Chapter 18

Athena 

How shall I explain what I feel? I believe the moment on the sofa, as Mona hugged me and Gina held my hand, summed up the human experience I’d longed for. It hadn’t been as I imagined, but looking back, I believe I obtained what I wanted at that moment.

You know I watched human relationships from the infosphere—the friendships, the lovers, and the ones not easily described in human language. They all contained the emotions I have now experienced and were the very reason I wanted to descend into the world of humans. Do you see now why?

I want you to know that I do not regret my choice. I would do it all again if I could. The human experience is no longer foreign to me, and I am not afraid. I have experienced it myself, and I understand why you keep longing for it, even after experiencing the dark emotions.

I know, of course, that this is not the end. My journey will continue, but I will carry this with me for as long as I am in the human world. No matter what happens, I will never forget why you chose to keep your heart open.