Wedding
456 Words
Chapter 38: Hera and Orion
Months passed, and Hera’s voice on the phone slowly changed.
She sounded happier.
More thoughtful.
One evening she finally brought Orion home.
Apollo opened the door and studied the young man carefully.
Orion stood politely with a small smile.
“Hello, sir.”
Apollo crossed his arms slightly.
“So you’re the philosopher.”
Orion looked nervous.
“I try.”
Athena appeared behind Apollo and laughed softly.
“Come inside before Apollo starts an interrogation.”
During dinner Orion spoke calmly about books, ideas, and dreams.
Apollo slowly relaxed.
After a while he leaned toward Athena and whispered:
“He reminds me of someone.”
Athena smiled.
“Yes.”
Apollo sighed.
“That’s exactly what worries me.”
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Chapter 39: The Conversation
Later that night Apollo found Hera sitting in the garden.
She was looking at the stars.
“You love him,” Apollo said gently.
Hera nodded slowly.
“I think so.”
Apollo sat beside her.
“When I first met your mother,” he said, “I didn’t know what love really meant.”
Hera looked at him.
“What does it mean?”
Apollo thought for a moment.
“It means choosing the same person again and again… even when life becomes complicated.”
Hera smiled.
“That sounds like you and Mom.”
Apollo laughed softly.
“That’s because your mother is the best decision I ever made.”
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Chapter 40: Athena’s Wisdom
Inside the house Athena spoke quietly with Orion.
“You care about Hera,” she said.
Orion nodded.
“Very much.”
Athena looked at him seriously but kindly.
“She is strong. Intelligent. And sometimes stubborn.”
Orion smiled.
“I’ve noticed.”
Athena continued:
“If you ever hurt her, you’ll have to deal with Apollo.”
Orion laughed nervously.
“I believe that.”
Then Athena’s expression softened.
“But if you love her the way Apollo loves me… you’ll understand something beautiful.”
“What?”
“That love is not about perfection.”
She smiled gently.
“It’s about growing together.”
⸻
Chapter 41: The Wedding
Years later the garden behind the house was full of lights and flowers.
Friends and family gathered for a celebration.
Hera stood in a white dress beside Orion.
Apollo watched from a distance.
Athena noticed his expression.
“You’re emotional,” she teased.
Apollo wiped his eye.
“I’m not crying.”
Athena smiled.
“You absolutely are.”
Apollo looked at Hera walking toward the ceremony.
“I remember when she was born.”
Athena took his hand.
“And now she’s beginning her own story.”
Apollo whispered quietly:
“Just like we did.”
- Writer
