Ever since Polites died, Odysseus kept the red band he’d wear around his head. Despite it being extremely dirty with dirt and blood, Odysseus made no attempt to clean it. He kept it with him at all times, tied in his hair, wrist, a piece of clothing, anywhere on him so he wouldn’t lose it.

After Odysseus made the choice for his crew to die by Zeus’ hand, he tightly tied the band around a piece of his tunic, expecting the ship to be shattered to pieces. Which is what happened, the blow of thunder blasted the ship apart. Killing every one of his men, and sending Odysseus unconscious.

Waking up on a shore, water splashing him a little. He had a loud ringing in his ears, his eyes struggling to adapt to the light of day. As he finally adjusted his eyes to the light, he was met with a nymph beside him. Seeming excited that he had woken up.

The nymph’s name was Calypso, and boy did she talk a lot. It was like she had never socialized before. Odysseus sat up a few minutes later, feeling with his hands the spot where he tied the band to his clothing.

It wasn’t there.

Odysseus then looked around, desperately trying to look for the red band. Only for him not to find it, he panicked. His breath became quick, his face showing sorrow and fear. Calypso sat there, confused by his actions. Why was he behaving like this? What was he looking for?