Athena was as still as an electric pole at the very instant Fiona's shocking revelation unfolded.
This must be a joke, right? She thought, her eyes breaking away from the stunned stillness, darting frantically from Fiona to everyone in the room.
In the room now brightened by the rays filtering through the open window—as the sun made its ascent in the east, ready to fulfill its duty for the day—she could see clearly the astonishment plastered across everyone's faces.
Astonishment and disbelief. Incredulity. Stupefaction. Startlement. Bewilderment. Even confusion.
She didn't blame them; she was just as plagued with these emotions.
"Fi… Fiona… what did… just say?" Florence stammered, breaking the tense silence that had lasted over a minute. Her steps faltered as she staggered toward Fiona, whose eyes seemed to have gained the confidence of thousands, yet whose shoulders drooped in defeat.
