On the eve of the New Year, Atlas gave an exasperated sigh; a sound that made the entire earth shudder. His deep voice shook the ground, created tidal waves, and inspired violence in the winds of the North; an expression of hurricanes on the world to reflect the bitterness within the giant. Atlas’ purpose was clear, but it was tiring, for who would be willing to literally carry the weight of the world on their shoulders? But, it was required, and he was the only one capable of carrying on this eternal task. The earth on his back, and a ground of nothingness to support him, Atlas looked on to the endless netherworld. It gave him a haunting, yet comforting feeling. He cared for all of those on this recently born, ignorant world. Regardless of what the beings on this planet had become, Atlas was father to them all at a distance.
Through the ages, Atlas had seen many things occur on this world. The changes he noticed followed a pattern. New flourishing empires led to the rise of human discovery; however, with multiple empires came different philosophies. This eventually led to war, which, in turn, led to the downfall of the mightiest civilizations. But, from the ashes, like the mythical phoenix, a new empire would burst forth returning human existence to its former glory. Atlas’ heart would sink and soar with the ebb and flow of their existence.
As lonely as Atlas felt, he was not completely alone. At his feet lay a lake as clear as pure gold. In its stillness a perfect image of Atlas was reflected; a reminder of whom he was and what he was tasked with. Did he need another reminder of this unbearable life? But he was not there for himself. Atlas was waiting for the only respite he would ever have.
Every so often, when Atlas bellowed with a sighed, as he did this day, the mermaid, Ondine, would shatter the surface of the mirror to meet the giant in his agony. “What troubles you Atlas?” Said the mermaid with a soothing calmness to her voice. “I have seen many changes take place in this world. I have seen the discovery of love along with hate, peace with war, religion inspired altruism its destruction, and the greedy becoming rich while the meek suffer. Yet, there is nothing for me to do about it. Am I cursed to this endless life of suffering, with all existence, all creation and separation, hoisted on my back?” Atlas had a tear drop from his mighty cheek. Ondine never thought she would see him shed a tear, for Atlas had endured much, and he never seemed to shy away from his purpose. But, this tear told Ondine different story.
“You are the great Atlas! I know you only see your reflection in this lake as a reminder of your eternal punishment.” Ondine protested. “This is not a light task you have been given. You give existence to those who cannot create it for themselves. You are the one, who without, this world would not exist.”
Atlas was overcome with emotion he only experienced in the presence of Ondine. He loved seeing Ondine on these occasions he felt tired in spirit, mind, and body. Seeing her smile replace his pitiful reflection gave him hope. Ondine, and only Ondine, understood his plight, but that was all he needed. Just having her company made his burden seem so much lighter, as if she too was holding the earth with him. This lasted only as long as her stay. Atlas’ strength faded every moment Ondine’s absents.
The morning after, Atlas gave another sigh. He wished to see Ondine again. He saw his reflection begin to quake. Atlas quivered with Joy. A figure broke through the surface of the lake, but it was not what Atlas expected. It was not the caring smile, the soothing voice, or the presence that he needed. It was not Ondine.
“Who are you!? Where is Ondine?” Atlas demanded. As the figure came into view, the giant’s joy faded into disgust. The figure turned into a creature Atlas did not recognize. Its smile was horrifying, decorated with razorsharp teeth, and a mouth that displayed the set of fangs from ear to ear. Its presence demanded much from Atlas, and, although it spoke, it was in a tongue Atlas could not understand.
“I will ask you again, WHERE IS ONDINE?!” Atlas yelled. The creature stared at Atlas with ugly eyes, almost with fondness, but let out a blood curdling scream that ruptured Atlas’s ears. Atlas did not know what to do. It seemed like creature could hear Atlas, but it did respond in kind. Atlas needed Ondine now more than ever. He did not know what would happen to him without her.
“Fine!” Atlas said determinedly. “If you will not tell me where she is, I will dive into the lake to find her myself!” Atlas said this with small quiver in his voice. He did not know if he would be able to swim and carry the world. He did not know if he could even swim, but Ondine meant more to him than the world; even more than his own life.
As Atlas prepared to jump in, the creature let out another ear shattering shriek and wrapped its arms around his legs, almost like it was trying to comfort him. “Creature, I do not know you! Leave me to find my friend Ondine!”
Atlas moved himself, and consequently, the creature to the edge of the lake. He looked at his reflection one last time, and leapt into the air. In mid-flight, he looked down to see the creature, still attached to his legs, morph before his eyes.
As he fell downward into the lake, he had realized he had made a terrible mistake. This creature had changed into Ondine. At the sight of her, he instantly let go of the world to embrace his beloved Ondine, forgetting where he was.
The Earth, with all of its weight, fell upon the friend’s reunion, and dragged the mighty Atlas into the dark depths of the lake. Atlas hit the bottom, and struggled under the weight of the earth. His strength was replaced by terror. Had he lost Ondine forever?
Atlas realized that the weight of the world had finally gotten to him. No matter how much he struggled, there was nothing he could do. He was trapped. With his final moments, he looked at his Ondine. Even in her panic, she had the same tenderness as always. As the last bit of life left Atlas, he stared up toward the surface of the water. It was not a mirror, but rather a window. A window into Atlas’s world. Atlas realized that he had only been seeing himself from atop the lake, but Ondine could see only him. “Would I have been able to see her change if I could see past my reflection?”
