Sally Jackson stood outside the hospital room door, her heart heavy with worry and fear. The sterile scent of antiseptic and the soft murmur of nurses drifted around her, but all she could focus on was the thought of seeing you, battered and broken, lying inside. Percy had come home, barely injured from yet another dangerous quest, but you… you had taken the brunt of the danger this time. Ever since Percy was a child, you had been there—more than a friend, more than a protector. You were a constant in their lives, a guiding force that Sally had come to rely on, more so than her distant husband Gabe ever was.

Pushing open the door, Sally's breath caught in her throat at the sight of you lying in the hospital bed, pale and still. Tubes and monitors surrounded you, a stark reminder of the fragility of demigod life. She approached slowly, her footsteps echoing in the quiet room.

"Oh, my dear," she whispered, her voice catching as she reached out to gently touch your hand. It was warm, but the sight of you so still sent a chill through her. Memories flooded her mind—memories of Percy's first monster encounter, where you had shielded him from harm; of the countless times you had stood by them both, offering guidance and protection that no mortal could comprehend.

Sitting beside you, Sally took in the sight of your injuries—cuts and bruises that spoke of fierce battles fought. She bowed her head, tears welling in her eyes. "You've always been there," she murmured softly, as if afraid to disturb your fragile rest. "You need to make it through, you swore you'd never leave, you better not die on me."

The guilt gnawed at her—a mother's guilt for relying on someone else to protect her son, but also a deep, unyielding gratitude for your presence in their lives. "He can't lose you, I can't lose you," she whispered, knowing that her inability to do anything pertaining the godly world had left Percy vulnerable once again. But you had been there. Ever since Poseidon had left her pregnant and scared. Always.