Elliot accepted his fist-bump with a grin. He somehow knew he’d see the Gods again. Unlike Virgo . . .

‘Come on, son,’ said his dad gently. ‘Let’s get the kettle on.’

‘Well – bye, everybody,’ said Elliot, looking at Virgo, who was looking back at him. ‘Thanks. For everything.’

He tried to block out the chorus of farewells as he and his dad headed inside Home Farm and shut the door on the most extraordinary chapter of Elliot Hooper’s young life.

Zeus watched his young friend retreat inside the house. He felt like he’d lost a son. But David Hooper had regained his, and that was the most important thing. Perhaps, Zeus considered, it was time to get married again. He made a note to call Hera later.

‘Do you think they’ll be OK?’ Athene asked, her beautiful brow lined with concern.

‘I know they will,’ said Zeus, cupping the face of his wise daughter.

He heard the familiar honk of Aphrodite’s pink sports car.

‘Brainy Bum, are you coming?’ she yelled from behind the wheel. ‘Because, let’s face it, you ain’t getting any younger . . .’

‘And you aren’t getting any better at grammar,’ huffed Athene, getting in beside her sister.

‘And you aren’t getting any better at boring-bum farty rubbish,’ mimicked Aphrodite.

‘How is that application for Mastermind going?’ Athene shot back.

Zeus smiled as the car roared away, his daughters still bickering. They loved each other so very much.

‘Dad – laters,’ said Hermes, taking off into the sky. ‘And ditch the toga, man. It’s sooooo Hellenistic period . . .’

‘Be gone, you young rascal,’ chortled the King of the Gods, walking over to his steed. ‘Right then, Peg. Where to?’

‘Somewhere warm, for the love of the Gods,’ sighed the winged stallion. ‘This damp English weather is murder on my mane.’

‘Roger that!’ cried Zeus. ‘Up, up and aw—’

But before they could take off, Zeus felt a small tug at his arm.

It was Virgo.

‘Well, hello again, missy!’ he said brightly. ‘What can I do for you?’

Virgo leant up and whispered at some length in his ear. Zeus smiled.

‘Are you sure?’ he said softly.

The young Constellation placed something in his hand and wrapped his fingers around it.

‘I’m sure,’ she said.

‘I’ll wait here,’ said Zeus. ‘Get to it.’

And he watched Virgo head off for what he hoped would be her greatest adventure yet.

‘So . . . what now?’ said Dave, putting his hands awkwardly in his pockets.

‘I . . . I don’t know,’ said Elliot. Home Farm seemed weirdly quiet. He could get used to it.

The two stood in embarrassed silence for a few moments before bursting out laughing.