Gaia noticed the expression on Joy's face—the confusion, the disbelief, the utter inability to reconcile what she was witnessing with everything she had been taught.
It was, frankly, embarrassing.
To have shown such a face to a mortal. To have let her sisters behave so disgracefully not once, but twice in this poor girl's presence.
She let out a deep sigh, then floated gently toward Joy.
"I'm sorry, dear." She said, her voice soft with genuine regret. "This is the second time you've had to witness such a sight. I am truly ashamed that we've behaved this way in front of you."
Joy blinked, caught completely off guard.
A goddess was apologizing to her.
Not demanding worship. Not commanding obedience. Not striking her down for witnessing divine foolishness.
Apologizing.
"No, no." Joy stammered, shaking her head rapidly. "It's...It's alright. I—"
She didn't know what to say.
She felt like she was seeing things she shouldn't see.
