right?
- Well think about it this way: If there is another big earthquake in the future and you knew you would die. What would you regret more? Sharing your life with Theia, or not sharing your life with Theia? What is your heart telling you?
- Holy happenings, you are right. I love her. I really, really love her.
- No buts! It's that simple actually. I will follow my heart, and my heart says follow Theia.
- So you will give up everything and move in to the temple?
- Yes! It's the right thing for me to do, despite what everyone else might think. Thank you Myrto, for making that clearer to me!
- I'm so glad you found it helpful . These things are not easy.
- No, they are not. But also it is very easy when you love someone. Now, we should start packing and get ready for our journey back. Are you coming inside?
- No, I will just go for a little swim first to get freshened up and clear my mind.
- Okay. You want me to stay?
- No, no, I will be fine!
"Follow your heart! Follow your heart!" Myrto's own words were like a echo inside, mocking her for her doubts and indecisiveness.
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