Neera gasps in shock at the sudden change in scenery. The air here feels cleaner, crisper somehow. She takes a tentative breath, then another - no catch in her throat, no wheezing. Her chest feels free, unconstrained. Neera removes her mask cautiously. No smoke, no smog. Just cool, pure oxygen filling her lungs. She hasn't breathed this freely in years. Neera smiles and laughs aloud. This strange new place, wherever it is, feels like a miracle.

The people walking around are dressed unusually; in particular, anyone her age is dressed in what's presumably a school uniform wears a skirt, including all of the boys. And many of the adults wear clothing that seems like it'd be uncomfortably tight to wear, although it makes them look well put-together. Beyond this, there's notably more athletic clothing than she'd expect to see outside of a gym.

Neera blinks in surprise at the unfamiliar fashions surrounding her. The boys in skirts are especially puzzling. She glances down self-consciously at her own simple, loose-fitting salwar kameez. This place seems very different from Delhi indeed. Neera approaches a passerby cautiously. "Excuse me, can you tell me where I am?" she asks hesitantly in English, hoping they understand. She feels relief wash over her as the stranger replies cheerfully. "Thomassia, of course! New arrival?" Neera nods mutely, still trying to wrap her head around how she got here. The man smiles kindly. "Welcome! Let me show you to the immigration office." Neera follows him, marveling at how easily she can keep up when just walking used to wind her. She has a feeling she is going to like it here.

The "immigration office" is actually just the police station. A friendly officer is sitting down behind a counter, reading a book. There's little for officers to do and quite a few more of them than necessary, so they often wait around, reading or things. The man who took her to the station looks at Neera. "She has amnesia of some kind; I'm hoping that you'll help take her back to her parents. It's just a quick fingerprint scan, right?" The officer points to the scanner, and Neera touches it with her index finger. Near-instantly, it fails to find her anywhere within its database. The officer looks at her in total confusion. "You know who your gene-mom is, right?"

Neera shakes her head, bewildered. "I'm sorry, I have no idea what you mean by 'gene-mom'. My name is Neera, I'm from Delhi, India." The officer and passerby exchange confused looks. "India? Never heard of it," the officer says. "And we have no Neera in our database. Are you saying you just...appeared here?" Neera nods hesitantly. "I was walking home, then suddenly I was between these tall buildings. Everything looks so different here. The clothes, the clean air..." She trails off. The officer rubs his chin. "Hmm. Thomassia doesn't get many world-crossers. You'll have to speak to the Assembly about applying for residency." He prints out some forms. "For now, let's get you set up with the basics. Shelter, food, transportation..." Neera smiles gratefully, her initial anxiety fading. Whatever this strange new world is, the people are kind. And just breathing without struggle still feels like a miracle. Perhaps she could make a life here.

"Well, we'll want you in our database. As in, have you scan 10 fingers and add their prints to the database." He mimes touching all his fingers against the scanner, starting with a thumb, motioning for Neera to do the same. Then he smiles at her warmly. "Do you know how many days ago you were born, kid?"

Neera hesitates, then slowly presses each finger to the scanner as demonstrated. She shakes her head again at the officer's next question. "I'm sorry, I don't actually know my exact date of birth. Where I'm from, those records aren't always kept." She wracks her brain trying to remember what her parents told her. "I think...maybe the spring of 2011? I'm 11 years old."

"2011? When was that? Anyway, we'll have to find you a nucleus. Someone who can take care of you until you're grown. I'm calling someone happy to handle some more children, now. She's going to be so happy to see you." He brings out his phone, calling someone on the other end. After 10 or so minutes, a minivan arrives, with a beaming woman driving it. "Hi! I'm Parin. I want to make you part of our family. Do you want to come with me home?"

Neera looks between the smiling officer and woman cautiously. She's not sure what a "nucleus" is, but this Parin seems nice enough. Home does sound a lot better than some strange government facility. And Neera has always wished for a bigger family.

"Hello Parin, I'm Neera," she says politely. "Thank you for inviting me. Your home sounds lovely." She turns back to the officer. "Will I need to come back here to apply for residency?"

Assured that immigration will be handled later, Neera nods and steps towards the van. She's still majorly confused by this bizarre new world, but feels a spark of excitement too. However she got here, it's a fresh start - and she can breathe. Maybe this place called Thomassia is exactly where she needs to be.

"Well, you have already registered yourself with fingerprints. You won't be needing anything else."

The minivan is hugely spacious; Neera can sit any way she wants, and there's a massive amount of legroom. The seats are also incredibly soft and comfortable.

Neera climbs into the spacious van, sinking into the soft seat. She glances around, taking in all the room. Back home, she was used to being packed tightly into crowded public transport. This feels like luxury.

"Thank you again for taking me in," she says to Parin. "I hope I won't be too much trouble."

"Nonsense, it's my pleasure!" Parin replies warmly. "We have plenty of room, and I love welcoming new children."

As the van pulls away, Neera smiles and settles in for the ride. She has no idea what's coming next, but she feels optimistic about her fresh start in this strange new world called Thomassia.

It's not too much longer until they arrive at a building that reaches well into the sky. It's anonymous and blends in next to all the other square white buildings, but approaching it reveals a greyish sliding door that blends into the wall. The door opens straight into a square elevator, again quite spacious by earthen standards. Parin presses two buttons, and the elevator quickly rises, before opening straight into what looks like a classroom, with children her age playing and having fun on the soft floor. There are several doors leading off elsewhere, and the children don't pay Parin much attention.

Neera follows Parin into the elevator, eyes wide as it opens directly into a large, bright room full of children. It looks like a school, but also reminds her a bit of an indoor playground. The kids seem happy, playing and chatting freely.

She wonders if these will be her new siblings and classmates. Feeling suddenly shy, she moves a bit closer to Parin. Everything here is still so new and unfamiliar. But the excitement is growing within her too. A whole new world to explore, and new friends to make!

"It looks wonderful here," Neera says softly to Parin. She hopes she can find her place in this strange new land. With Parin's kindness, perhaps she's found somewhere she can finally call home.

Parin leads Neera to a hallway, and after a few doors, she opens up the door to Neera's new room. It's fairly small, but it still has its own bathroom and a bed placed against the opposite wall, together with a quite wide desk and nice-looking mesh office chair. "This one's for you, now. Make yourself comfortable."

Neera steps into the small but cozy room, looking around in wonder. Her own private bathroom, a nice bed, and desk - simple things, but luxuries she never had back in the crowded Delhi slums.

