It was Calliope, rather than Melpomene, who answered the door, and Thalia felt a surge of warmth and gratitude as she sank into the hug. Calliope was the wisest of them; Calliope was practical and maternal; Calliope would know exactly what to do. "I've missed you, too," she whispered into her eldest sister's shoulder.
"Is Mel— Melpomene!" Her eyes lighted on the figure on the couch, on the swell of the heavily pregnant belly. Separating from Calliope, she crossed the room, set the bakery box down on the coffee table and drew Melpomene into a careful hug. When she pulled back, her forehead crumpled as she took in the scratches and the split lip. "I can't believe she attacked you."