Part 2/9:
The story opens with Percy observing strange occurrences that others cannot see, lived through in a backdrop of a rainy night in New York City. His troubles only seem amplified during a class trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where his teacher, Mr. Brunner, discusses Greek myths. These tales resonate with Percy after a touching flashback reveals his mother’s connection to Greek heroes, warning him that appearances can be deceiving— a lesson pivotal to a demigod's survival.