Charlie stumbled around on the warm sand, giggling as it slipped through his chubby toddler fingers. His honey-blonde hair, a playful mix of his parents' traits, was tousled and sandy from rolling around. His sea-green eyes, so much like Percy's, sparkled with mischief.
"Careful, Charlie," Annabeth called out, her smile betraying a trace of anxiety. She was vigilant, her heart racing at the thought of him falling into the water without Percy around.
It was a beautiful, sunny day—perfect for the beach, and Charlie adored the sand. Annabeth had decided to bring him out for a bit of fun, especially since Percy was tied up with urgent Camp Half-Blood duties. Though Charlie had yet to show any sign of demigod abilities, Annabeth wasn't taking any chances.
Charlie was happily engaged, building a sandcastle a few metres from their umbrella. Annabeth, feeling a rare moment of peace, buried her nose in her book, hoping to find some new inspiration for her Camp Half-Blood designs.
But when she glanced up to check on Charlie five minutes later, her heart sank. He was nowhere to be seen. Panic surged through her as she threw her book aside and scanned the beach frantically. Her gaze darted to the shoreline, but there was no sign of her son.
"Charlie!" she shouted, her voice trembling with worry. She fumbled through her beach bag for a golden drachma and the necessary supplies to make a rainbow, her hands shaking. She needed to contact Percy.
"Mama!" The distant sound of Charlie's voice pierced through her fear, and she turned frantically. Her breath caught when she saw Poseidon emerging from the water, holding Charlie's small hand. Charlie was beaming, proudly showing off a spiral shell necklace on a leather string.
"Charlie!" Annabeth cried, rushing into the shallows and scooping her son into her arms, tears streaming down her face. She turned to Poseidon, her voice choked with emotion. "Thank you so much. I don't know what I would have done without you."
"It's no problem at all, Annabeth," Poseidon replied warmly, his eyes crinkling with a gentle smile. "I'm just grateful to meet my grandson." He looked down at Charlie with affection. "He looks a lot like Percy, except for the hair."
"Bye-bye, Grandpa!" Charlie giggled, waving his chubby hand. Poseidon nodded with a fond smile and retreated into the depths of the ocean.
Annabeth stood there, waves lapping at her ankles, holding Charlie tightly against her chest.