So what if you are a bit independent?

That's just your escape from all of this.

Because having a job to do, having things you need to get done is a nice distraction from the ugly world out there.

You need to go to work, Sally.

You need to cook dinner, Sally.

You need to get Gabriel some chips, Sally.

You need to find another school for Percy, Sally.

Lovely distractions from a not-so-lovely reality. You can do everything for yourself. You are Sally Jackson, and you are a stronger woman than most. You are Sally Jackson, and you can do anything. You are Sally Jackson, and you are not afraid.

(Because she doesn't have time to be.)

She's too busy doing her work to think that she might not be all that tough. She doesn't allow herself to think that maybe she could use a bit of help. She won't let herself think that maybe Percy would be better off at Camp, that the monsters will get him. (She can only keep them away for so long…)

Oh, Sally, try to write something.

And Sally, you need to go shopping today.

At the end of the day, those gods don't care whether you live or die. They don't care whether he lives or dies. In fact, they couldn't care less if half the world's population were to drop dead then and there. All they care for are themselves.

But let's not think about it. You know why, not, Sally? Because you don't depend on them. It's all you. You're the only one that decides if you live or die. You are the only one who gets to live your life. You are the only person Percy needs to keep him safe. You don't need anyone else to keep yourself and your son alive.

And it's a good thing, too, you know. Those gods, they don't give a damn, do they? (They've proven that plenty of times.)

But you're still going strong, all without their help.

(You hope it feels like a slap in the face to those Olympians, who will never really care about you simple mortals.)

Percy's still alive. You're still alive. And they've sent enough at you for you to know that it isn't just luck. You are stronger than they are.

But, Sally, dear, wouldn't it be nice (oh so nice) if you could depend on someone?

Because ever since you were a kid, you've lacked that.

Your parents failed you when they died.

Your uncle failed you when you couldn't go to college. And then, he died, too.

He failed you when he didn't understand.

Time after time, people have let you down. Time after time, you were sent crashing back into reality, just when you thought you were safe.

And you are absolutely through with it, aren't you, Sally? You're just sick and tired of relying on someone who isn't worth your time, aren't you? You're going to do this on your own, like you have always thought you should, and you're going to do it properly. No one will be let down this time, especially not you, Sally. And especially not Percy. No, no, no. Neither of you. Neither of you can be let down again.

(Have fun with that fantasy…)

But, go ahead, Sally. Keep on trying. Keep believing that. And maybe one day you'll have something to show for that independent spirit of yours.

At least you won't have been left down again.

You hope.

AN: Obviously pre-Lightning Thief. Please forgive its extreme shortness. I've only just returned to this story, and I'm quite out of practice. I've trained myself to say so little that it is now impossible to go on forever. But, that being said, it isn't my worst, I'd say. Not my best, but not my worst. Borderline, I'd say. Completely average. I apologize if you were offended by the very minor swearing. It felt like the only thing to say, though, in my opinion. Now that I've completely run out of ideas for this story, and for this Author's Note, I'd like to wish you all a happy Easter (if you celebrate it, that is; if you don't, happy Thursday). Yes, it's a bit early, but I may not post here until Monday or later...
-Lexi