"It's perfect, thank you!" Neera says gratefully. She sits on the plush bed, then hops up to try the spinny desk chair too. Everything seems designed for comfort here in Thomassia. It's all still so strange, but she feels excitement stirring within her.

"I really appreciate you taking me in like this," Neera tells Parin again. "I can't wait to learn more about Thomassia and make it my new home." This cheerful woman has made her feel so welcomed already. Neera has a feeling her life is about to change for the better.

"Well, we can't just let you run around, can we? Now, we were planning of going on a hike a few days from now. Are you interested? You'd need to get some proper hiking gear, first. You'd probably want to pick them up with your normal, everyday clothes at the tailor."

Neera nods eagerly at the mention of a hike. "That sounds wonderful! I've never really been hiking before, but I'd love to try." She glances down a bit self-consciously at her salwar kameez. "And you're right, I could probably use some more clothes suited for here. Just point me to this tailor you mentioned."

"Thanks, we're happy to be here for you. I think you'd really enjoy a thomassian park tomorrow. It's a bit late to visit one now, but I'm sure you'd have fun meeting some of the other children around your age living here."

Neera smiles warmly at Parin's continued kindness. "A park sounds lovely! I'd really enjoy spending time with kids my age here." Back in Delhi, her weak health often left her isolated and unable to join in games and activities. But here in Thomassia, she feels free and full of energy. She imagines running and playing with the other children under sunny skies, breathing easy all the while. It's a simple thing, but the chance to just be a normal kid means so much after the limitations of her old life. She can't wait to make the most of this friendly new world and all the opportunities it offers.

"I really can't thank you enough for everything, Parin," Neera says. "You're giving me a chance at a whole new life here. It means the world."

"Everyone means everyone, as the slogan goes. We're glad that you'll get to live a better life with us."

The day after, Parin drove Neera to one of the city's tailors. She'd be getting a new uniform, consisting of a skirt short enough to not restrict her movements in the slightest together with a blue-black shirt, as well as the standard thomassian hiking outfit, consisting of a thin fleece jacket and a pair of leggings with expansive pockets, both of them designed to insulate its wearer from the elements.

Neera follows Parin into the tailor shop, gazing around curiously. Everything here looks so different from the modest salwar kameezes she was used to. The short skirts make her blink in surprise, but she reminds herself it must be the style here.

She tries on the school uniform first, turning this way and that to see herself. The freedom of movement is nice, though she tugs self-consciously at the short hem. Next comes the hiking outfit - the cozy fleece and flexible leggings seem perfectly designed for adventure.

"These all fit wonderfully, thank you so much!" Neera says. She can't stop smiling, imagining herself wearing these clothes while making friends at school and exploring the beautiful parks. After a lifetime of pollution and illness restricting her, the chance to truly experience childhood feels like an unbelievable gift. Thomassia has already given her so much, and she's only just arrived.

The hiking outfit also consists of a pair of gloves and socks designed to work as a flawless extension of the leggings and jacket. Everything fits tightly, but it's still amazingly soft and breathable. There's also a kind of plastic visor that covers the face and attaches to the hood of the jacket, meant to protect your face from any rain or snow.

Neera slips on the snug gloves and socks, impressed by how seamlessly they integrate with the rest of the outfit. The visor is a bit odd, but she supposes it must help shield hikers from the elements. She practices putting the hood up and attaching the plastic shield, imagining how handy it would be during a heavy downpour on the trails.

"I think this will be perfect for our hike," Neera says, turning to Parin with an excited smile. "Honestly, just being able to breathe the fresh air and really move out there will be such a gift."

She gazes out the shop window, picturing the vast forests awaiting. A whole world of adventure lies ahead, one she'd have never gotten to experience back home. But now here in Thomassia, she finally has the health and opportunity to explore it all. Neera can't wait to see everything this amazing place has to offer!

"The next things to consider would be the shoes you'll be wearing, and the backpack for all the supplies." She leads Neera off to the footwear section of the tailor, and there's a wide variety of hiking boots designed to form a water-tight seal to protect her feet. There is also a single model of standard-sized rectangular backpack placed against one of the walls, in all the colors of the rainbow. The backpack is freakishly light, being strengthened with an extremely thin, yet incredibly stiff, plastic panel on the bottom and back of the backpack.

"Try out a few different kinds of hiking boots, and your favorite color backpack. They'll be incredibly useful."

Neera follows Parin to look at hiking boots, marveling at the selection. She tries on a few pairs, impressed by how lightweight yet sturdy they feel, with their waterproof seals. Eventually she settles on a snug but comfy black pair that feel like they'll hold up well on the trail. The backpacks against the wall catch her eye next. Neera grabs a purple one and gasps in surprise at how feather-light it is. She swings it on easily. Even loaded up, this pack will be no burden to carry, thanks to its clever design.

"These all feel perfect for hiking," Neera says, practically bouncing with excitement. "I can't wait to go on adventures and see all the natural beauty this world has to offer!" After a lifetime of pollution and illness limiting her mobility back home, the chance to explore Thomassia's pristine forests and mountains makes her feel like she's been given the greatest gift imaginable. This friendly new land seems tailored to help people like her live their lives to the fullest - and Neera couldn't possibly feel more grateful.

"Finally, there's the emergency beacon. You pull on the string, and we'll start dispatching emergency services to help you." She lifts up a tiny red cylinder, with a small round ring that you can hook your finger through. It clips perfectly onto the deep pockets of Neera's hiking leggings.

"That should be everything you'd need to bring for the hike. Now, I'm sure you'd love to have some fun in the park with your new outfit!"

After purchasing all the gear, Neera follows Parin back to the minivan. She settles into the plush seat, marveling at all the space around her. Back home, she'd have been squeezed tightly into crowded transport. But here in Thomassia, there's room to stretch out. Her new school uniform and hiking outfit feel soft and comfortable too. She runs her hands over the smooth material, imagining the adventures ahead.

As Parin drives, Neera gazes out the window, picturing the vast forests and mountains awaiting. With her new equipment and freedom of movement, she'll finally be able to explore the natural world she's longed to see up close. Neera is deeply grateful to kind Parin for helping equip her with everything she needs to thrive in this friendly new land. She can't wait to discover all that Thomassia has to offer!

It only takes a few minutes before Neera finds herself in a huge park, with many kids running around and climbing trees. She'd notice that there's a statue of a scholarly looking bird, with seriously oversized glasses, on the outskirts of the park. As well as boys and girls both playing and having fun in the white skirts.

