Firmament

So, is it normal for people in your area to be capable of flight?

That's a weird thought. You're pretty sure it's normal to be able to fly.

At least, as normal as it is that some people can sing, you guess? Some people can, some people could but never learned how, and some people can't. They might need machines to fly with, or maybe do some Spirit Arts with their Pneuma, but...

...y'know. Some people can do it naturally, if they take the time to learn. For all the grief you deal with, trying to find clothes that fit your wings, though? Some days, you're not sure if it's worth it.

You live on the ground floor, right? If not, that landing's gonna be rough.

Nah. Sure, it's hard to do much more than flutter when you're bundled up like this. You've been through worse, though.

You think back to the time your Dad taught you how to glide off of some cliffs as a kid. A gust of wind caught you off balance. Dad was all "Cassie! Watch your camber!" Then you lost your grip on the air, and dropped like a rock. Of course it was on the coast, so there was water to break your fall... But, the point is, you've survived worse drops. And you know what you're doing!

Anyway, you're starting to get antsy standing outside the dorm building. And you're pretty sure you see smoke starting to come out the window you just leapt out of? You should really figure out a plan for how to get to where you're heading.

Nah, just start walking in a direction approximating a cafe. You don't really do plans.

Or, you suppose, you could just start walking.

If you remember correctly, the new Cafe is... north-ish? Somewhere in that direction. You hurry off that-a-way, until you can't hear the dorm's fire alarm anymore. Once you're in the clear, you let your pace slow down a bit.

Apart from a few people in the distance here and there, there's not too many folks around. Makes sense. There wouldn't be as many people walking around during peak class hours. The few people who are outside don't seem to pay you much mind, either.

Before long, you find yourself on the outskirts of campus. On the far side of the street, there's some shops, an old bookstore, some places you've ordered takeout. On your side, there's a small park, some shade trees, and the skyline from the downtown area. Sometimes it's nice to just take your time and wander. Take in the sights.

Wait, did you remember to bring money with you? Could be a problem if you forgot, it's not like you can go back easily.

...Well, if you didn't, you could pick somebody's pocket, if they weren't paying attention... but no, that's a bad idea and what if they catch you.

Huh. You brought money with you, but you probably shouldn't spend it if you don't have to. And there are a lot of people in this park. They probably have money they wouldn't miss, right?

In fact, you see someone napping in the shade of a tree, with a bag next to them. An easy mark. If you wanted to, you're sure you could just go over nonchalantly, sit down, wait a bit. Then once any suspicion died down, you could look in the bag for a wallet, or some other...

someone needs to learn impulse control.

A small chirp comes from your pocket, interrupting that train of thought. Might be for the best. Sounds like the kind your ComPad makes, when you get a message from someone. Guess you managed to get a connection from one of the shops for a second?

Odds are, it's probably your Study Buddy messaging you some more. You pull out your ComPad to check.

3 new messages from DAD (LiamFlynn)Show

DAD Wrote: (12 minutes ago)
> hello cassie I hope you are having a GOOD day.

---

DAD Wrote: (9 minutes ago)
> also I wanted to ask if you were feeling well?
> no big reason
> just wondering how your doing today kiddo
> are you in class right now?
> I sure hope not!

---

DAD Wrote: (5 minutes ago)
> because reading your phone in class would be pretty irresponsible
>

---

Reply to DAD?
>

Oh, it's your Dad. You were just thinking about him earlier. Weird.

He doesn't message you very often. Wonder why he's dropping a line? Maybe you should call him back? It might be nice to talk, while you walk to the Cafe. But if you do, he might ask about class. Or worse... about what you're doing right now. And what was he worried about you being well for? You've been feeling fine. Normal. Haven't you?

So... do you really want to call him? Or would you rather do something else? And, what would you even talk to him about if you did?