Jason's mom was negligent at best and dead to boot.

Frank's was dead.

Hazel's was bitter and dead.

Leo's was dead.

Piper's was self-centered and absent.

Annabeth's was busy and absent.

Percy's mom, they were all convinced, was perfect. Percy and Tyson agreed.

Which was why, one year after the Giant War, eight kids squeezed into the kitchen to make her breakfast.

Nico showed up with flowers ten minutes later.

Nine.

Sally Jackson had always rather wanted more kids.