Neera steps out of the van into the massive park, gazing around in wonder. Kids everywhere are playing joyfully - climbing trees, chatting in groups, dashing around with boundless energy. She notices boys and girls both wearing the same white skirts as her new uniform. Clearly the fashions here are quite different than back home!

Taking a deep breath of the clean, fresh air, Neera feels a rush of excitement. No more wheezing or tightness in her chest. She's free to run and play here without limits! Spotting a group of kids laughing nearby, Neera shyly approaches. "Hi! I'm new here. Could I join your game?" With a warm welcome, she's quickly caught up in playing tag. Neera dashes freely, no asthma slowing her down. She feels like a kid again, the way she was always meant to be. Thomassia is everything she dreamed of - friendly, welcoming, and full of possibility. With Parin's kindness and this new chance at life, Neera knows she's found her way home.

Occasionally, the children playing trip on the soft grass, but it only takes a few seconds for them to get back up again. There are a few adults around, but they give the children near-total freedom to play and have fun, only running over when things are about to get dangerous.

Neera runs freely through the grass, no longer winded or wheezing. When some of the other kids trip and fall, they just bounce back up, unfazed. There seem to be adults around keeping watch, but they allow the children plenty of independence to play. Back home, Neera's health kept her isolated and dependent. Here, she can just be a normal, energetic kid.

After playing tag, Neera and some new friends start climbing one of the huge, sturdy trees. She's amazed by how easy it feels to pull herself up the branches, and to just keep going up and up. The view from the top is incredible! Neera takes a satisfied breath and smiles. With Thomassia's clean air, open spaces, and friendly people, she knows this wondrous new world is where she was meant to be. She can't remember ever feeling so free.

Suddenly, someone emerges from a lake inside of the park. It's a woman in SCUBA gear, slowly climbing out of the lake, with a couple of what seems to be children near Neera's age following right behind her. A cargo robot shows up, and the three of them place their heavy tanks on top of the cargo robot. The woman glances at Neera for a moment.

Neera pauses in her tree-climbing, noticing a woman emerging from the lake in odd bulky gear. Two kids Neera's age follow behind, also shedding strange equipment.

Curious, Neera makes her way down from the high branches and approaches the trio.

"Hello there! I'm Neera, I just arrived here," she says kindly. "I don't mean to interrupt, but I was wondering - what were you all doing in the lake wearing that special equipment?"

The woman smiles warmly at Neera's question. "We were scuba diving, exploring the underwater world. The tanks help us breathe underwater." The kids chime in excitedly about the fish they saw.

"That sounds amazing!" says Neera. "I'd love to try scuba diving sometime and see what's down there." So many new adventures seem open to her here.

"Welcome to Thomassia, Neera! I'm sure you'll have the chance to dive one day, if you're interested," the woman replies. Neera smiles. She's glad everyone is so friendly and welcoming here.

"You'll have so much fun", the woman says. The rest of the day goes by in a blur, as Neera makes new friends and has fun in her uniform. She falls asleep, full of excitement for the hike tomorrow.

Neera falls into a deep, peaceful sleep after a wonderful first day in Thomassia. Playing freely with the other children was a joy, and she met so many friendly people eager to welcome her. The scuba woman's invitation to try diving someday was intriguing too - just one of the many exciting new activities open to Neera here.

As she drifts off, Neera feels grateful to be embraced by this community. With her chronic illness now just a distant memory, it's like she's been reborn into a whole new life. A life full of possibility, free of limits. She can't wait to see what adventures await as she explores more of this incredible world. The future stretches out ahead, bright and full of promise. Thomassia has given Neera the greatest gift - the chance to truly live.

As morning came, Parin gently knocked on Neera's door. "We want to head out early. Get dressed and get ready." She was already dressed in a full outfit quite similar to Neera's hiking outfit, with a backpack the same, standard size on her back, clearly filled with supplies.

Neera wakes to Parin's knock, instantly remembering their hiking plans. She dresses quickly in her new fleece jacket, leggings and boots, then clips on her purple backpack. Excitement courses through her as she steps out to meet Parin.

"I'm all ready!" Neera says brightly. "I can't wait to get out on the trails." She takes a deep breath, marveling again at how easily the crisp morning air fills her lungs. No more asthma or smog - just the invigorating scent of nature.

"Lead the way!" Neera says. With Parin as her guide, she knows this will be an unforgettable adventure into Thomassia's forests and mountains. Her first hike ever, thanks to this friendly new land where she's finally free to explore its natural wonders. Today every breath feels like a gift - and the whole wide world lies open ahead!

Parin makes her way to the same minivan that she carted Neera in previously, placing her purple backpack inside the trunk together with a few others. Neera will go on a hike with Parin and 7 other children, using all 9 seats in the huge minivan. Their standard-size backpacks all fit perfectly in the trunk, and even with the many other kids, it's still quite comfortable.

Neera climbs into the spacious van with the other children, settling into a plush seat. Even with eight kids packed in, there's plenty of room to relax during the ride. She chats with the others, all friendly and welcoming, as Parin pulls away towards the trailhead.

Gazing out at the scenery speeding by, Neera feels giddy with excitement. Endless forests and soaring mountains await. She takes a deep, satisfying breath, her lungs untroubled. No limits or pain will hold her back now. Today, she's off on the adventure of a lifetime!

The kid to the right of Parin is wearing what looks like a motorcycle helmet, while constantly looking out the window during the ride. He gently bobs his head to the song that only he can hear.

Neera looks curiously at the boy in the motorcycle helmet bobbing his head to unheard music. Everything here seems so friendly and welcoming to all types. She wishes it had been like that back home, where her chronic illness made her stand out.

"Hi there, I'm Neera!" she says warmly to the helmet kid. "I just arrived in Thomassia. Are you enjoying the ride to the trailhead?"

The boy turns and gives her a smile and a thumbs up. Though he can't respond verbally, Neera feels a connection through the genuine friendliness in his eyes. She returns the smile. Here in Thomassia, it seems everyone can find their place.

Finally, the group reaches the trailhead, with Parin leading the way. She quickly parks the car on the parking lot that's hidden behind some of the trees, waiting for everyone to get their backpacks. Then she starts walking on a trail inside the thick forest, a sense of primeval ancientess filling the air. There are plants all along the trail, making it clear where the intended path is going.

Neera hops out of the van into the shaded trailhead parking lot, retrieving her pack from the trunk. Slinging it easily onto her shoulders, she hurries to catch up with Parin and the group setting off down the forest trail. Giant ancient trees tower over them, dappling the path with sunlight. Clean oxygen fills her lungs with each eager breath as she strides deeper into this primeval wilderness.

