Sophie hesitated, her gaze drifting over the flowing river, reflecting an inner turmoil that seemed at odds with her usually serene demeanor. “The world is on the brink of some sort of profound change. There is a shadow looming over the collective spirit of humanity.”
Aida and Yumi exchanged nervous glances.
Sophie gave them a sympathetic look. “It’s not easy to explain. I can sense a massive cloud of fear and uncertainty beginning to descend upon humanity, enough to tip the balance of happiness and sorrow. It’s small now, somewhere in the east, but will spread, slow at first, then catch like wildfire till it engulfs the whole world.”
Yumi furrowed her brow. “But what could cause such a thing? Can it be stopped?”
“I don’t know,” Sophie admitted. “Whatever it is, it’s powerful, something that will hit both the physical and emotional worlds. And it’s going to deeply affect most of humanity.”
“So, it’s like Pandora’s box all over again?” Yumi joked, but she wasn’t smiling.
“I suppose you could think of it like that.” Sophie nodded.“Except Pandora held a jar, not a box. When it was opened, everything terrible that could plague humanity spilled out.” She exhaled, watching the river churn below. “I think something similar might be happening now.”
“Wait,” Aida said, realization flooding into her. “The last thing left in Pandora’s jar was hope.”
Yumi’s eyes widened. “That means we can’t waste any time finding Pandora.”
“Exactly,” Sophie agreed. “But it’s not just about Pandora. Finding her is crucial, yes, but hope alone won’t be enough to turn the tide. We also need Euphrosyne. Without her light, her influence of joy, the world’s ability to hold on to happiness weakens every day. Sorrow and despair compounded make it even harder for her happiness to reach those who need it. Even if Pandora unleashes hope, it won’t last without Effie. She’s the very essence of joy, and her presence keeps that hope alive.”
“But if releasing happiness through Pandora works, wouldn’t that be enough?” Yumi asked.
Sophie shook her head. “Not without Effie. Her light has been dimming for too long, and the world already feels the weight of her absence. Happiness is fragile and fleeting. Hope needs something to hold on to, something to nourish it. Effie is that force. If we don’t find her, whatever happiness is left will fade as quickly as it’s found.”
Aida frowned. “But we’re having enough problems locating Pandora. How will we find Effie?”
Sophie put a reassuring hand on Aida’s shoulder. “I wish I knew. Aggie and I will keep looking. For now, return to Rome and enjoy the Christmas season. Revel in the world as you know it, for there will be challenging times ahead. In the meantime, Yumi, keep using your skills to find Pandora. And for both of you, don’t despair. The clues may come in unexpected ways. I have often found that in the toughest times, the most significant breakthroughs happen. If I learn of anything useful, I will come to you.”
Aida tried to push down the panic. She wished Sophie’s calm spell worked in the goddess’s presence. Then she remembered her friend. “Will you give Yumi your aegis?”
Sophie turned in her direction, her face unreadable.
“Please.” There was a note of desperation in Yumi’s voice.
The goddess took Yumi’s hands in hers. “I give you my aegis. Use it wisely.”
She let go of Yumi’s hands and then left them, walking down the path.
Aida’s phone buzzed. She looked down to see a message from Trista on her screen. It seemed they had no choice, after all. The jet would pick them up in three hours—the Galleria Spada was ready for her return and she would continue her research in the morning. She relayed the news to Yumi.
“This feels like defeat.”
Aida agreed, but Sophie’s words were fresh in her mind. “Pandora still holds hope. So we must too.”
“I don’t feel any different with this aegis thingy,” Yumi said as they walked toward the hotel. “How will I know it works?”
“Oh, you’ll know,” Aida reassured her. “Trust me, you’ll know.”
Returning to the Galleria Spada was like a stab in the gut to Aida. As she went through all the motions of her job, she experienced none of the happiness that she was talking about. She wore a fake smile as she interviewed visitors to the museum, dutifully capturing their delight at seeing Borromini’s forced perspective and their thoughts on the myriad of paintings by Titian, Dürer, Caravaggio, Guido Reni, Artemisia Gentileschi, and other masterpieces. She envied the museumgoers, their awe, surprise, and admiration.
Aida looked at the same paintings but could not tap into any of the joy. Instead, a dull ache had wedged itself in the space of her heart, dread for what was to come and a deepening sense of loneliness looming. Aida had to wonder how much of thehappiness draining from the world was directly affecting her. On top of that was the immense responsibility of trying to save the world—and if she thought of it like that, she had to laugh at the ridiculousness of it all. Who was she to save the world?
Eventually, Yumi had to return to the States empty-handed. The holiday season rolled in, but for Aida, Rome’s festive lights and decorations couldn’t penetrate the fog of her growing melancholy. Christmas came with a muted celebration. Felix invited her to dinner with him and his visiting sister. They tried to keep the spirits high, sharing stories and laughter overtortellini inbrodoand a modestly adorned table.
But Aida’s heart wasn’t in it. She felt like an actor in a play, going through the motions without being truly present. Worse, she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was readying itself—just beyond her reach, just beyond the glow of the holiday lights, waiting to descend.
21
January–February 2020
