Chapter 6 Hera’s past
When Hera was 8 years old, despite being raised in an ordinary household where her parents were often busy with work, they always made time to pick her up from school and share family dinners together. Hera cherished the warmth of her family, and her grandfather would frequently visit their small apartment to spend time with her. She couldn't have asked for more loving and supportive parents.
On her parents' 9th wedding anniversary, they planned a trip to Bali, Indonesia, to celebrate, with Hera eagerly included. However, the night before their departure, Hera caught a cold. Not wanting to spoil her parents' excitement for their vacation or their time together, she chose to stay home, comforted by her grandfather's promise to take care of her in their absence.
Reluctantly, the Avery couple embarked on their vacation. Little did they know that it would be the last time they would see each other.
Tragically, the airplane they were on experienced engine failure while flying at thousands of feet above the ground. The aircraft crashed into the sea and sank to the ocean floor. Retrieving the passengers' bodies proved to be a challenging task for the search and rescue teams, requiring the use of Deep-Submergence Rescue Vehicles (DSRVs). Due to the extent of the damage, many of the bodies were unrecognizable, and it took the team months to recover and identify them.
Upon hearing the news of his son and daughter-in-law's tragic demise, the elder Mr. Avery was overcome with shock and grief. Though he managed to recover physically, the toll of the news was evident—the distress had turned his once-black hair white overnight. He grappled with the daunting task of breaking the devastating news to his young granddaughter. While devastated by the loss, he knew he had to remain strong; he was now the sole guardian responsible for Hera's well-being. Aware that there were opportunistic wolves waiting to pounce on their family's vulnerabilities, he understood that if he faltered, Hera would be left vulnerable. She wouldn't stand a chance against them on her own.
On the day of the Avery couple's funeral, a multitude of well-known individuals, friends, and business partners gathered to pay their respects. However, it was evident that some attendees were more interested in assessing the state of the remaining Avery family members and strategizing their next moves.
In the solemn atmosphere, the elderly Mr. Avery and his granddaughter silently stood by the couple's coffins, their grief palpable. Hera struggled to contain her sobs, grappling with feelings of guilt for what she perceived as jinxing her parents.
Sensing Hera's internal turmoil, the old master Avery gently addressed her, his voice thick with emotion. "Don't blame yourself, my dear. No one wished for this tragedy to unfold. If I may be selfish for a moment, I am grateful that you fell ill, sparing you from sharing their fate. If you were to leave me too, I couldn't bear it. So, Hera, you must persevere, face adversity head-on, and live as long as possible. I long to see my great-grandchildren one day," he implored, his words punctuated by tears.
Hera, a perceptive and intelligent young girl, grappled with the weight of her emotions, though she was still just a child. Despite grasping her grandfather's intentions, she couldn't shake off the burden of self-blame, unsure of how to navigate life moving forward.
Meanwhile, amidst the guests entertained by the old Master Avery, Hera sought solace outside, retreating to a quiet corner. There, she unexpectedly encountered Athena, nestled near the fragrant flower garden, joyfully indulging in a lollipop as if festivities were afoot instead of mourning.
Unperturbed by Athena's contrasting demeanor, Hera understood that others weren't obliged to mourn as deeply as she and her grandfather did. In fact, she longed for the carefree demeanor Athena exuded. Yet, at that moment, loneliness and sadness engulfed her.