Chapter Text
(Odysseus stood above the corpses of the suitors, his back turned to Telemachus. Slowly, he turned around to face him and dropped his weapon).
[Telemachus, spoken]
Father?
[Odysseus, spoken]
...Son?...
(There was a long silence, during which both men stared at each other uncertainly).
(Telemachus walked closer).
[Telemachus]
All my life, I'd have died to meet you,
Thought about your name so much it hurts.
(Telemachus outstretched his hand to his father).
[Telemachus]
For twenty years, I’d dreamt of how I’d greet you,
Oh, and now you’re here,
I can’t find the words.
(After a moment of hesitation, Odysseus took the offered hand. He was led to a fountain).
[Telemachus]
All my life I'd have died to know you
Days and nights I wish that I could show you
For twenty years I never could outgrow you
Oh, and now you're here.
(Telemachus dampened a cloth and started to clean the blood off Odysseus’ arm).
[Telemachus]
I can't help but wonder
What your world must be
If we're like each other
If I have your strength in me
All this time I've wondered
If you'd embrace me as your own
Twenty years I've wandered
For so long I've felt alone.
(After giving the cloth to Odysseus who cleaned up his face, Telemachus stood, seeming nervous).
[Odysseus]
Oh my son, look how much you've grown
Oh my boy, the sweetest joy I've known.
(Odysseus outstretched his hands toward Telemachus’s face. He hesitated and started to withdraw, but before he could, Telemachus leaned into the touch).
Twenty years ago, I held you in my arms
How time has flown, oh.
(Telemachus looked like he may start crying any time. Odysseus did not look much better).
Used to say I'd make the storm clouds cry for you
Used to say I'd capture wind and sky for you
Held you in my arms prepared to die for you, oh
How time has flown.
(Odysseus took Telemachus’s hands, holding them tenderly).
I can only wonder
What your world has been
Things you've had to suffer
And the strength you hold within.
(Odysseus looked up and found tears rolling down Telemachus’s face. His own face twisted as if, he too, was on the verge of crying).
All I've ever wanted
Was to reunite with my own
Twenty years we've wandered
But today you're not alone…
My son, I'm finally home!
(Odysseus pulled Telemachus in his arms. Telemachus hugged him back).
[Ensemble]
Home, home.
[Telemachus]
Father, how I've longed to see you!
[Ensemble]
Home, home.
[Odysseus, (Telemachus)]
Telemachus, I'm home (Home).
(Odysseus pulled away from the hug and looked at Telemachus).
[Odysseus]
Go, tell your mother I'm home
I'll be there in a moment.
(Odysseus ruffled Telemachus’s hair).
[Telemachus, spoken]
Of course.
(Telemachus left and Odysseus looked around, his eyes sharp).
[Odysseus]
Show yourself
I know you're watching me
Show yourself.
(Athena materialized in front of him. Odysseus’ face softened).
You were never one for hellos.
[Athena]
I can’t help but wonder
What this world could be
If we all held each other
With a bit more empathy
I can’t help but feel like
I led you astray
What if there’s a world
Where we don’t have to live this way?
(There was a long, heavy, silence. Odysseus’ face darkened, not in anger but in sorrow).
[Odysseus]
If that world exists
It’s far away from here
It’s one I’ll have to miss
For it’s far beyond my years
You might live forever
So you can make it be
But I’ve got one endeavor
There’s a girl I have to see.
(Odysseus gently nudged her side with his elbow and smiled at her. For a moment, Athena did not see him as he was, but as the young man that he used to be).
[Athena, spoken]
Very well…
(Athena smiled, it was not quite sad, but was not happy either. Bittersweet. She removed her helmet, revealing her new scar. Odysseus seemed surprised for a moment. Then, unexpectedly, he hugged her. She hesitated then patted his head before disappearing).
(Telemachus came back).
[Telemachus, spoken]
Father? She's waiting for you.