A flock of birds drifted across the crisp azure sky, sounds of mid-morning hustle contrasted the distant grey streaks floating above. On the edge of a small city garden, she stood, her golden hair swaying gently in the peaceful breeze. In her left hand, she clutched a small takeaway cup, presumably filled with her characteristic hot chocolate or a caramel milkshake, and in her right hand, she held a suitcase with all the things she would ever need.
But Purity wasn't ready to face this world yet.
Behind a pastel yellow scarf, Purity analysed the staff entrance of the NYSA headquarters, comparing the sleek grey efficiency of the building to the elegance of the greenery where she was standing. Purity conceded that both were beautiful.
A tall, slender figure appeared from the revolving door, a welcoming face that smiled with genuine happiness when she noticed Purity standing there. Kate's hair was longer and more lustrous than Purity's, however dark brown and seemingly confident in its defiance against the wind. Purity beamed back at her, seeing the golden light give Kate a glow of authority, seeing her as some sort of angelic life-form. As Kate descended the steps, Purity's sense of importance and motivation for the future heightened.
A couple of qualifications and tests and now an angel is taking me to a world I have some level of control over? A world I don't need to leave? A world I don't even want to leave? Is this where my luck turns around? Is this where I fulfil my purpose?
Kate was right in front of Purity now, her piercing eyes comforting and protecting Purity.
Purity's eyes widened slightly and her hair calmed. Kate brought a hand to Purity's scarf and carefully, slowly took it off and handed it back to her, Purity being nonchalant about the action.
"You won't need it anymore today. It's nice and warm inside," Kate assured.
Purity knew she was right.
It wasn't even a cold morning.
A scarf was only needed to hide.
To hide from her past.
There was little point in hiding from the future anyway.
"I can't wait to have you officially on the team. Leonel, Juno, and of course Phoebe are all thrilled to finally work with you, to spend more time with you, and to help play a part in pursuing scientific inquiry and protecting what I can only describe as a paradise."
Kate and Purity walked up the steps, and through the steel-framed revolving door into their new life.
*
Glimmering light invaded the desolated room, attacking the corners of the expanse, exposing nearly the entirety of Purity's new living quarters, save for under the bed or inside the closet. There was a desk embedded into the wall, a comforting wooden desk designed to be efficient in space and for the time of the user. The sun couldn't reach the little compartment for leg space underneath said desk. A knock on the door revolved Purity to face Kate, who was clutching a folded bedsheet in one hand and a bag containing clothes in the other.
"I bought a bedsheet for you," she gestured, spreading out the pink and yellow design on Purity's queen bed, stepping back and admiring the emptiness of the room. It was a clean slate for Purity, she felt like this room and area of the building had so much potential for emotion, memories, and maybe even nostalgia one day. Her room seemed safe enough.
"We should go down for lunch now. There's a really good cafeteria here," Kate noticed Purity's hesitation and followed up.
"It's okay. We'll get lunch in the city. We're situated really close to Spring Street Square, so there are many other places nearby for us to get some food."
Purity couldn't afford to go into the cafeteria here on her first day, having everyone's watchful eyes on her, leaving her exposed to judgements and everyone's preconceptions of her. After all, she considered herself the most socially awkward of their group – Kate, Juno, and Leonel all seemed far more confident and mature, less shy and more talkative than she was.
Her sister had recently appeared socially incapable, but Purity knew it was out of deliberate antisocial behaviour rather than genuine introversion.
Purity nodded gratefully to Kate's suggestion, took one last look at the patterned curtains, and the white carpet containing a lonely suitcase, and closed the door behind her.
The room opened into a cosy shared living room, warm in its colours of maroon and crimson in its sofas, and even warmer in its ability to protect people from outside harm. The room was shaped almost like a miniature amphitheatre, with a circular table in the middle, couches and a fireplace on one side, and 5 doors arranged in a semi-circle on the other side. There was a small kitchen with a stove and a fridge that could support 5 people – no more, no less.
And there was a blue door that led to the outside world – To NYSA, to New York City, to their future.
*
The waiter finally arrived with their food, bringing captivating smells of freshly cut tomatoes, caramelised onion, and the waft of rich garlic. Kate had ordered a focaccia topped with smoked ham, mozzarella cheese, and a fabulous arrangement of vegetables and herbs. On Purity's plate stood a small Margherita pizza, simple yet delicious.
"Thanks for welcoming me into the NYSA so kindly," Purity softly articulated, her eyes transfixed on her meal.
"Of course, I would. You're my friend," Kate replied, almost annoyed that Purity would doubt her ability to support others.
Still refusing to look her in the eyes, Purity quietly yet strongly spoke,
"Are you sure you don't just see me as Phoebe's sister?"
"Absolutely not," Kate stammered without hesitation, "You're one of my best friends in the world."
Purity lifted her eyes to match Kate's and smiled.
For the tenth time this day, Purity realised she could be safe.
And this time she knew it with all her heart.