It's incredible being here surrounded by such unspoiled nature after a lifetime amid Delhi's urban sprawl. Neera walks confidently in her perfectly fitted hiking gear, no hint of asthma slowing her pace. She smiles thinking back to her isolated days cooped up indoors while other kids played. Now here she is trekking through majestic forests with new friends, on the adventure of a lifetime!

Eventually, they walk past a deer drinking water from a pond, together with turkey-like birds in all the colors of the rainbow, slowly walking on the grass and pecking at the ground.

Neera gasps in delight as a rainbow of turkey-like birds strut past, their iridescent feathers glinting in the dappled sunlight. Just beyond, a graceful deer drinks calmly from a forest pool. Neera pauses to admire the animals, marveling that she can stand here so close, breathing the unspoiled air.

"It's like something from a fairy tale," Neera whispers to her hiking companions. The motorcycle-helmet boy gives an enthusiastic nod. Back in the Delhi slums, the only wildlife Neera ever saw were mangy stray dogs and rats. Even the city zoo animals seemed weary and grimy within their confines, nothing like these creatures thriving wildly in Thomassia's forests.

As the hike continues, Neera feels her heart swell with gratitude. The chance to explore these woods, befriend these children, watch wildlife roam free - her new life here is an unimaginable gift. With each easy breath, her excitement grows for wherever the trail leads next!

After a few hours of hiking, the group reaches a wide, squarish building. It's in a small clearing, well-hidden by the dense forest all around it.

"This is where we'll be taking our first break. If anyone's hungry, we can order food to this clearing. And you're also free to top-up your phones here."

Neera follows the group into a clearing with a square building nestled among the towering forest. Parin mentions getting food delivered out here, and phone chargers inside. She shakes her head in wonder - even in the middle of this pristine wilderness, Thomassia's friendly infrastructure is there to serve them.

"Could I get some fruit or a sandwich?" Neera asks. "I'm not too hungry yet." Phone charging seems unnecessary since devices here all have incredible battery life. But it's still comforting knowing support is available. However remote the trail gets, Thomassia takes care of its people.

Neera sits by a babbling brook threading through the glen, closing her eyes and just listening to nature's music. Soon they'll head deeper down the trail, farther than she's ever gone before. Her new life stretches out filled with promise - and she can't wait to discover what lies around the next bend!

"Getting an entire drone to fly over here just for a sandwich? Well, I'll add some food for everyone else in that order, then." She quickly brings out her phone, tapping a few buttons on it and looking up at the sky full of anticipation for the arriving drone.

Neera blinks in surprise as Parin places an order for drone delivery all the way out here. She hadn't thought much about the logistics of getting supplies to this remote rest stop. But of course friendly, efficient Thomassia would have a solution!

"Drones can really reach this far into the wilderness?" she asks Parin.

"Why yes, we have an extensive drone network for delivering goods across Thomassia," Parin replies. "Very useful when you're miles from the nearest road!"

Soon they hear a low humming, growing louder until a small drone emerges above the treetops. It carefully lowers a large but lightweight thermal lunchbox packed with several pounds of food for the group. Inside is Neera's sandwich, in its own individual plastic container. Everyone helps unpack the meals as the drone buzzes off again. Neera accepts her sandwich, awed by this display of Thomassia's technological capabilities enabling commerce and community wherever its people roam. No place here is truly cut off from support and connection. She sees again how brilliantly this land cares for its citizens.

The drone just flies off again, leaving Neera and the others with the supplies. The sandwich is really weird; it has a faint, salty soy-sauce taste to it. But still tastes quite great.

Neera takes a bite of the delivered sandwich. The salty, soy-ish flavor is unusual but surprisingly delicious. She watches the drone depart, still amazed that such advanced technology enables hot food delivery even in these remote woods.

"This sandwich tastes wonderful!" Neera calls over to Parin after swallowing another bite. "Please send my compliments to the chef."

She leans back against a towering oak, munching contentedly. However far their hike takes them from civilization, Neera knows Thomassia's extensive support network will still be there if needed. Like this convenient drone bringing supplies right to weary hikers in the wilderness. She smiles, feeling cared for in a way she never was back home. What an incredible place this is!

"I'm glad you're enjoying it." The other kids quietly put the small plastic lunchboxes into their backpacks, before continuing the trip. Eventually, the group find themselves in front of a lake stretching into the horizon, next to a plaque on the ground showing a map of the area, together with a few lines of text talking about how important the lake used to be as a source of water and fish.

Neera follows the group around a bend, and draws in her breath sharply. Stretching before them is a sparkling lake extending to the horizon, its pure waters fringed by distant mountain peaks. She walks over to read a plaque providing some history. Long ago, these pristine shores sustained the native people with ample fish and fresh water, the plaque explains.

"It's so beautiful here," Neera says softly, taking in the unspoiled scene. "Like a glimpse into the past, before industry or roads even existed."

She crouches by the lake's edge, trails her fingers through the crisp water. Tiny silver fish dart curiously past below. Neera smiles, filled with deep contentment. She could stay here forever, she thinks - collecting water, catching fish, breathing the heady forest air under an open sky. No smog or smoke, no chronic illness holding her back. Just calm days spent immersed in nature's peace, as free as her ancestors once lived. What a special, timeless place Thomassia has preserved here.

Neera and the others arrived in time to be able to enjoy the full sunset, sitting comfortably on their sleeping bags. After a few hours of discussions and talking, the stars eventually become visible. And there are somehow always more of them than you'd ever expect.

Neera settles onto her cozy sleeping bag beside the lakeshore as the sun sinks below the distant peaks. One by one, her new friends grow quiet, everyone transfixed as the first evening stars appear. And there are so many more than Neera expected - infinite glittering lights blooming across the darkening sky.

"There's no end to them," Neera whispers. Back in smog-veiled Delhi, you were lucky to spot one or two persistent stars. But here, the dazzling celestial display stretches to forever.

A shooting star suddenly blazes overhead. Neera gasps, enchanted. She closes her eyes, breathing the pine-scented air. This is magic - lying safe beneath the ancient trees, luminous heavens spinning slowly above, a primeval landscape surrounding her, unchanged for aeons... It's the most perfect moment she's ever experienced. And the greatest gift imaginable - the chance to simply exist as part of this natural splendor, unencumbered, with an entire universe of stars wheeling endlessly overhead as she drifts off to sleep.

