The River Styx stretched out before us, its murky waters swirling with secrets and shadows. On the banks, the gods and I watched as two sisters, Aniya and Ella, were rowed across the river by Charon, the ferryman of Hades.
Persephone, the goddess of spring and death, watched with interest as the sisters sat in tense silence. She noticed Aniya's attempts to apologize, but Ella refused to acknowledge her.
"I'm not talking to you," Ella spat. "You are the reason we are dead and on our way to the underworld right now."
Aniya tried to defend herself. "Hey, I wasn't the one who killed you."
But Ella continued her rant. "But you are the reason I got stabbed and bled out. You couldn't stop talking shit about other people. I warned you not to say anything, but you did, and they stabbed us, and we bled out. Don't talk to me until we get off this boat and into the underworld."
Persephone couldn't help but chuckle at the sister's bickering. It was almost amusing how petty their argument was, considering they were on their way to the underworld. She turned to her fellow gods and whispered, "I wonder what they fought about in life, to still be arguing in death."
The gods shared a laugh, finding humor in the situation.
Persephone turned her attention back to the sisters, feeling a sense of pity for them. At least they have each other, she thought, even if they can't stand each other.
The boat ride continued, and Persephone couldn't help but eavesdrop on the sister's conversation. It was entertaining and a nice distraction from the gloomy surroundings.
Ella's harsh words continued. "You were always so selfish, Aniya. Always thinking about yourself and never considering the consequences of your actions."
Aniya tried to defend herself. "I may have made mistakes, but I never meant for this to happen."
Ella's words cut deep. "You never mean for anything to happen, yet it always does. You are the reason we are here."
Persephone couldn't help but interject. "Ladies, there's no need for such harsh words. You're both here now, and that's all that matters."
The sisters looked at her, surprised. Aniya spoke up. "Thank you, Persephone. I appreciate your kindness."
Ella rolled her eyes. "Fine. I'll talk to you. But only because we're stuck on this boat together."
Persephone smiled. At least they were talking now. She turned back to the gods and continued to watch the journey of the two sisters, knowing that their story was far from over.
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