All About the Author

      Ciao, I am Mia, a writer, reader, journalist, traveler, soccer player, and so much more. I was born on February 16, 2014 and have always been an independent, creative, and an imaginative person. Last year I traveled all over Europe with my family, visiting over 14 countries and 42 cities. On this spectacular adventure I was so lucky to get the opportunity to live in Lisbon, Portugal for half the year. I got the privilige to see their culture and experience the food. I went to a public school with kids from all around the world. I even got a chance to learn a bit of their language! Throughout my life I’ve been completing diaries and journals. Writing is a way to get my feelings out. I love doing creative writing. I also enjoy playing around with my thoughts and ideas. I like to think of it as a game. I always felt safer writing under a roof. I spend my time at school, on a soccer field, in a music studio, and most likely in a plane. My favorite subject is writing and reading. My favorite author is Kelly Yang, author of Front Desk. As much as I love being under a roof, I enjoy my outdoor activities heavily. I play soccer and love to do track with my family. My family consists of my Mom, Dad, little brother, and my Australian shepherd, Kona. I love my family, especially both of my grandmothers. It is always nice to know someone gets you. I love every aspect of my life and everything I do. Once again, Ciao!

Chapter 3

     I was in my room listening to my favorite song Good 4 U by Olivia Rodrigo while watching the thunder crackle in the distance. Father always told me that Zeus was up at the top of the Empire State Building on the 600th floor and when thunder raged that meant Zeus was mad. Well Zeus was steaming mad today. Suddenly when the chorus just began I heard a crash. Then- whoa, let me start from the very beginning. I am Kristy, 13 years old, and love Greek mythology. 5 years ago my mom died of cancer leaving me with my dad. Most of the time he is at work and doesn’t arrive till' late. He is always on trips to Manhattan. We live in Brooklyn, New York.  

       Today was the first day of spring and all was going well till this… I woke up in my room with my dad. He just ended a call of some sort. He looks at me with the softest tones of his eyes. He is going to call me sunflower I think. “Sunflower",called it!, “ I have something extremely complicated to tell you. So you have to listen closely and don’t faint till the very end, okay?" I feel worry sweep through my fingers. I look at my father then nod unpleasantly. “Good, what you saw earlier was a giant lady but not just any lady, she was Athena. Speaking of Athena, Avery is in her home, she knows exactly what is happening and we will get to that ladder. So you know the trips, secret calls, and the days when I stay up all night? Why? Well I work at the Empire State Building for one of the most important gods of history as a messenger. We spy on the underworld to make sure everything is in order.” He explained. We, I think. But father knows exactly what I am thinking. “ Me and your mom worked with your older sister, don’t ask any questions. Your sister wanted to keep her identity secret to everyone but her fellow employees. She is currently 21, supposed to be 26. Only 5 years older than you right now apparently. She loved you so much and wish she could be part of your life. Today was her birthday and the day she was going to tell you all of this. But Hades found her and turned her to stone, stopping her life completely. She didn’t find me and your mom. Your mom was desperate to save her finding herself stone as well. Your sister's name is Kate and Zeus thought she was a perfect soldier. He keeps our family going and gives us these marks on our ankles of eternal life. Now it is your turn and you will be getting yours tomorrow. Now you can faint.” 

     My dad leaves the room in tears, I know this is probably a lot for him. I put on my headphones and listen to music to help me digest what my dad just said. Crash. I hear glass shatter. I sprint down the stairs. “Dad!” No answer. He's gone! 

     Splash! The water sings through my body brushing me with its cool forces. I glide gracefully swimming as if I were a dolphin. As I feel a sense of belonging. I've always felt more like myself in a swimsuit. I see the opening to the slide as I fall down, down, down. The sound of splashing and waves crashing is peaceful. As I lower my head in the water I hear silence drifting fatale voices from the surface bringing mindfulness to myself. There has never been a place I rather be then in a pool, hot tub, beach, or anywhere in a swimsuit; because feeling like you belong is a feeling I've never been attached too. But feeling welcomes a whole other thing that water always has to offer. It has always been a part of who I am. The water will always be a safe place for me. 

    I step on to the beach with my blue long sleeve suit with my blue popsicle bottoms. I breath in the fresh air and...