If I Had Words

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“Psyche!” Cydippe said, rushing to her. 

Psyche had been home a few weeks and after her visit with Chloe, had gained enough courage to go back to her work around the kingdom. 

The king and queen had made sure not to encourage worshippers or a shrine of any kind. And a proclamation had been sent out among the people not to send any gifts to Psyche under any circumstances!

Psyche had encouraged the people privately to simply help each other as a way to thank her. 

“The best gift you can give me,” she’d told them, “is the help you give each other.” 

That seemed to suit everyone rather well. That’s what they had been doing in her memory when she went away.

The sisters had now arrived and had been waiting for Psyche in the family sitting room. Psyche had received word and had rushed back to the palace from her work in the village. 

Cydippe embraced Psyche.

“Tell us everything,” Cydippe said, leading her over to Aglaura who took a turn giving her a hug.

Psyche summarized the story she’d now told so many times. She added in a few details she felt her sisters would understand.  

“It was all real,” Psyche concluded. “My husband turned out to be a god. I had been living in paradise.”

“I can’t believe it, Psyche,” Cydippe said. “And Eros, of all the gods too! Oh, was he absolutely handsome?”

“Eros is so handsome, you literally cannot stand in his presence. Your knees completely give out,” Psyche said, stifling a giggle. 

“Ooo,” Cydippe said, biting her lip and smiling. 

Psyche couldn’t help a smile too. It had been wonderful while it lasted. 

“It’s a shame,” Cydippe said. “And we are really quite sorry. We never should have planted that idea into your head.”

Psyche noticed Aglaura wasn’t nearly as talkative as Cydippe. No competing among the sisters today. 

“No,” Psyche said. “You were both right. I couldn’t have remained there in the dark and been happy. As much as there was good, it just wasn’t right. I needed to be free.”

“Do you feel free?” Aglaura said. 

“I feel better,” Psyche said.

“Really?” Aglaura pressed.

If Aglaura had asked her that first night home, Psyche would have said she was completely miserable.

But, the following days and weeks had helped Psyche truly feel better.  

“I am sad that I cannot be with my husband anymore,” Psyche said, honestly. “I really did come to love him, even before I knew who he was.”

“What did you love about him?” Cydippe asked. 

“I loved how he viewed the world. I loved his openness and curiosity. He was interested in so many things. I loved how he believed in me and seemed to really care for me,” Psyche said. “He’s like no one I’ve ever met and likely the most wonderful person I’ll ever know.” 

“You have to go back,” Aglaura said, suddenly.

Psyche had heard this enough times that she easily shrugged it off.

“He won’t want me,” Psyche said. “And besides, I don’t know that there is a way back.” 

“Of course he’ll want you!” Cydippe said. “He must still love you.”

“You must find a way,” Aglaura said, with growing intensity. “There must be a way.” 

Psyche shook her head. Her sisters didn’t understand. 

“It’s not possible,” Psyche said, turning away from them. 

“Psyche, you must!” Aglaura insisted. 

Psyche faced Aglaura, stunned.  

Aglaura composed herself.

“Psyche, we have done wrong. We have stolen your happiness,” Aglaura said. 

Aglaura bowed her head.

Psyche took her hand.

“You were trying to help me,” Psyche said. “You didn’t mean to ruin anything.” 

“It’s not just that,” Aglaura sighed, pulling away. “We’ve always been so selfish, so focused on ourselves. So many things changed once I got home. I’ve been wishing to tell you. I’m just so sorry for everything.”

“You’ve always done your best. You’ve been a good sister,” Psyche said. 

“You’ve shown me I could have been better, so much better,” Aglaura said. “That’s why we must make things right. You deserve to be with him. It’s where you’re meant to be.”

“I don’t know,” Psyche said, shaking her head. “And, I don’t know how to go back.” 

“The oracle!” Cydippe said, suddenly. “Perhaps the oracle will know how.” 

“Apollo’s oracle?” Psyche said.

“No, Aphrodite’s oracle. I know her well. I’m sure she’d help,” Cydippe said.

“Yes! Yes, you could be on to something, Cydippe,” Aglaura said, thoughtful. “We could go to Aphrodite Herself.”

The oracle. 

That made her think of Eros. 

He had made her visit to Apollo’s temple much easier. The real oracle would have probably refused to even see her.  

Aphrodite’s oracle? Would she be any different? She would likely feel the same. Who would want to help the impostor who had upset the great Goddess?

“I don’t think any oracle will be very helpful,” Psyche said, hesitating. 

Aglaura took a few paces, thinking. 

“What if we went with you?” Aglaura said. “Aphrodite’s oracle knows us. She particularly likes Cydippe.”

Cydippe smiled. 

“Easiest thing in the world,” Cydippe said. 

“But what if Eros doesn’t want me?” Psyche said, feeling a mixture of feelings as the possibility of going back started to take hold. 

“Psyche,” Aglaura said. “We were always engaged in some petty competition trying to prove which one of us was the best. You? You simply are the best. You are lovely and loving. Of course he will want you.” 

Psyche shook her head. 

Aglaura took Psyche by the shoulders. 

“He chose you. You must go to him. You must win him back,” Aglaura said. “It’s what you’re meant to do. You’re meant to be with him.” 

Psyche hugged Aglaura. 

“Thank you,” Psyche said. 

Aglaura hugged Psyche back. 

“Thank you, Psyche,” Aglaura whispered. “For everything.”  

The two pulled away and three sisters stood smiling at each other.

“Well?” Cydippe said. “What are we waiting for? Let’s go!”

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