Esper Story: Laura

Something wrong, Asenath?

The video quality on my phone's camera is really bad.

I brought a digital camera along. You can use mine.

Really? Thanks!

What do you think?

The picture quality is way, way better on this camera. If you don't mind, can I just compare it to some of the other videos...

These are beautiful, Laura. You're a real photographer!

Thanks, but it's really mother nature, not me. Debia is a beautiful place. Anyone could take decent shots there.

Well, I'm pretty sure I couldn't. It takes talent to capture the essence of what you're seeing.

Oh. Some group photos...?

Yeah, of my family.

And the girl on the sand mound? That you?

That's right.

What a lovely smile.

These must be of Mr. and Mrs. Lateef.

Yes, and that's young Ollie standing in front.

That seems to be the last of the family pictures here. Do you have any...

......

Sorry. I shouldn't have...

It's okay. It was such a perfect moment. Life back then was...

Now my parents are gone. And Ollie and I have gone our separate ways...

All I can do now is to make sure my work at the Union can... mean something.

Laura...

Hey, what are you do, HAHAHAHA...

Wait, did you just take a photo?

Hey Laura. Check it out.

You took a picture just of... us?

A bit blurry though.

I look kind of weird.

Listen, Laura. Your work at the Union is important for sure, but just remember there are a lot of other good things going on in your life right now.

You gotta cherish these moments...

I get what you mean, Asenath. Thank you.

I should start taking more photos.

How about another selfie!

*Knock*Knock*

Please, come in.

Hi. Welcome to our afternoon tea party!

Falken? What is it? Is there a new rescue mission?

No. Please, relax.

There's no mission? Then...

...You're here for a chat?

Yes actually. I heard you set up a free consultation service... to help people with their problems.

Uh, yes. Of course. So... How can I help you today, Commander Falken?

......

I've noticed you've been a little stiff in my presence lately. Is something wrong?

!

What? No, not at all. You're a great, uh, hardworking... reliable... outstanding leader.

I appreciate you saying that. But I'm sure there are people who don't see me that way.

I'm sure I'm not winning any popularity prizes around the office.

Oh? Why do you say that?

Yesterday, at lunchtime, I was passing by the lounge and...

I heard a lot of laughter, so I went to check out what was so funny.

As soon as I walk in, everyone stops talking. The room goes silent. Then, one after another, they all excused themselves.

It happens all the time. Even in hallways, when I say hi, people are tense.

I don't think it's a case of anyone disliking you. It's just that people are naturally nervous in the presence of their... boss.

And so? Doesn't that naturally call into question perhaps whether I have been too tough?

Or perhaps body language...

I'm sorry? What do you mean?

Pardon me, but you always have a certain look on your face... like... "someone's about to get in trouble"...

I, uh, I think maybe you can smile more, sir. It would be less... intimidating?

And also perhaps consider whether you can actively approach others, you know, make simple conversation... like "How are you doing today?"

I see...

Give it a try. You might be surprised how far a little bit of chitchat can take you.

Yes, I will do that. Thank you, Laura.

You're welcome. Let me know if it doesn't work. We can always brainstorm something else.

What's up with Commander Falken glowering at me...?

Did I do something wrong?

Yeah, I know, right? I was wondering that.

I caught him glaring at me this morning. Then, all of a sudden, he asks me to his office to have a "chat".

A "chat"?!

Dude. You're dead.

Really?! Oh man...

Things are not going too well for poor Commander Falken...

I should really talk to Falken about trying something else.

Hey, Suhua, what's up?

Hey Laura! It's our first day off. Any plans?

At last! A break after such a crazy month! I don't even know what to do with myself anymore.

I was about to hit the gym, then attempt some Esper power training.

I had a relaxing evening planned full of research papers on variations in Esper healing abilities.

Geez, Laura!

That sounds like work.

Don't tell me you're going to work on your vacation.

*Chuckle*... Pretty much. It's just my routine. Old habits are hard to break.

You need to relax. Come with me today, I'll show you how you should really be spending your vacation.

Sure, okay. Heh. What do you have in mind?

I heard there's a new café on Main Street. The Gulp reviews are all positive.

So I was thinking we could first go shopping and then get some coffee or tea and some macarons.

Yeah okay. That sounds great!

Awesome, I'll meet you at the mall on the corner of Main Street. You know the one.

No problem.

Hey, Laura! Over here!

Hey!

Look! They're holding a promotional event, some sort of challenge.

The poster says: "Win a box of limited-edition macarons and a new set of gym equipment"!

Let me see... it says "Challengers must participate in teams of two."

Is everyone ready? The countdown is about to begin!

3... 2... 1... Go!

Oh, fudge! We almost won! We lost by a hair!

That last sprint! If only I'd kept it up a moment longer...

It's alright. You did your best.

Plus the event lasts for an entire month.

If you really want those macarons, we can always try again another day.

We can?!

I'll start training when I get home. I promise I won't slow you down next time!

You didn't slow me down. You did great!

But if you're really serious about training, I can tailor a personal workout plan for you.

Really? That'd be... awesome!

How about we hit the gym every day on our vacation?

Okay!

Wait...

Aren't we supposed to be relaxing?

I'm home, Anita.

Anita?

!

Anita! Thank goodness you're okay!

Laura...

Hey, what happened? What's this thing about "looking for stars"? And why out here?

Because when Ollie saved me, he told me that...

...My parents are not really gone. They've just become stars, and they're always watching me...

I-I miss them so much... I couldn't see any stars from my room so...

I'm sorry, Laura. I shouldn't have come out here alone.

It's okay. Next time you want to look at the stars, let me know and I can drive us up to the mountains.

The view's even better there.

R-really?

Of course! We can even check out online guides for the best times and locations to go "star-gazing".

And before you say anything, it's no trouble at all, Anita.

I...

I had a lot of the same worries when my family adopted me. I didn't want to be a burden to anyone...

...Hey, how about I tell you a story?

What kind of story?

A story of when I was a kid. One time, I secretly ran back to my old home.

I wanted to see where I grew up, but didn't want to bother my adoptive parents...

...And I ran into a burglar.

?!

And?

Luckily, my parents had tracked me down and arrived just in time. Still, my mom was really shocked by the experience.

...Were you punished?

Not really. I mean, she just asked me why I didn't ask them to bring me there.

I told her I didn't want to be a burden. When she heard that, she took me into her arms and told me...

...That we were a family now, and that I should never feel that way... but that I should always go to them if I needed anything.

Family...

Yes, just like how your mom and dad will always watch over you. Our family does the same.

We'll always be there for each other.

Next time you miss your mom and dad, let me know and we'll watch them, up in the stars, together...

...Because we're family too.

Laura... I...

*Cry*Cry*

Next time we'll head up the mountains and look at the stars together!

Yes, definitely!