"I'm exhausted," I groaned. "I didn't sleep that well last night."

"Why is that?" My therapist, Dr. Ascelepius, shifted on his chair across from me. "Did something happen?"

"You could say that," I said bitterly.

I launched into the story of the previous evening's events, my rage bubbling to the surface once again. By the time, I had finished, I was pacing around the room and breathing deeply so to avoid an outburst.

"I think I was too harsh." I collapsed onto the couch again. "But she invaded my privacy and said she was just ensuring I wasn't dating anyone. We're best friends; she's supposed to trust my word!"

"I'm sorry that happened," Dr. Ascelepius said. "I can understand why that would make you angry. Has Annabeth tried to contact you since yesterday?"

"Yes, but I blocked her number."

"That sounds like a good idea for the near future; you should prioritize your own mental health above anything else."

"I just really don't understand why she did it. She was furious with me about Rachel and was literally sobbing when we got back on Halloween. All of a sudden, she's in my dorm room after not contacting me for two weeks! I mean, how does that logic add up?"

Dr. Ascelepius leaned forward thoughtfully. "That is certainly strange. During this confrontation, did you try the breathing exercises we practiced?"

"I tried," I said. "I really did, but she just kept making excuses about how" -I used a derisive tone to say the next multitude of words- "her invasion was just to make sure nothing else hurt her and Luke and how she was trying to find proof to make sure I wasn't dating Rachel."  I sighed deeply. "I don't know what her problem is; she knows I would never do anything to hurt her."

Dr. Ascelepius nodded understandingly. "That is quite a lot to process. It definitely seems to me that Annabeth is a negative influence on your life currently. I don't expect you to have thought this far ahead, but have you thought about the coming weeks concerning Annabeth and Luke?"

"No," I admitted. "Honestly, the only thing I did last night and this morning was replay the events repeatedly in my mind and binge-watch the Big Bang Theory while eating ice cream."

"Dwelling on these events won't help you recover, Percy."

"I know it won't, but I suck at not doing it!"

"Hm. Perhaps we can brainstorm strategies to help you break this cycle. Do you have any ideas?"

I shrugged. "I don't know...maybe focusing on something that'll cheer me up or go for a run or something?"

"Why don't you elaborate on an idea to cheer yourself up?"

"Okay...um..." A light bulb activated in my head. "Oh, I know! I think I'll go to the dog shelter and see Mrs. O'Leary!"

"There you go," Dr. Ascelepius said with a wide smile. "Are you scheduled to go to the shelter today?"

"Yes, actually. I'm going there this afternoon."

"Wonderful!" Dr. Ascelepius glanced down at his watch. "We have fifteen minutes left. Is there anything else you wish to speak about?"

"Nope. Thank you for everything, Dr. Ascelepius. I really needed to talk this out."

"Of course, Percy. If you need anything else, please reach out. And remember, if Annabeth attempts to contact you again, set your boundaries; your mental health comes first."

"I will," I said gratefully. "Thanks again."

"Have a great day, Percy."

I stepped out of the office and proceeded back to my car. I climbed in and breathed an enormous sigh of relief. Feeling slightly cheerful, I activated the radio and sang along to "So What" by Pink.

When I arrived at my dorm building, I walked up the stairs to discover heated voices arguing behind the closed door of my room. I listened for a moment and comprehended that Grover and Jason quarreling.

"Jason, it's a terrible idea!" Grover said.

"It's the only way," Jason snapped. "His life is only going to get worse if we don't do anything!"

The urgency in his voice caused me to hesitate. I stood outside the door, inwardly debating on whether or not I should interrupt. I ultimately decided to continue listening.

Grover shifted uncomfortably. "I know we need to tell him, but I still think we should be the ones to tell him, not her."

"I agree with you." Jason huffed in frustration. "But she flew from Arizona to speak to Percy about this, so I feel like we should let her tell him; it's only fair."

"Alright, fine."

My heartbeat increased, beating so forcefully that I thought they would hear it. Questions raced through my mind. Who had flown to Arizona to see me? What was so urgent that Grover and Jason needed to talk without me?

I pushed open the door nervously with sweat trickling down my neck. Grover and Jason spun around with expressions of concern mixed with unease.

Grover stepped forward cautiously. "Hey, Percy. There's someone here to see you."

"Who is it?" I said apprehensively.

Jason turned his head in the direction of the bathroom. "You can come back in," he called.

My heartbeat pounded in my chest as my eyes shifted to the bathroom door. An extremely muscular teenage girl with pale, stringy brown hair stepped through. She sported a red sweatshirt bearing the words University of Arizona. The teenager looked vaguely familiar.

"Clarisse?" I asked, stunned.

"Still sharp as always aren't you, Prissy?" Clarisse smiled sardonically. "But yes, it's me."

"Why are you here?"

"I'm here to help you. I found out some information you need to know; it's about Luke Castellan."