Book+18

__**ODYSSEUS'S JOURNY IN VENEZUELA-THE KIND FAMILY THAT SAVED HIM-SAVING THE PEOPLE DURING AN EARTHQUAKE**__

When the sun started to rise, rosy-fingered dawn, Odysseus was awakening from his slumber. Hungry and confused, Odysseus looks up to see an old women looking down on him. "He's awake! The poor man is awake!" says the woman in Spanish.

"Where am I? Who are you people?" asked Odysseus. "Odysseus, this family is only trying to help you. They found you unconscious after your plane crashed. These people can only speak Spanish, so I will give you the gift to speak and understand their language. They are interested to hear your story." And with that, the voice of Athena was gone.

Odysseus cleared his throat, preparing to talk to the women that saved him. "How did you find me?" The shy old women looked into Odysseus's eyes, seeing that he was scared. "My dear man, we are in Venezuela. Andre, my husband, and I were driving home when we saw you on the side of the road, unconscious. Your army uniform stood out to Andre; he also used to be in the army. You looked so hurt; so we decided to bring you home and make sure you were okay. So what is your name ill fated solider, what is your story?"

"My name is Odysseus. I live in New York with my wife and son, and yes, I am a solider, I have been for four years. I work for the government being a spy on the side of our enemy. I lost connection with the government and found out that Iraq was going to attack America. I ran away from the camp and have been trying to get back to my home. I thank you so much for saving my life; but I must be on my way.”

“Sir I must ask you to at least stay and eat. It looks like you haven’t had food in days. Come and sit with Andre and I and share stories from your time in the army.” And with that the old lady walked into the kitchen and started to make Odysseus something to eat. After hours of sharing stories and laughter, Odysseus was up and ready to go.

“Odysseus, protector of Americans; I wish only the best you, I prey and hope that you return to New York.” Odysseus said goodbye to the kind women and was on his way. As a child separated from their mother, scared and alone, even so did Odysseus feel lost and alone, missing his family back in New York. He started to walk towards the city, hoping a kind stranger would give him some money to try to get back to America.

Odysseus wiped some sweat off his forehead with the back of his arm; not realizing how humid Venezuela was before. Looking around the city, Odysseus saw many families and children; this made him miss his family more, itching to hold his dear son Telemochus, and to once again be in the embrace of his loving wife Penelope.

The town of Caracas was busy and full of life, music playing in the streets and people dancing. Odysseus stopped to look around at the beauty and culture of the town. All of a sudden, the town started to shake; an earthquake hitting. The town that was filled with laughter just seconds ago, is now filled with screams of horror.

Knowing he had to help, Odysseus runs to the families and leads them to the jungle, so that no one will be crushed by one of the building. He scanned the town one last time before attempting to catch up with the families. “Help! Someone help me!” Odysseus looks around to see a young man with a large rock on top of his leg. “I can’t get up, my leg is stuck,” cried the man.

Odysseus ran to the man and lifted the rock off of him. “Grab my hand, I need to bring you back to the others.” The young man grabbed Odysseus’s hand and groaned in pain, his leg was definitely broken. “Thank you kind sir, you saved my life. What is your name?” “My name is Odysseus; now don’t talk much, you need to keep your strength.” Odysseus dragged the young man across the town, dodging flying objects and trying to stay balanced.

After a minute of hobbling, the two men finally reached the rest of the families. “Odysseus, you are truly a hero. I will remember your name,” said the man while shaking Odysseus’s hand with gratitude. The town came to a halt; the last of the shaking was done. Odysseus had saved everyone in the community. The town was cheering and hugging one another, happy to see that everyone had survived.

Saying goodbye to the town one last time, Odysseus headed to the jungle, ready for the journey ahead of him to Mexico. The sun started to set and Odysseus was getting ready to rest. Out of nowhere, a tree branch falls and hits Odysseus in the head. Leaving him out cold, alone in the dark jungle.