I was 7 years old when I first met Athena. I was playing in the woods behind my house when I saw her, a small, golden-haired girl sitting on a rock. She was wearing a white dress and a laurel wreath, and she had a bow and arrow in her hands.
I was immediately drawn to her, and I ran over to sit down beside her. We talked for hours that day, and I learned that her name was Athena and that she was a goddess from Mount Olympus. She told me stories about her adventures, and I told her stories about my life.
We became best friends, and I would spend every day playing with Athena in the woods. She taught me how to shoot a bow and arrow, and I taught her how to play hide-and-seek. We would spend hours exploring the woods, and I would always feel safe and happy when I was with her.
One day, when I was 10 years old, I was playing with Athena in the woods when we heard a loud noise. We looked up and saw a group of men on horseback riding towards us. The men were armed with swords and axes, and they looked angry.
Athena grabbed my hand and pulled me behind a tree. "Stay here," she whispered. "I'll protect you."
Athena stepped out from behind the tree and faced the men. "What do you want?" she asked.
"We're here to take the girl," one of the men said. "She's a witch, and she must be punished."
Athena laughed. "I'm no witch," she said. "I'm Athena, goddess of wisdom and war."
The men laughed. "A goddess?" one of them said. "You're just a little girl."
Athena raised her bow and arrow. "I may be a little girl," she said, "but I'm a very powerful goddess."
The men charged at Athena, but she was too quick for them. She dodged their attacks and shot them with arrows. Soon, all of the men were dead.
Athena turned to me and smiled. "Are you okay?" she asked.
I nodded. "I'm okay," I said. "Thank you, Athena."
Athena hugged me. "You're welcome," she said. "Now, let's go home."
Athena and I walked back to my house, and I told my parents what had happened. They were amazed by Athena's story, and they thanked her for saving me.
Athena stayed with me for several more years, and she taught me many things. She taught me about the world and about myself. She taught me about the importance of courage and strength. She taught me about the importance of love and friendship.
When I was 15 years old, Athena told me that it was time for her to go. She said that she had to return to Mount Olympus, but that she would always be with me in spirit.
I was sad to see Athena go, but I knew that she was right. It was time for her to return to her home.
I hugged Athena goodbye, and she promised to visit me again someday.
I never saw Athena again, but I never forgot her. She was my best friend, and she taught me many valuable lessons. I am grateful for the time that I spent with her, and I know that she will always be with me in spirit.