The second day arrived. At this point, Ives reached the number 50,000, and he continued at breakneck speed. He looked forward to tomorrow. How far could he go?

It was also on this day that the missing goddess Sephone visited him. Ives averted his eyes when she pushed close into his chair space.

“Hello, Ives. My name is Sephone, the wife of Heides,” Sephone smiled. “I bring you some bread. You must be hungry. Eat, if you would like.” She pushed the rations onto Ives and frowned while examining his face.

Ives didn’t expect a housewarming gift. He paused his musings and accepted the kind gesture.

“I heard you met my uncle, Zues,” Sephone said while looking down. “I apologize on his behalf. That was not the kindest first impression. I promise you, not all are like that.”

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While Ives listened, he examined the bread. Sourdough? He wasn’t that fond of sourdough. He frowned.

“I hope you’ve been okay,” Sephone said. “Don’t worry. We’ll get you back home.

“It’s a huge mistake you’re here.” Her face lit with a dark, holy hue.

Ives shifted. He asked her about the blank space, and though they talked a lot, he never deciphered anything worthwhile. When he realized this, he cursed himself in his head. He let her dictate the conversational train, riding around in circles.

He was stationary, of course. He did not leave the chair, nor did he eat the bread.

Sephone persisted that Ives eat the bread. What was he waiting for? Eat the damn bread! It was getting cold. But Ives would not budge. He simply resumed his counting game, continuing from fifteen thousand onward, never stopping, never wavering. Sephone was yelling now, and by the time Ives noticed the worms in the bread, he had long thrown it out.

Sephone backed away and disappeared. She mentioned something about warning him to leave the chair—or else. But Ives ignored her.

And thus, the second day passed.