what if nothing had happened?

Odysseus left Ithaca 10 years ago to fight in a war at Troy, taking a fleet of 600 men with him, promising their families they’d return safely home after the war was over. And the families believed him, considering the great Achilles was to sail with them.

Penelope waited ever for his return, the feeling of him getting closer grew stronger every time she looked towards the sea. Telemachus grew older with every coming day, he’d beg to hear stories of his father. His little eyes lighting up at his courageous deeds.

One rainy day, the queen was awoken to one of the servants frantically trying to wake her. Informing her of a ship’s arrival at the shores docks. Penelope’s heart race at the sudden mention, just hoping it was her dear Odysseus.

Quickly making her way down to the shores, Telemachus followed behind her as the towns people gathered. And sure enough, it was his fleet. Her eyes frantically darted around the men to came off the ship, trying to find Odysseus in the crowd. And she froze as he stepped off the ship, time seemed to slow as she took in his changed features. Exhaustion and age from the past 10 years creep into his face.