Grandma says it's always good to bring chocolate to temple. Every Thursday, the older woman holds the young girl's hand as they journey from school to temple. It's one of those journeys that edge the child to the point of being almost out of her patience minutes as they move from the bus to a train and then walk to temple. Most people decide to go on Saturdays. These two prefer Thursdays because it's quieter. Grandma likes when things are quiet. And, things are rarely quiet in Lux.

The large city seems to span forever in the girl's eyes. There are always loud buses and cars zooming around. She sometimes looks at picture books and wonders what it would be like to live in the country. To not have so many people around, so many buildings. At least her school has a little bit of land beside it. And, temple has plenty of space to wander even if she has to climb the stairs.

Big brown eyes blink in wonderment at the tall stone staircase that has grown into the hill. Bits of stone have fallen from the edges after years of wear, and small curves in the stone show where most people have traveled up the staircase. A horn sounds behind the young girl and her grandma. Then, the sounds seem to fade as they climb each step.

A breeze blows through, causing large blooms from the trees to sail like wind ships around her. Sometimes the girl likes to believe fairies are on them. Just like, sometimes, she thinks the birds understand her when she speaks to them.

A soft squeeze causes the girl to look up into her grandma's hazel eyes. "Now, I want you to stay close to me, okay?"

"Yes, Grandma," the girl nods.

"I mean it this time, Lucilla," Grandma says with a tone that makes the girl gulp. "Anything beyond two statues is too far."

Lucilla nods as they continue up the stairs. "I promise. I won't be like Daddy and give you a heart attack because I don't listen."

Grandma snorts at the child, stopping at the top of the stairs. She reaches into her purse and retrieves a small chocolate wrapped in paper. "Here, you can have it as a snack if you want. Now, remember to be respectful and don't go too far."

Lucilla nods while letting Grandma walk before her. She knows Grandma likes some time alone here. Once, Lucilla saw her at one statue—she forgot the god's name—crying—big tears. Ms. Anya says it's good to have emotions and that crying is okay. So, Lucilla sat down two statues away to give Grandma her time. When she told Daddy later, he said she missed Grandpa.

Her brown eyes scan the white statues. The women and men tower over her; some hold weapons like spears, lances, or swords while looking far away. Others keep a hand on their robes while plants or animals hang out around them. Still looking far away in the distance or with downcast eyes. None seem to be looking at her or anyone else. Lucilla sometimes sat with them while eating her candy because they had no choice but to listen to her babble about herself, her day, or anything else. Once, she just sat down beside the one guy with a sword and told him about the cat she saw in a tree.

Lucilla looks up to see Grandma stop at a different statue today. This one is a woman looking down while holding flowers. She watches Grandma retrieve a few coins from her purse and drop them into a box before kneeling. Lucilla bites her lip while trying to remember the goddess's name; maybe it is Floria?

"I'm never going to get it," she mutters, stomping away.

There are just too many for her to remember. Grandma sometimes will walk her through the temple pathways and tell her stories. She just can't seem to remember all of them. Well, she knows that scary guy is Hades.

Her brown eyes dart up to count the statues. Four. Fart. She marches back with her head down, kicking pebbles as she goes. The outside of her shoes pings one towards the right, and then she hears a bad noise. Like something broke.

Lucilla turns to see toes peaking out from an overgrown bush. She hurries over to pull the leaves and branches back to see a small crack at the bottom of the stoop.

"Oh no! I'm in so much trouble!" Lucilla hisses. "Grandma is going to kill me. What if we get in trouble? Will they kick me out? Drag me out my braid because I'm bad?"

Her feet alternate from being flat and off the ground as she frets. Both hands latch onto her long braid as tears form in her eyes. Grandma says that is what happens to bad girls. It happened to Grandma's friend when they were young and—TRIBUTE!.

Lucilla sticks her hand into her pocket. She looks up to see grey toes covered by specks of green mold and a curtain of vines. "Where is the offering dish?" She whispers.