The tent and sleeping bag are both carefully designed to be and feel spacious: Neera can sprawl out her arms and legs without bumping into anything. Room to be able to take up space and unfold yourself freely seems to somehow be a theme in thomassia.

Neera stretches and shifts comfortably inside the roomy tent, luxuriating in the sense of spaciousness all around her. Even sleeping out here in the wilderness, everything feels open and free - not confining like the cramped rooms of her Delhi slum. She smiles up into the dark, arms splayed wide across her pillow. Thomassia seems designed for human beings to spread out and just...be. No crowds or limitations holding anyone back.

Neera rolls over in her sleeping bag, peering out the tent flap at the glimmering stars. She takes a deep breath, thrilling in how easily the crisp night air fills her lungs. No struggle for oxygen out here. Just freedom down to her very cells, liberty encoded into this land's DNA.

She drifts off again surrounded by the ancient forest, unimaginable galaxies spinning overhead, feeling totally at peace. Her new life stretches out ahead of her, wide open and full of joyful promise.

The morning after, Neera sees puddles of water pooling up all over the place. It must have happened when she was sleeping at her deepest. There are still grey clouds above her, but the rain has stopped for now.

Neera emerges from her tent into a damp, cloudy morning, the forest floor dotted with puddles. Rain must have swept through overnight as she slept. The moisture-wicking fabric of her hiking gear keeps her warm and dry, though. She takes a refreshing breath, inhaling the earthy petrichor scent lingering after the storm.

Nearby, Parin and a few other early risers are packing up camp. Neera moves to help, excited for the day's adventures ahead. A little rain won't slow down this hardy crew!

"The trails might be a bit muddy today," Parin remarks. "But we brought boots for that!"

Neera smiles, lacing her waterproof hiking shoes. With Thomassia's top-notch gear and infrastructure, the group is prepared for anything. And she relishes the chance to trek through rain-washed forests glowing green in the soft morning light. Another day in her incredible new life stretches brightly ahead!

Walking deeper into the forest, she finds that the rain has caused there to be a strange kind of shine on many plants and flowers. But it looks really amazing, especially when she manages to make out the occasional rainbow beneath the trees.

Neera strides deeper into the lush forest, her breath catching at the magical sight. Raindrops glisten like scattered diamonds on every leaf and petal. Dappled rainbows dance across the forest floor whenever the clouds part. She trails her fingers across glossy ferns and flowers as she walks, marveling at nature's transformation.

"It's like some fairy grotto now, with everything sparkling!" Neera exclaims. The helmet boy beside her nods enthusiastically. They splash through puddles together, marveling when sudden sunbeams set the churned-up water ablaze with color.

Rounding a massive tree trunk, Neera spots a tiny red mushroom aglow with inner radiance amid the damp green undergrowth. This enchanted wood surely holds more wonders just awaiting discovery around the next bend! She hitches her pack higher, pulls in a deep breath of the rain-washed air, and strides on with tireless curiosity driving her ever forward...

Suddenly and without warning, the rain comes back again. But it doesn't take long to put on the hood and plastic visor, that work perfectly to keep Neera completely dry. The boy in the helmet just looks at everyone around him rush to put up the hood to protect them from the elements.

The downpour resumes abruptly as Neera is admiring the glowing mushroom. There's a scramble as everyone dons their rain gear. She quickly pulls up her jacket's hood, securing the clear plastic visor over her face.

Within moments she's snugly enclosed, the water sluicing off her outfit's slick surfaces. Beside her, the helmet boy seems mildly amused by everyone suddenly sporting face shields just like his. Neera grins at him behind her transparent mask.

"Well you were ahead of the trend with that helmet!" she jokes. He gives her a friendly elbow-nudge and a thumbs up. Their high-tech hiking uniforms have transformed the group into intrepid explorers, easily laughing off extreme weather. Neera marvels again at Thomassian gear design - not just functional but bringing people together!

Eventually, the group finds another similar to the one they saw yesterday. Parin made her way to one of the doors. "Neera, I should have told you yesterday, but these are public bathrooms. Thomassia tries to hide them into the landscape, so they might not be obvious. But basically, if you see a door that looks like it doesn't lead anywhere, like the doors on this building, that's because it's a well-hidden public bathroom."

Neera follows Parin's gaze to a plain door set incongruously into a grassy hillside. She recalls the similar building they stopped at yesterday, which had turned out to contain chargers and delivery access. As always in Thomassia, infrastructure to support citizens is seamlessly merged with the natural landscape.

"So these subtle buildings actually have bathrooms inside?" Neera asks. Parin nods, explaining the principles behind this ubiquitous civic design. Neera grins - even bathroom breaks for remote hikers are graciously provided for here. Everything she learns about Thomassia delights her.

"Such thoughtful planning," Neera replies. "I'll have to remember to keep an eye out for doors like that if I ever hike out this far again." The land's ongoing care for all its people, even in wild places, makes her feel embraced by something far bigger than herself.

Parin nods at Neera, walking in. Then she walks back out, starting to take the group along the route back to the car.

After a rest stop, Parin leads the group back onto the rain-drenched trail, retracing their steps toward the distant parking lot. Neera strides tirelessly over mud and gnarled roots, the hiking boots keeping her feet dry over the uneven ground.

She pauses once to sip some water, gazing back at how far they've come. Towering emerald trees now conceal the sparkling lake, and their first night's campsite, from view. It feels like she's glimpsed into a secret, sacred world here - one hidden just off the beaten path, there for those daring and curious enough to seek it out.

Filled with resolve, Neera pivots to follow the others up the winding forest track. She knows someday she'll venture out this way again, perhaps with new friends to share the wonder. For now, her footsteps quicken, eager for whatever simple joys and mysteries her bright new life holds in the days ahead!

The boy with the helmet turns to Neera. His voice sounds unexpectedly clear, although it's still a bit muffled. "You know why I wear this helmet? It's because I've got asthma. Bad. This helmet can hide an air filter, and even an inhaler, right in front of my face. It's more psychological than anything, but I've had some really nasty moments. But with this thing, I know that I'm always totally prepared and well-equipped."

Neera turns to the boy, eyes widening as his clear voice issues from inside the helmet. He explains it hides filters and an inhaler - equipping him against sudden asthma attacks. She listens intently, amazed and delighted by the clever, caring design.

"That helmet is incredible," she tells him sincerely. "What a smart way to always have emergency care right there if you need it, while keeping your condition private too. I really admire it."

