Achilles pulsed with choices and possibilities as he felt the eyes of one person more than anyone, Rose, who clutched his hand tightly for warmth beside him.
Granny Lila's gaze never wavered.
She took a step forward, the soft clack of her cane against the vine-grown stone echoing louder than any fanfare. Her eyes, deep with years of time, pain, and joy, locked onto Achilles'.
"You're cautious and afraid," she said gently. Not accusatory. Just true. "And I don't blame you."
Achilles said nothing as he listened, waiting to hear what other words of wisdom Granny Lila could provide.
Granny Lila's voice softened further, yet somehow it filled the entire platform.
