Hera

Come in

Sit down

I too was surprised

By my words

Taking unusually bold strides

She sat

On the empty chair

Opposite me

But lowered her chin

Avoiding my eyes

It’s OK

We may look at each other

We may?

I sensed her ask

You don’t want to push me away?

You may stay

I lied

Feeling an enormous repulsion

Well up inside

She shifted uneasily in her chair

We sat in silence for a while

Together

Until I could no longer bare

The pressure

So!

You thought you would creep up on me once more

To drown me in your paralysing tide

No!

That’s why this time

I left the door

Wide

Open

Look me in the eyes!

I cried

She would not

Get out!

I screamed

She would not

OK

I whispered

You win

Stay

But I won’t be engulfed by your fog

Not anymore

I’ll make space for you

On my own chair

Accept that you are here

Ever so near

Yes

It’s true

What can I do?

At least I am alive!