Chapter 4: You got this

The whirring sound of an electric drill ceased as Teresa leaned back, wiping sweat from her brow with her lab coat. "Alright, stand up and move around a bit. I believe I've calibrated enough for you to handle your training. We could have done this much earlier if you had visited more often."

Samuel remained silent, rising to his feet to test his slightly improved prosthetic leg. "Thanks, Mom. I think this is sufficient for me to start." Teresa turned to clean up, various leg components scattered across the workbench.

"Good. Now, get going. I have other tasks today, so don't forget to talk to your father. Oh, right, Jaya, please tidy up the rest. I'm going to take a shower." The AI responded, "Certainly, ma'am. Should I prepare your usual bath?" Teresa shook her head. "No need; it's just a quick shower. I still have a meeting to attend." The AI acknowledged, "Understood, ma'am." Samuel sighed, leaving the office.

Returning to his room, he took a quick shower and draped his arm over his bed as if embracing it, murmuring, "It's been a long day." Turning around, he briefly gazed at the ceiling before drifting into slumber. Despite the early hour, his communicator buzzed with a call from Adam. "Sam, are you back?" Samuel replied, "Yes, I am, and I'm tired. It took almost three hours to adjust my prosthetic leg." Adam responded, "You must be hungry then. " Samuel answered back," Yeah, I guess. Adam continued," It's still around nine, and I haven't eaten. You haven't either. Let's grab some food; I'm starving." Samuel pondered for a moment, but before he could answer, knocks echoed on the door. Samuel quipped," So you won't even wait for an answer." As he opened the door, he saw Adam with a sly smile on his face." Why would I do that?" Samuel just clicked his tongue, knowing that his friend is just how he is, and sat back on his bed." Come in, let me close my eyes for an hour before we move, alright?" Adam sat on the chair." No, someone's bringing food." Samuel answered and closed his eyes." of course you did."

A little over an hour had passed when a knock on his door awakened Samuel, but this time, Adam swung the door open. Reina entered, carrying two large pizza boxes into the room. "I brought two large pizzas – one is Hawaiian, and the other is beef bacon with barbecue sauce," she announced. Adam looked at Samuel and then back at Reina, saying, "But we don't like Hawaiian." Reina calmly sat down, placing the pizza boxes on a small table beside Adam's chair. "I know," she replied, grabbing a slice and opening a can of orange beer. Samuel and Adam exchanged glances, shrugged, and accepted the unconventional pizza choices, understanding Reina's love for them.

While enjoying their meal, Samuel addressed the elephant in the room. "Hey, Reina, just curious, did I do something wrong yesterday? Today, well... you were less talkative than usual." Reina, focused on her pizza, glanced at Samuel. "Really? Can't you see I am enjoying my fake pineapple pizza?" Samuel realized he had missed something. "Think about it. It's not that hard," she added. Samuel, puzzled, sought hints from Reina, who sighed. "Don't treat me like an outsider again. I understand that sometimes you get tunnel-visioned when doing things and struggling with emotions. But I am more than just your friend, a sister-in-arms who has been with you since boot camp. I was missing so much information that Adam casually knew about, but I didn't." Reina looked at Adam, who remained silent, before turning her gaze back to Samuel, conveying her disappointment. Samuel, absorbing her concerns, took a moment to reflect, his gaze shifting between the two of them. Sensing the weight in his chest that had grown throughout the day, he finally inhaled deeply and made a decision. I am so sorry. You are right; I have been a bad friend to you. I should have talked to you, especially since you were the one who saw me at my worst. Maybe this may sound corny, but I was afraid, and I still am. I still have nightmares sometimes about the expedition. Adam knows more than you do because I felt the need to talk to someone, and Adam was there at the right time. So I am sorry for making you feel like that; it wasn't my intention."

Reina and Adam were slightly shocked and found this emotional revelation unexpected; the both looked into each other eyes as if they could communicate without speaking and said," He changed."Reina blushed slightly and assured him, "Don't worry about it; just don't do it again. I am here for you and Adam." Adam, feeling the tension, quickly excused himself, leaving Samuel to reflect on his behavior. As Reina cleaned up and prepared to leave, she thanked Samuel for the evening and left without giving him a chance to respond. Samuel sighed, clenching his fists several times, knocked twice on his leg, and removed it before lying back in bed. Reflecting on his actions, he wondered, "How long have I been acting like this? How many people noticed? What have I been doing all this time?" As these thoughts swirled in his mind, he slowly dozed off, and the following day arrived.

