Karen Endo

Callisto went out today not only thinking about exploring the district, but also to look for a part-time job.

After what felt like an eternity of being trapped in a room, unable to move an inch from her bed, Callisto's wish to live came true. Having regained functionality of her previously paralyzed body, it was only natural that she would want to do what she couldn't do before. To be outside.

"Hey, look."

"Cat ears?"

"Is that real?"

"No way it is, you idiot."

"She looks kinda cute, though."

Not giving a damn about the whispers flying around her, Callisto's sky-blue eyes engraved everything it caught in her mind.

As her legs continued their march without stopping, the young lady thought to herself;

"Let's see... I've got some places in mind I want to visit, but I can't decide where to go first. Oh well, I'll just go to the nearest one first."

Having made her decision, Callisto gleefully traversed through the street, politely greeting those whose eyes met hers, mostly the younger ones who found her unique hair interesting.

Unbeknownst to the young lady, there were two people whose eyes never dared to avert their sights away from her.

One of them was a guy Raymond hired to keep watch of Callisto and make sure she is safe. The other one was a woman, but she did not come as per Raymond's request.

Though the order was simply to keep an eye on the young girl, the woman was certain that the order was based purely out of her employer's maternal instinct, even if she refused to say it out loud.

The woman following Callisto was none other than Adela's assistant and junior in high school, Karen Endo.

"Not good," Karen said in thought while still keeping her sights on the young girl. "There's a lot of people on the street."

Every single person Callisto came across, whether it was those who she exchanged greetings with or simply just stealing glances at her and exchanging whispers with themselves, follow her sight because of how unusual she looked.

Karen's suit was something one usually see from someone working in a big city rather than wearing it and then walking around the district. Therefore, for those in the district, they find Karen walking around the street with such an attire an unusual sight as well.

"I should've worn a more casual one before coming here," Karen said in thought as she glanced at the guy Raymond hired across the street who was also garnering attention the same way. "Looks like he's having trouble, too. At this rate...?"

Karen turned her head back towards Callisto's direction, but she was no longer there.

"I only looked away for a second, and yet..." A drop of nervous sweat ran down Karen's cheek. "Where did she go?"

Ignoring the prying eyes around her, Karen jogged forward until she reached the intersection.

Her gaze searched each of every intersecting paths before her, but not even a single sign of the girl was left to be seen.

"Maybe I should just ask someone," Karen thought. "I'm sure someone must have seen her head somewhere."

Right as she was about to approach a boy to ask him a question, a voice from behind reached her ears.

"Ah, I know you!"

When Karen turned around, there stood Callisto.

"You're Karen, right," The young girl asked, a bump on her cheeks appear occasionally, a candy rolling in her mouth. "I see you whenever Mama visits me in the hospital. When I was little, you often visit our house to talk with Mama, too."

A sense of relief washed over Karen's concern. She faced the young girl and lowered her head politely.

"Yes," she replied. "My name is Karen Endo, Adela's assistant. How are you doing, Miss Callisto?"

Callisto's eyes widened in surprise.

"Miss Callisto? You believe it's me? You don't see me as a monster?"

Karen looked at the silver-haired lady for a solid moment. Following a nod, she gave the girl a response.

"There is no telling whether you truly are someone else or not, but I like to think positively that you are indeed Miss Callisto."

A pleased smile played on the young lady's lips.

"I see. I'm glad to hear that."

Out of nowhere, a little girl approached Callisto.

"Hey, why do you look like that," the innocent little girl asked curiously, pointing her tiny finger at the pair of cat ears.

Karen looked at the little girl's parents who were looking at them with awkward smiles.

"Sorry," said the little girl's father.

"No, it's fine," Karen replied.

Callisto placed a gentle hand on top of the little girl's head.

"Let's see... how about I leave that to your imagination?"

The little girl's tiny hands cling onto Callisto's arm, a wide smile warped her face.

"You look like a superhero!"

"I see. A superhero, huh?"

With her gentle hands, Callisto lifted the little girl into the air and twirled around.

"Looks like you're a superhero just like me."

"Waaaaaahh! I'm flying!"

While Karen immediately positioned herself ready if something happens, the little girl sung a song of joyful laughter until Callisto finally put her down with care.

"See you later, Superhero," said Callisto as she watched the little girl run towards her parents who apologized to Calli and Karen for the trouble.

"Bye-bye, Superhero!"

The little girl waved her tiny hand good bye as she and her parents went on their way.

"How cute," Callisto commented.

When Karen glanced at the young girl next to her, she could see a mix of joy and sadness within her soft gaze as they lingered on the shrinking figures of the little girl and her parents.

Having noticed the assistant's gaze, Callisto started to speak.

"I don't dislike what became of me after the operation. If anything, I find it interesting how different I am now compared to back then. But..."

"But..."

Karen tilted her head to the side curiously. Callisto continued to speak.

"... sometimes I think being ordinary like everyone else doesn't sound too bad either."

"Oh..."

"If I can somehow change how the operation went, I'd make it so that I get to live while still keeping my old self."

Callisto laughed softly.

"I'm sorry for running my mouth like that."

"Please do not worry about it, Miss Callisto. I'm glad to hear and learn what you truly feel."

A realization struck the assistant. Before, the assistant thought Callisto was her because that was what she decided to believe. Now, she can say for certain that her initial thought was right.

"Please forget what I said earlier, Miss Callisto," Karen requested, lowering her head before the young lady. "You are Miss Callisto, daughter of Miss Adela and Mister Raymond Mandjet. There's no doubt about it."

For a moment, Callisto stared at Karen without saying a word. Then, a warm smile etched on her face.

"I understand. Thank you."