Three days later, we three present a copy of the libretto for Forbidden Pomegranate Seeds, the musical based on the true story of Hades and Persephone. Aristophanes has written the music and songs while Daji and I composed the dialogue and took care of the stage directions and action.
Hades and Persephone are reading the book together while they watch people drink the waters of Lethe to forget their earthly lives. The sad souls kneel and drink from the shining river. The minute they do, their eyes become vacant and carefree, as innocent and pure as children. No worries, no troubles, no baggage.
Hades and Persephone study the musical, reading it from cover to cover. Their intense, silent concentration, coupled with the cheerful amnesiacs, puts me on edge. Daji bites her nails.
At long last, Hades and Persephone look up.
"WE LOVE IT," they chorus.
I relax, letting out a whoosh of breath.
