GODDESSES

Their mama often told of the legend that, one day, she hoped would work its magic

- Michael Malaghan

There is a legend on the tiny Greek island on which I was born...' Andrea's mama began.

'That there were once two sisters, who were inseparable in both life and death.'

Andrea's own sister Sofia, who at 11 was a year older than Andrea, muttered - not loud enough for their mama to hear, of course - 'Those girls were lucky. My sister is just insufferable.'

Andrea sneered at her, thinking that the story of the two sisters only ever got dragged out after she and Sofia had been squabbling. This time it was over whose turn it was to do the dishes.

'The two sisters,' Andrea and Sofia's mama continued, 'were goddesses, known as Kindness and Love. It is through these two goddesses that the threads of love and kindness run in the blood of all who have a link with my island - which means both of you too.'

'It's a nice story, Mama,' Andrea said sadly. 'But Sofia and I aren't like those goddesses, and we never will be.'

They certainly didn't look alike. Both were beautiful but in different ways - Andrea already growing tall, poised, outgoing, and with a dazzle which could illuminate a room. Sofia, shorter, witty, and with glorious speckled brown eyes that sparkled like fiery tortoiseshell. Though it had to be admitted, they did share a strength of will and an independent spirit. Maybe that was the problem.

It took their mama’s illness to draw Andrea and Sofia together, some four decades later, though they were only united in the sense that they were both there, either side of their beloved mama's sickbed.

'I want you both to promise me something,' their mama told them gravely.

'Anything at all, Mama,' Andrea said without hesitation.

Sofia nodded just as fervently as tears filled her eyes.