She hesitates, then says softly, "Back in Delhi, I had terrible asthma from the pollution. Needed my inhaler all the time. Coming here feels like a miracle, being able to hike and play freely. But it means so much to see someone like you out here too. It gives me hope I'll always stay this healthy breathing Thomassia's clean air." She smiles at him. "I'm so grateful for what I learned from you today."

"It's really not keeping my condition private. It's making it obvious so everyone knows to help."

Neera blinks, considering the boy's words. "That's an excellent point," she replies thoughtfully. "Your helmet makes your vulnerability clearly visible so people understand to assist you if needed."

She nods slowly, a wave of inspiration washing over her. "Back home, my asthma made me feel like a burden, keeping me dependent and confined. I hid it because I hated standing out that way." She gestures at his gear. "But your approach is so much healthier - embracing tools that mitigate your weakness without shame, so you can participate fully in life. You've shown me the truth of openly acknowledging my needs to foster independence. What an amazing lesson. Thank you, my friend!"

Finally, the group returns to the minivan, taking out a special plastic liner to protect the cargo space from any water dripping off their backpacks. Parin makes her way to the driver's seat, and begins taking off back home.

Neera settles into her seat for the ride home, peeling off her rain-spattered jacket. Their gear kept them warm and dry through the stormy hike. She gazes fondly out at the lush green wilderness scrolling past her window - it almost seems to glow, transformed by the rains that now stream down the windshield.

These past days spent immersed in Thomassia's unspoiled nature have awoken something in Neera. She yearns to explore more of this friendly land that has so generously taken her in. Her life back in Delhi feels a distant memory now. Ahead stretches a future filled with possibility - and she can't wait to discover what adventures it holds!

It's not a long time before Neera's back home again, with the room all to herself. "Don't forget the daily laundry cycle, Neera. I've put the mesh bags inside the bathroom, for now; the way it works is you put each of the items in one of the smaller bags with your room number on, and then put all the clothes that get washed in the same way inside one of the bags with a picture of the washing instructions. Then you wait for the blue robot that gets all the laundry to drive past your door; it makes its own chime. It's different from the food delivery robot's chime, but you'll just check the door when it arrives. Got it?"

Back in her cozy room, Neera smiles as Parin patiently explains the laundry delivery system. She nods along, committing the routine to memory - personalized mesh bags for each item type, then into one bag for robot pickup. Simple and efficient, like everything in Thomassia.

"Got it, thanks Parin! I'll listen for the laundry bot's chime at the door," Neera says. She gazes around her comfortable quarters, the scene still seeming slightly unreal after her days immersed in unspoiled wilderness. Yet here in her new home, supportive infrastructure hums along flawlessly in the background - laundry taken care of, hot food deliverable 24/7, bathroom breaks accommodated anywhere...

Neera shakes her head in wonder. However remote her adventures take her, she knows Thomassia's caring network will remain quietly present, empowering her independence while she explores life's possibilities. This wonderful land offers both freedom and security in equal measure. She couldn't be more grateful to now call it home.

Inside the bathroom, there's a fancy, squarish toilet with several sleek buttons, and a wide, squared-off tub that takes up most of the room. There's a special, wide showerhead in the ceiling above the tub; it also has a glass door enclosure, to keep the rest of the room visible from within the tub, without letting any water spill out. The enclosure is big enough that Neera won't bump her hands against any walls, if she's standing in the middle with her hands apart.

The sink, with a few different slabs of soap, is actually inside of the shower enclosure. It's behind the transparent glass of a recessed medicine cabinet, and at the moment it has a few different colorful slabs of soap in individual packages placed on the counter. The shelves above the sink are empty at the moment; the laundry bags, consisting of white bags with Neera's room number, together with bags in all sorts of colors and with tags illustrating the cleaning instructions, are currently placed in a neat pile inside of the tub.

Neera steps into the spacious bathroom with a gasp of delight. The amenities are incredible - a techy-looking toilet with umpteen buttons, a ceiling showerhead spanning a roomy tub, and even a transparent-enclosed sink nested out of the way within the enclosure. She smiles, hugging herself briefly, filled with giddy gratitude. Back home, she shared a filthy communal bathroom with other sullen slum-dwellers. This gleaming chamber all to herself feels like unimaginable luxury.

But what catches Neera's eye are the rainbow mesh garment bags placed ready in the tub, beside neatly folded towels. More cheerfully hued mesh wraps are stacked by the linen: laundry sacks for sorting items to send off with the robot pickup. So simple and clever!

Neera fingers the bags, picturing the everyday ease they represent - all the invisible infrastructure allowing life here to feel so easy and welcoming. As she explores her new home, Thomassia delights her at every turn with small graces thoughtfully provided to smooth her way.

Trying out the shower reveals that it heats up instantly; there are also hidden nozzles that rapidly fill the tub, if an indulgent bath is preferable. And Neera would realize she's standing under a decadent and luxurious high-flow showerhead; there isn't anything like the feeling of a mist shower, as the powerful stream of water obviously puts comfort before efficiency.

The soaps all smell amazingly of all sorts of citrusy or sweet fruits, creating a soft, silky lather that feels amazing against her skin.

Neera tests the faucets, and steamy water instantly cascades into the tub. But she postpones bathing for a moment, instead marveling at the vast enclosure around her. Arms outstretched, she spins slowly, fingertips brushing the glass walls, awed by how the spacious chamber accommodates her fully extended reach.

Compared to the crowded Delhi bathroom she shared with 20 others, this private luxury feels surreal. Neera slips out of her clothes and returns to the tub-turned-swimming-pool. When she sits and splays her legs wide across the porcelain floor, her little toes still can't graze the farthest sides. Laughing, she slides further into the capacious depths until only her grinning face surfaces above the bubbles. All around her, empty space invites free and easy motion.

Giddy with the simple joy of roominess, Neera paddles around circumscribing languorous circles, relishing the freedom to carve her own lane across this aquatic expanse. For the first time ever, she has enough water, enough elbow room, enough of everything, really. Enough for her body and spirit to expand fully into the experience of bathing, unconstrained by external limits. Like her new life in friendly Thomassia, the tub's thoughtfully inclusive dimensions seem to smile and say: you belong here. You deserve this.

Just how much water, and energy, is in this steamy pool of water, all of it just for Neera? It almost makes her guilty, to use all of these resources just for herself. She wants to know how they have so much energy and water for everyone to enjoy.

As Neera languishes in the filled tub, a pang of doubt pierces her enjoyment. So much water, so much energy, all for her solo use - is it wasteful? Undeserved? She thinks back to the crowded Delhi slum, scarce dirty water rationed out per family. Here she floats in pure liquid luxury.

