A/N: These are journal entries by Odysseus' mother, Anticlea, before she committed suicide.
Sorrowful Goodbyes
Dear Journal, January 03, 1200
Finally, after ten long years, the war is over! Oh, how my heart soars whenever I think of you, my Odysseus, coming home. I can see you now, standing proud at the front
of your ship with your faithful crew standing behind you. Telemachus can hardly wait to meet you. The smile on Penelope's face hasn't left since she found out this news.
The village is preparing a celebration for when you and the others return. For now I will rest and wait for you, my only son, to arrive home safe and sound.
-Anticlea
Dear Journal. May 17, 1200
It has been five months now since the war has ended. Every warrior has returned except for you, Odysseus, and those in your crew. No one knows of where you have
gone to or when you will arrive back to Ithaca. I can see the sorrow in Penelope's face but she remains strong and for that I am proud. Telemachus is greatly disappointed
that he has not yet laid eyes on the father he has never known. Odysseus, son, please return to me.
-Anticlea
Dear Journal, October 23, 1200
Where are you Odysseus? Where have you gone? Why have you not yet returned to your family and home? Many here believe you to be dead. I know you, my son, will
prove them wrong and return to me. Do not fail me. You are intelligent, strong, brave, and can carry on even through the toughest tasks. I have faith in you and your
return.
-Anticlea
Dear Journal, February 02, 1201
I have tried to remain strong Odysseus, I really have. I am sorry but I cannot do this for much longer. Young Telemachus came to me today with sadness in his eyes and a
heavy weight on his heart.
He asked me, "Grandmother, where is Father? Why hasn't he returned? Doesn't he love us?"
"I do not know where he is my grandson but, he will come home soon. He will come home to you, me, and your mother if we are patient," I replied. "He loves us very
much, especially you, so don't ever think that even for a moment he isn't missing and loving you."
Do you know how it tears my heart every time I see him stare off into the sea looking for his heroic father? I can see the tears form in his eyes when he sees not one ship
in the distance. Come home Odysseus, for your son.
-Anticlea
Dear Journal, May 22, 1201
I cannot go on Odysseus. You have not returned and it is apparent you are not going to do so. If you cannot join me I will join you. I have nothing left to live for, you and
my husband have been gone for so long that I have forgotten what it is like to be a mother and wife. Penelope is very capable of taking care of Telemachus and no longer
needs me for advice or strength. I think she has become stronger than I have and can handle herself now. Telemachus does not need me, for he has his mother to look
after him, love him, guide him, and comfort him. I will be with you soon Odysseus and then I will finally be happy.
Goodbye Penelope. Stay strong and keep your head high. I am very proud of you and remember that even though I do not say it often, I do love you. Do not mourn me,
for I will be happy and peaceful in the land that holds my-no, our Odysseus.
Goodbye Telemachus. You are so much like your father. You are brave, strong, smart, and always see the good in a situation no matter how terrible it is. You make me
proud and I am sure your father is very proud of you too. You will grow up to be the strongest warrior Ithaca has ever seen. I love you sweetheart.
Goodbye.
-Anticlea
A/N: Thank you for reading! Please review, they make authors very happy :)