Family

Many times, when I read something, I think about the supporting characters.  It usually dawns on me how much we need family and friends to support us.  Without them, we could just lose faith in ourselves, others, life, etc.  However, it never occurred to me what it would be like for those who do survive without any supporting figure.  For example, Leo from the book The Mark of Athena, by Rick Riordan doesn't even know what it's like to have a family.

Leo, a demigod son of Hephaestus has been on his own so long that he doesn't know what it's like to have a family.  In the text, he even said that he questioned whether the other demigods he was on a quest with, were his family.  I find it sad that unlike most people, he can't just tell when someone is family.  It also doesn't help that he's the son of the god of fire and crafts.  Leo described how, because of this, he's more into independently working than socializing.  These things make me think about how he has lasted this long without some sort of depression.  Usually in stories the lonely people are unhappy, but Leo doesn't seem to be because he's always cracking jokes.  And even when the book describes his point of view on what is happening, he doesn't seem to have a sad side.  This makes me wonder if he's just stronger or braver when it comes to facing life alone.  Or maybe he just has a different perspective on the world, and doesn't think that family is as important as it is to others.  Overall, I question Leo's strategies of having such a strong and happy attitude all by himself without knowing family.