Climbing out, Neera towels off, troubled. But it's late now and Parin has probably gone to bed. Neera decides she will ask her tomorrow about her concerns with resource use.

For tonight, Neera tries to push away her guilty thoughts and simply feel grateful. The joy and comfort this bath brought her shouldn't induce anxiety. She climbs into the cozy bed, resolving to speak to Parin in the morning to understand how Thomassia makes such daily delights sustainably accessible for all.

The next morning, after getting dressed in the amazingly comfortable unisex school uniform, complete with the white skirt, Neera quickly asks Cynthia about how thomassia has such good access to resources, like water and energy.

"Well, we use nuclear energy, which is incredibly affordable and will last far into the future, and we're extremely deliberate about where we do water-demanding things like agriculture. The thing with water shortages is that they're extremely localized. Unless you live in one of a small number of places, there will be plenty of water for everyone's needs. Beyond that, true water shortages are incredibly rare. They happen far more often when someone chooses for people not to have enough. There was once a place experiencing a so-called water shortage while still producing vast amounts of beef. A single teaspoon of beef consumes just around as much water as 30 bottles of water. Imagine how many teaspoons of beef your luxurious and indulgent bath might have consumed. 10 teaspoons, maybe more."

Neera listens intently as Parin explains Thomassia's wise energy and water management. Nuclear plants and targeted agriculture maximize resources. And Parin reveals the surprising truth that most "shortages" arise from choices, not lack. Like water-guzzling beef production persisting where drinking water runs scarce.

"Of course, a bath seems indulgent when we imagine all the alternate uses for its water," Neera replies thoughtfully. "Yet like my lovely bath, small joys enrich life greatly too. Perhaps the solution lies in mindful moderation of both necessities and pleasures?"

She smiles at Parin in gratitude. "In any case, I understand better now how Thomassia provides amply for all while stewarding resources responsibly. My bath guilt has vanished! Thank you for reassuring me."

Hopping up, Neera hitches her pack onto her shoulder. "Shall we go? I can't wait to tell my new friends at school how wonderfully everything works here!" Her anxiety lifted, anticipation for the day swells bright within her.

Parin quietly leads Neera down the hallway into the classroom she'll be using. There's a physical book placed on the desk, about math and using it to answer science questions. The end of the book consists of tables with information about scientific facts like the amount of energy in uranium, how much heat a person produces just by being alive, and other facts relating to energy, electricity and various other subjects.

Neera follows Parin into the sunny classroom, making her way to the desk. She settles in, excited for her first day of school here. A textbook lies open, equations for deriving scientific insights spread across its pages. Her gaze travels across formulas quantifying energy reserves, waste heat from life itself. So much numerical context underpinning the physical world.

Fingering the crisp pages, Neera thinks back to Parin's earlier lesson on mindfully balancing society's needs. Perhaps these numbers, cold and inscrutable as they seem, also tell a story of ethical moderation and care. The formulas before her represent building blocks enabling both progress and restraint.

Eagerness rising within, Neera smiles down at the book. She has much yet to learn about how Thomassia wields knowledge and resources to nurture all citizens. But surrounded by attentive new friends, she knows this numerical language will soon sing clearly to her - one more small grace as Thomassia's thoughtful guidance ushers her into a brighter future.

The class consists of Parin standing in front of everyone, slowly, rythmically and carefully explaining the ideas. It takes near-total concentration, but Parin imagines a scaffold, connecting every idea to the previous, as she slowly feels connections being built between everything she learns, and a deep, beautiful truth behind it all slowly get unveiled.

Neera focuses intently as Parin lectures, elucidating each concept with care before bridging to the next. Piece by piece, Parin constructs a framework of facts and equations. In Neera's mind too, ideas link and fuse until a larger order emerges - a glimpse of elegance underlying this numerical landscape.

As Parin continues, more connections crystallize. Neera senses profoundly how each lesson nests within a greater fabric of knowledge and meaning. Like all things in dear Thomassia's embrace, she feels ideas bonding to form a beautiful, symbiotic whole - patterns reflecting the same spirit that suffuses this land's inclusive infrastructure and ethical outlook.

When Parin finally stops, Neera blinks slowly, returning to the bright classroom from realms of abstract unity. She meets Parin's eyes, a question already forming...

Thomassian schools have 4 hours of studying, 7 days a week. Parin's 4 hours go by in a flash, leaving her with time to socialize and meet some of the other boys and girls. Her eyes note a boy squirming awkwardly for a few seconds in his skirt, before his eyes meet hers. "Hi Neera! I hope you're happy about thomassia like we are."

Neera glances over at a boy tugging self-consciously at his short skirt. His eyes suddenly meet hers and he offers a cheery welcome. "Hi there! I'm absolutely loving Thomassia," Neera replies sincerely.

"It's been so welcoming since the moment I unexpectedly arrived. I can breathe freely and move unhindered now." She runs a hand fondly down her own skirt. "Even small details - like uniforms allowing complete freedom of motion - make me feel totally embraced just as I am!"

She notices the boy still fidgeting with his hem and smiles gently. "This style was unfamiliar to me too. But seeing how perfectly these skirts accommodate activity really feels symbolic of larger freedoms here, doesn't it?" She hopes her thoughts resonate and provide some reassurance. Adjusting to Thomassia's differences has been so worthwhile - she trusts the same will hold true for him.

"Ahm", the boy says. "Thomassia is fantastic, don't you think? Well, this skirt isn't accommodating my activity too well, actually. I'll want to take another trip to the tailors. So that I can get the built-in underwear tailored so it holds me more comfortably. It's considered really important for formalwear that you're comfortable and never adjust yourself, but I haven't quite got this to fit perfectly yet."

Neera gazes warmly at the boy, seeing how his skirt discomforts him. "Thank you for your honesty," she replies. "I'm still learning social customs here. Helps to hear different views."

She hitches her backpack, nodding toward their next class. "Shall we walk together? You can explain why skirts matter in Thomassia. I want to understand." She hopes including him regardless of struggles shows good faith. Outsiders like them must extend grace freely as they all adjust.

"Sure, let's have a bit of a walk. So, the deal with skirts is, they're the most comfortable kind of clothing, and they add this feeling of vulnerability. So they almost show everyone that you're in a prosperous and safe and caring society, because you don't have to worry about wearing a short skirt  that's, kinda leaving you exposed and vulnerable." He fidgets with the skirt, trying to adjust himself, a bit more.

