Percy and Annabeth returned to Sally Jackson's apartment. Percy had his arms wrapped around Annabeth as they entered through the door. She needed protection, she couldn't distinguish between what was real and what wasn't. Tartarus had ruined her. Sally cried as her lost hero returned through the door after months of knowing nothing; whether he was even alive. As soon as she saw the look in his eyes, she knew something was wrong.
It took Percy a while to explain to his mother what had happened down there. Sally held her son and Annabeth, protecting them from the horrors they will surely see that night. Sally noticed the way Annabeth had changed from the last time she had seen the girl. Her eyes were dark and empty, she would barely look at anyone except Percy. Sally could tell that Percy was her lifeline.
They had tried to eat dinner. Percy was slowly trying to persuade Annabeth to eat something. She needed to eat, her clothes were hanging off her and her hip bones were starting to become too prominent. After what seemed like hours, Percy had finally persuaded Annabeth to eat most of her meal.
The first flashback had really frightened Sally. Whilst clearing up dinner, Sally had accidentally knocked a plate off the table and it had smashed. Annabeth's eyes went small and the tears started, slowly then all of a sudden. The scream pierced through the room and Annabeth threw her arms around her head, as if to protect herself. She shut eyes but the tears and the screams continued to flow.
Percy slowly crept up to her, placed his hands on her shoulders and gently wrapped himself around her. He whispered in ears softly, "Annabeth, look at me. We are safe. We're not there anymore. Come on, Annabeth, come back to me." Percy held her until it was over. Annabeth still did not say anything, she was still but her episode was over.
"Mom, please, I need your help. Help me." Percy pleaded with his mom. He need her help, he couldn't do it alone. Sally would make it better.