She places the chocolate in her pocket again and pulls at the vines. A loud snap reveals a grey dress with specks of the same green mold.

"No one cleans her. That isn't nice," Lucilla mutters, pulling another vine back until it snaps.

She diligently works on removing vines. Her hands grasping and pulling back as hard as she can. Sometimes, Lucilla even tries a running leap to remove them. It seems pointless until the snap reveals another part of the goddess's statue.

After a few minutes, she can see the two hands holding out an offering plate. Lucilla smiles at her accomplishment. She rises onto her toes to pull the last vine back, but—dang it—she can't see what kind of face the goddess has. Lucilla falls back onto her heels with a huff, wiping her hands on the side of her skirt.

"Please forgive me for the rock. I meant you no harm. Please watch over us," she whispers, fishing the chocolate out of her pocket and placing it into the dish.

Lucilla falls onto her knees to go prostrate like Grandma does. Though, she doesn't feel the need to cry. Instead, she just thinks of her daddy, grandma, teacher, and friends at school. The important people to her.

They are so good. So, please make sure they're okay. Keep them safe. Also, I hope you like chocolate. It's my favorite. Grandma gives it to me because she loves me. It doesn't seem like someone has shown you kindness in a while. So, I hope you like it—uh. I don't know your name—

Psyche. My name is Psyche child.

Lucilla gasps as the voice pops into her head. A woman with long, black, curly hair smiling down at her flashes through her mind.

Oh, my goddesses!

The young girl opens her eyes and jumps to her feet, slowly backing away from the covered statue.

Don't be scared. I meant you no harm.

The image of the same woman materializes in front of her for a moment in a golden shimmer. A tunic covers the goddess as she extends her hand toward Lucilla.

Lucilla's mouth opens in a silent scream before a sense of calm overwhelms her. She smiles and nods before bowing her head slightly.

"I see you," she whispers before the goddess disappears into glittering stars.

Your Grandma is coming. You better get going.

Lucilla turns to see her Grandma approaching, then back at the gray statue. Mold climbs the toes while vines restrict the rest from view as if the earth willingly bound Goddess Psyche's beauty.

Brown eyebrows furrow together as a vine falls to conceal the offering plate. Lucilla's words catch in her throat as an unknown pain shoots through her chest, followed by a renewed peace.

We are okay. Just go.

Lucilla nods. She turns to the statue. Then to her grandma. Then, back and gives Psyche a small curtsy before running over to Grandma.

"Did you just curtsy?" Grandma asks with a hint of amusement in her voice.

Lucilla nods. "Yes, ma'am. I found a goddess in the vines."

Grandma nods. "One of the old ones. You are one lucky girl to find her. The old ones are the best types of friends to have."

"But Kit is my best friend. We share our lunches."

Grandma pats Lucilla's head as the flowers fall around them. In the distance, the soft sounds of traffic can just begin to be heard as the sun splashes colors across the sky as it drops away from sight.

"Let's get a car home today. We stayed here a bit later than I would have liked."

Grandma takes Lucilla's hand and the two walk down the stairs. The young girl only turns back when she hears a third set of feet crunching the falling flowers, but no one stands behind them.

Lucilla decides it best not to tell Grandma what she's done. She likes her braid.

***

Welcome to Lucilla Plays Teacher!

This is the Lucilla show! I am the teacher now! I get sparkles, and glue, and paint to make the signs for teaching you about... stuff!

My name is Lucilla, and this is the city, Lux. It's enormous with a ton of people. We have all types of buses, and trains, and cars that go everywhere you could ever want to go! Some can even take you to the airport.  From there you can fly to other cities or the Moon! Vroooomm!!!!

I stay with Grandma and Daddy. We go to temple because we are thankful. I'm not sure all the time for what. Sometimes I think it is for my toys. But Grandma gives me chocolate when I go with her, so that's nice. I can't really remember much else right now. Maybe, next time, we can play at school? See you then!