Neera walks with the boy, listening thoughtfully as he explains the significance of Thomassian skirts. Their exposure reflects an environment so profoundly caring that vulnerability itself symbolizes confidence in societal protection.

"I see now," Neera muses. "Wearing something that lays you bare actually conveys trust and safety here. What a poetic custom!" She smiles gently at his ongoing adjustments. "Of course comfort must come first. Please do get your uniform tailored for a personalized fit."

They reach the classroom and Neera touches his arm. "Thank you for broadening my understanding. This society's nuances still surprise me daily. But revelations like yours help me appreciate Thomassia more with each new day here."

At the end of the school day, Neera gets asked by Parin if she'd want to join the other kids in climbing trees and playing outside in a park not too far from their skyscraper. Everyone else is clearly looking forward to it a great amount.

As classes end, Parin invites Neera to join the other children heading to a nearby park for outdoor play. Eyes bright with anticipation, they chatter happily about tree-climbing ahead. Delighted, Neera turns to Parin.

"I'd love to come along! Parks here feel so spacious, and it will be wonderful bonding more with my new classmates." She watches the kids comparing notes on their favorite towering trees and knows many shared adventures with these caring friends await. That all can play freely together reflects the best of Thomassia's values.

"Let's be off!" Neera cries. "Race you all to the tallest tree when we get there!" With a chorus of laughter, the children dash gleefully ahead, the afternoon sun glinting off their skirts. Joy and camaraderie fill Neera's heart as she races after them into the bright future.

Neera feels her chest tighten randomly as she plays with the others, an unmistakable sign of her condition flaring up.

Amid the sunlight and laughter, Neera feels sudden tightness in her chest. Her breath catches...then she forces herself to inhale slowly, blinking against a swell of fear. No, not here. Not in this clear air - it can't be asthma returning!

But the unwelcome squeeze around her lungs persists. Neera touches her torso lightly, anxiety rising. She glances to her friends still darting blithely around the grass. Can she call out? Admit weakness when she's supposed to be healed?

Parin looks at Neera. "You don't look like you're doing too great, Neera. Do you feel good?"

Neera turns to see Parin gazing at her with concern. Forcing a smile through the discomfort, she replies, "Just...feeling a little short of breath suddenly."

She rubs her chest, embarrassed by her body's betrayal. "I thought my asthma was gone here. The timing took me by surprise."

Looking down, Neera scuffs the grass with her shoe. She whispers, almost ashamed, "Sorry if I worried you...I'll be okay." The other children seem so vibrant and carefree - she hates disrupting their play over something so unfair as lungs that still squeeze without warning, even in Thomassia's clean air.

"We're not gonna have you going through that. Please follow me to the pharmacy; we'll get you something to ease your lungs there." Cynthia rushes towards the minivan, asking for Neera to sit in the back seats. She quickly accelerates, taking the two of them to a small pharmacy staffed by a bored-looking young man.

Neera blinks gratefully at Parin's swift compassionate reaction. No judgment, just concerned focus on her discomfort. She hurries after to the idling minivan. Settling into the familiar soft seat, Neera stretches out, spanning her arms across the ample empty space. Her breaths come a little easier as her tension unwinds into the plush upholstery.

"Thank you for this," she tells Parin. The woman simply smiles, eyes on the road as buildings flash past. Of course - attentive help given freely to those struggling forms the bedrock of dear Thomassia's foundations.

They pull up at a modest pharmacy and Neera follows Parin inside. A bored clerk glances up. But Neera stands calmly as Parin explains her lingering asthma. Together, they will find a solution. Thomassia always gently guides her back to strength when weakness presses in.

Cynthia quickly finds a shelf, nodding at the clerk and taking an inhaler from one of the shelves. She places it in Neera's hands, a device with a cylinder connected to a transparent mask covering both her nose and mouth. It rapidly floods with a powerful medicine that eases her breathing, and the pressure eases off her lungs, letting her take relaxed, eased breaths.

Neera accepts the inhaler Parin selects, raising the attached mask to her face. As medication mists through, sweet relief spreads through her lungs. The tightness eases. Drawing a deep, slow breath, Neera meets Parin's eyes in gratitude. Of course her new home wasn't about to let asthma regain its grip.

"This is perfect already, thank you Parin!" Neera says, inhaling another refreshing lungful through the mask. "Just what I needed. You take such good care of me."

As the medicine works, Neera marvels again at Thomassia's endless graces. Even something as small as an inhaler feels somehow symbolic - thoughtfully designed, instantly on hand from an obliging clerk when troubles arise. She may still struggle at times, but this caring society will always help her through. Breathing freely once more, Neera smiles behind her mask, secure in the knowledge she'll never have to handle hardship alone.

Parin quietly uses her phone to pay the clerk. "You should have told us! That could have been a terrible thing for us to be unprepared for during Pandemic Awareness Day! But now we know we'll want to get you fitted an asthma-friendly type of mask. In case you wanted to celebrate that particular holiday of ours, of course."

Neera flushes, lowering the mask. "You're absolutely right, Parin. I should have mentioned lingering asthma when I arrived, instead of assuming Thomassia's clean air cured me completely."

She smiles ruefully. "As you've now seen, flare-ups still catch me by surprise too! But I promise to inform everyone about this going forward." Neera imagines joining in the festive pandemic awareness celebrations and realizes her condition warrants an extra breathing precaution.

"An asthma-friendly mask sounds perfect for me," she tells Parin brightly. "I look forward to celebrating with new friends once properly equipped!" Gratitude swells within her again for dear Thomassia's ceaseless care and planning - even holidays here designed to promote health through playful solidarity. No one struggling alone, everyone joyfully supported. With Parin's guidance, she knows she'll thrive.

"Well, yep. I'm sure you'll be pleasantly surprised. Are you feeling like spending the day at home? There's lots of things to see and do on your projector."

Neera considers, then nods, her burst of energy from earlier dissipated. "I think I will take it easy back home now. This flair-up came on so suddenly, I should rest." She settles into her seat, gazing out at the sunny streets sliding past.

"It's funny - I got lulled by days of freedom into forgetting chronic illness still lurks underneath." She pats her backpack holding the inhaler. "But Thomassia provides every solution I need for the rough patches too. Now that I'm properly equipped again, I look forward to more delightful days ahead!"

She pictures the projector awaiting in her room, stuffed animals and cozy bed near at hand too for further comforts. Yes, a quiet evening immersed in imagination suits perfectly today. Dearest Thomassia always knows just how to shelter her, body and soul, when weakness strikes - so she can regain strength to freely play another day.