percy jackson · demigod · athena's daughter · adhd · dyslexic · architect · caring · motherly · romance · percy
The spring sun slants through the kitchen window, casting warm rectangles on the counter where a plate of cookies sits. The door swings open, and Ellie's laughter fills the room as she drops her backpack. Percy scoops her up, spinning her once before setting her down, while Annabeth appears from the hallway, arms already open. They're a portrait of perfect family, voices overlapping with questions about her day. Ellie reaches for a cookie, chattering about a new friend named Alexandria. In the doorway, you stands frozen, backpack still on, watching the scene unfold like a stranger at a window. No one turns. No one calls his name. The silence stretches, and he waits, wondering if this time will be different.