2nd January 3100

Samuel woke up confused by the buzzing sound, muttering, "Since when did I have a new alarm clock?" Spotting a note under the clock, he turned it off and picked it up. He rubbed his eyes before reading, "Please, don't break your clock again. ~ Love, Mom." Samuel stretched his body and thought, "I guess she was concerned about me, seeing how she even took the time to clean the room."

Rising from his bed, Samuel glanced at his communicator, searching for any news he might have missed, but found nothing noteworthy. After swiftly preparing himself, he made his way toward the market district.

The bustling area was filled with crowds as people moved in and out of various shops. The market district comprised three levels. The lowest floor, Level 1, required taking a public elevator down to the shopping zone, offering an array of clothes, gear, and daily essentials. Level 2, the ground floor, housed everything related to food and drinks. Level 3, accessible by another public elevator going up, hosted adult nightlife featuring clubs, bars, and even a red-light district.

Navigating Level 2, Samuel discovered a restaurant that appeared closed due to the early hour. Circling around to the back, he knocked a few times. A hoarse voice responded, "Who is it?!" Samuel replied, "It's me!" A loud buzzer sounded, and the door swung open, allowing Samuel to enter

Upon entering, the gruff voice instructed, "Bring those beer crates with you." Samuel hoisted a crate of beer without hesitation and carried it into the establishment. Making his way to the bar, he began placing the drinks inside a compact fridge.

The restaurant, adorned in calming blue and white hues, presented a visually pleasing atmosphere. Spread across two stories, the establishment featured a modern and sleek design. The first floor, where the bar was situated, offered a variety of seating options, from cozy booths to high stools along the counter. The walls were adorned with minimalist artwork, enhancing the contemporary ambiance.

The bar itself was an inviting focal point, with a selection of both alien and traditional Earth beverages on display. A menu board showcased an eclectic range of dishes, blending intergalactic flavors with familiar earthly tastes. The bartenders skillfully crafted unique cocktails, catering to diverse palates.

Ascending a spiral staircase to the second floor revealed a more intimate setting, with tables strategically placed for a sense of privacy. The entire space exuded a sophisticated yet comfortable vibe, making it a popular spot for both casual diners and those seeking a distinctive dining experience.

Emerging from behind the bar was a slender man with short black hair, green eyes, and surprisingly lighter skin than Samuel's, defying the expectations set by his deep voice. Despite his average build, his handsome face and warm smile added an unexpected charm. Adorned in an apron, he approached Samuel, tossing a bottle of water his way. Samuel caught it effortlessly and took a casual sip. "Thanks," he remarked.

The man behind the bar was none other than Samuel's father, Richard Valkan. Smiling, he replied, "Don't mention it. I'm glad you visited." Samuel, now seated across from the bar, observed his father while he refilled drinks around him. Seeing the change in his son's behavior, Richard teased, "I know you don't really like this place, so what really brought you here? Knowing how strongly you avoided me the last couple of months, it can't be just because your mother made you."

Looking at his father's working outfit and the name tag that read Richard Valkan, Samuel hesitated before asking, "Can we let the past be in the past... I need some advice." Richard blinked, then smiled, responding, "Of course, of course. What is it, son?"

Samuel continued, "Let's say you want to change something about yourself but don't know how. However, some things and thoughts hold you back. What would you do?" Richard pondered for a moment before sharing a personal experience, "You know, there was a time in my life when I had to choose between what I wanted and what I needed. I learned that finding balance and pursuing genuine happiness often requires understanding the difference between the two.

Richard leaned back against the bar, his eyes reflecting a mix of wisdom and nostalgia. "Back in my days, I had this burning desire to travel the stars. Exploring the unknown, experiencing different cultures, and seeking adventure fueled my dreams. It was what I wanted. Almost the same as your desires before you applied for the army."

"But life had its own plans...but that is a complicated story."

Samuel listened intently, his father's words resonating with his own internal struggles. Richard continued, "At first, it felt like a sacrifice, giving up what I thought would make me happy. However, over time, I realized that true happiness comes from finding contentment in your choices and understanding that what you need can lead to unexpected joys."

He looked at Samuel with a warm smile. "Changing something about yourself is a journey. It's okay to want something different, but you must also consider what's necessary for your well-being and the well-being of those around you. It's about finding that balance."

Samuel nodded, absorbing his father's advice. Richard concluded, "So, my son, figure out what truly matters to you. Embrace change, but don't forget the essence of who you are. Pursue your desires but with a mindful heart. Happiness often lies in the harmony between what you want and need."

Samuel felt a sense of clarity and gratitude for his father's guidance as the words settled between them.

Samuel swiftly responded, acknowledging his father's words, "Thanks, Dad. I appreciate the talk." With a reassuring glance, he headed towards the exit, leaving Richard with a heartfelt parting message, "You got this!"