Arachne the Boastful
As Arachne stared as she saw the new tapestry she had just sewn it looked wonderful. She just hoped Athena would like it. It had taken her an entire month just to sew it. She was thinking about dedicating it to the goddess of arts and crafts as well as wisdom. Just as she finally blinked back to reality her mom burst through the door screaming about a spider.
"I got it mom!" Arachne said as she swept a spider out the door. "Thank you sweetie." her mom says as if nothing had happened. Arachne sighed. That's just how was with her mom.
"I'm going into town to try and sell my tapestries. O.K.?" Arachne said. "Then I'll see you at dinner." Arachne's mom said. Arachne doubted that she'd actually sell any tapestries. She'd been trying for months and their only money came from her mom workplace.
When in town, Arachne tried for hours to sell her tapestries. It's hard to sell a product that your village doesn't appreciate. It was about five o' clock when she spotted her best friend. "Elpidos!" Arachne said happily as he made his way over. He smiled and said, "Has buisness been any good?" Arachne rolled her eyes. "What do you think?" she said sarcastically, "I've only ever sold any to you."
"Speaking of which. . ." Elpidos said and took out five drachmas, "I'd like the one in the back, please." Arachne smiled. "One tapestry coming up." she said. "Take a break Arachne." Elpidos advised, "I'll buy you lunch."
They bought some apples and sat on top of a hill near the village. "I don't get why nobody buys your tapestries." he said, "They're beautiful. Full of your talent." Arachne blushed and said, "I guess people around here don't want them. You know the place my mom works at? Stitch n' Sew?" Elpidos nodded. "Well, my mom and all the other workers there stitch and sew delicate designs in everything from clothes to tablecloths " Arachne said, "Yet, you know what they're paid every week?" Elpidos shook his head.
"Thirteen drachmas!" Arachne continued, "Barely enough to buy food, let alone pay our landlord rent. The rent comes up in a month. And then there's the working conditions! There number of spiders in there is too many to count, I'm worried about my mom's health. That is why I need to channel my talent of weaving to make money." Arachne sighed. "But no one buys, so how can I?"
Elpidos turned to Arachne, looking angry. "Arachne, don't you dare give up." he said. Arachne was startled. "Have you got a better idea?" she asked. "As a matter of fact, I do." he said, "Leave the village, go find a place to sell to. I believe in you Arachne." With those words, Arachne went home with a new sense of confidence.