The sun had just barely started tinting the sky with its golden light that morning. My groggy body shivered right after escaping Morpheus’ clutches, almost as if to shake my nightmare away. The stillness that so often accompanied dawn soothed me as I stretched, glad to have finally escaped the horrible memories of the last day of my old life. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed my sisters were still sound asleep nearby. While Stheno was propped up against one of the stone walls, Euryale was splayed out just a few feet away. A fond smile settled on my face as I watched them, gratitude heavy in my chest. My days had been so desolate since the goddess had cursed me, and my sisters’ presence was all that interrupted my solitude.
Despite being born so different to them, they always loved me and took care of me; especially after what Poseidon had done. But, despite their best efforts, nothing could go back to the way it was. Sure, they could comfort me and tell me about the things they saw when they hid among the mortal townsfolk, but they couldn’t ever look at me. Their unconditional affection never went unnoticed, but it still hurt to know that I was always a glance away from accidentally killing my sisters. Soon, I found that a frown had overtaken my expression and decided that a walk would do me good.
It was a quiet morning, with only a light rustling of plants in the wind and the skittering of woodland creatures interrupting the silence. I admired the beauty surrounding me as I strolled among the trees. It had been years since I ran away with my sisters to the cave, although I never really got used to so much greenery as a part of my day-to-day life.
And that’s when I heard them: a set of voices.
“Why did you even want to come out here, Alena?” A man’s voice spoke exasperatedly. “You’re not familiar with these woods. They’re known for being home to several monsters.”
“I asked you to bring me here, brother,” replied Alena. “Because I’d like to have a day to myself in nature, regardless of monsters.”
“For Gods’ sake, Alena, at what point does your whim to be in nature outweigh your sense of self-preservation? I said there’s monsters here!”
“I heard you the first time, Leander. You don’t need to shout. Besides, has anyone actually confirmed the presence of these creatures you’re so afraid of?”
Peeking out slightly from my hiding place, I glanced at the pair with mild curiosity. The young woman held onto her brother’s arm as he continued his attempts at persuading her into returning home. Her expression was determined as her gaze fixed on the ground before her. Her brother’s warnings didn’t seem to bother her in the slightest. Shortly after, the young man gave in and allowed his sister to remain in the forest. She sat down on a tree stump and held her brother’s hand briefly before letting him go. He promised to return before dusk and reminded her to be wary of monsters.
Once Leander was far enough, I approached the young woman carefully, not wanting to startle her. As I tiptoed, a twig inadvertently snapped under one of my feet. Her head whipped around to peek at the source of the noise, and we made eye contact for a moment. Horrified, I turned away from her and ran to hide behind a nearby boulder. A lump settled in my throat as I pressed my back against the stone. I swore at myself under my breath, anger and sadness taking hold of me. She had been innocent. Hell, she wasn’t even afraid of the prospect of being faced with monsters in these unfamiliar woods. She didn’t deserve to die. Tears pooled in my eyes when I suddenly heard her voice.
“Hello? Is someone out here?”
Confused yet relieved, I answered a shaky “I- Well, yes. Are you alright?”
“Why wouldn’t I be?” Alena sounded as disoriented as me. “I’m just sitting over here. I thought I heard something coming, though I’m relieved it’s a person and not a wild animal.”
Tentatively, I peered out from my hiding place and let out a breath when I noticed she wasn’t looking at me. Again, her eyes seemed unfocused as she looked at her surroundings. “Um, didn’t you see me earlier? Before I ran behind this boulder, I mean”. I started toward Alena once more.
She tilted her head, continuing to stare forward. “Oh, I’m blind. I couldn’t have seen you.”
Oh. She had been safe all along. I had made a fool of myself, though I much preferred having been careful rather than having risked turning her to stone. “Ah.” I sat down next to her, wanting to resume the conversation comfortably.
“So what’s your name, stranger? I’m-”
“Alena,” I breathed out.
“Yes… how did you know that?” She turned her head downwards to face me with furrowed brows.
“I may have accidentally overheard your conversation with your brother when you arrived here,” I replied sheepishly.
“Eavesdropping is considered rude, you know,” Alena stated playfully.
I chuckled awkwardly in acknowledgment. “Well, my name is Medusa.”
Alena stiffened up upon hearing my name. “Medusa? Like the Gorgon?”
Oh no. “Exactly like the Gorgon. Why do you ask?”
To my surprise, Alena’s expression softened into sadness, and perhaps pity. “You were cursed.”
“Yes.”
She paused for a moment, then she began feeling around for something then stopped on one of my hands. Alena held it gently with both of hers, running her thumbs over my knuckles. She remained quiet and silently recognized the implications of my curse. “People think that I’ve done something to offend the Gods, given my sightlessness. Even though I’ve said all the prayers I know and sought to please them in every way, they never showed me mercy. Thus people began saying I was cursed.”
I glanced at her sympathetically, knowing full well the desperation she must have felt her entire life. “The Gods never deserved any of it. They were never worthy of prayer, fear, or admiration. They are fickle and will only help if it benefits them in some way, yet you swear yourself to them. Let me tell you, Alena, gods are far from benevolent.” Years of resentment flooded my mind as I spoke with venom dripping from my words. The hand she held clenched in anger, encouraging her to strengthen her grip.
“You know, now that we’re this close I can hear some hissing, like that of snakes. Is that really your hair?” Alena inquired curiously. I laughed, but replied affirmatively. They’d been rather quiet until then, but started bustling ever since I ran to hide behind the rock earlier.
“Maybe us cursed folk should stick together,” Alena suggested shyly. “To take care of each other, of course.”
I smiled, feeling warmth blossom in my cheeks. “Maybe we should.”