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流星

11:00 P.M. \ Heavy Rain

Meteor's Dorm Room

Why is it raining so heavily? I'm freezing. Guess I'll turn on the heater.

Hm... How do I adjust the temperature? Do I turn this little round thing... but which way...?

Maybe this will do it? Eh, I really can't wrap my head around these gadgets. I wish we had a fireplace.

Phew, look at the time. I wonder when Mina gets off work. The Medic operators really have it hard. We're roommates, but we almost never see each other.

Meteor, it's me. Sorry to call this late.

Mina? I thought you were working overtime? What's the matter? Did you forget something?

It's Gianna. She's crying her eyes out, and asking for you. None of us can calm her down.

Gianna?! What's the matter? Is she alright? Hang on. I'll get changed and come to Medical right away!

No, no, you got it wrong, Meteor! She's scared of thunder! Oh, slow down. I'll take her there, okay?

O-Okay, Mina. Let me talk to her first.

No problem. Gianna? Meteor wants to talk to you. Here you go.

Meteor, I'm scared! *Sobs*, where are you?

Gianna, don't worry. I'll wait for you here. I'll make you some of that snowy rice milk you like.

There, there, Gianna. Don't cry. We'll go to Meteor's right now.

*Whimpers*... I-I'll be strong, Mina... I'll stop crying.

It's okay. We'll be there soon.

Mina, it's very cold over here. Did you give her a few more layers of clothes?

Of course. Medical has sweaters just for children. It'll keep her warm and comfy.

Make sure she's wearing socks and everything.

Of course, of course. Okay, Meteor, I need to carry Gianna, so I'm gonna hang up now. I'll see you in a moment.

Okay, I'll wait for you here. See you.

How am I supposed to stop worrying when all she ever does is cry?

I guess I'll turn up the heat. We need to keep her warm.

A month ago

Medical Department

Meteor, could you please take care of this girl for the time being? Please!

We found her in the ruins. Her family died shielding her when the ceiling fell, and now... Well... she's the only one left.

Well, I definitely don't mind doing that. It's just... why are you coming to me for this? Aren't there professionals in Medical who are better at babysitting?

Medical has actually been pretty overworked lately. I'm ashamed to say this, but we don't have enough manpower, so you're the only one I can turn to.

Oh, right, one second.

What's this...?

This is her evaluation. The psychologists at Medical are recommending that we have someone stay with her at all times, but I don't have the time myself. *Sigh*.

Oh, really? Alright, I'll stay with her when you're busy. Thankfully, I don't really have much going on lately.

Thanks, Meteor. She's still a kid. It's not easy for someone her age to accept her family's gone... I'm sure she'll get back on her feet quickly with you by her side.

Is that a compliment? Well, thanks. So where is this girl? Can I meet her?

Of course. Come with me. She's in the ward over here.

This is the girl?

Yep.

Hey, Gianna? Have you been a good girl and taken your medicine? I brought a new friend with me today.

I've been a good girl today, Mina... Who is that behind you...?

Who are you, lady?

Gianna, this is Meteor. She'll be helping me take care of you from here on out. You don't need to be scared. She's patient and kind. You'll like her.

Mina... *Sobs*... I... I'll be okay. I know you're busy. I'll be a good girl. You don't have to worry.

*Sigh*, Gianna, you're such a sensible girl, it really tugs at my heartstrings.

Meteor, I still have other things to take care of, so I'm going. I'll leave her to you; I'll be back as soon as I'm done.

See you later, Mina.

Um, Miss... N-Nice to meet you. My name is Gianna, and I'm six!

Uh, little girl, I...

I... I've been taking my medicine, and I'm not picky about food. I-I even learned how to fold roses. Do you like roses? I... I'll give you all of them.

Phew—Ahem, Gianna, is it? Hello, I'm Meteor. You don't have to call me 'Miss' or anything; just Meteor will do.

Meteor...?

I know that... you come looking for Mina a lot... I've seen you before. You talk so gentle... I...

If you want to, you can think of me as a big sister. I've always wanted a little sister.

I... May I really?

Of course.

*Whimpers*...

Meteor, I... *Sobs*...

What's the matter? It's okay. Tell your big sister everything.

I-I can't find my doll!

Ah, I see. Have you talked to Mina about it? Did she help you look?

She's very busy... I can't... can't bother her.

That's okay. How about I go look for it, then?

I don't want to look for it anymore. Don't. Don't go, Meteor. Please... Please don't leave me alone.

I won't go anywhere. It's okay. How about I buy you a new one, then?

*Sobs*... I don't want a new doll! I just want a big sister... S-Stay here with me, Meteor. I don't want to be alone.

Don't worry. I'm not going anywhere. I'm here.

*Sobs*—

I'm here. I'm here. Don't worry. You don't need to be scared anymore.

How come Gianna isn't even wearing socks? Mina, why is she completely barefoot?!

It's not my fault! She said she wanted to come look for you, and she ran out the door after she put on a sweater! I couldn't catch her!

*Whimpers*, Meteor, I'm scared! That boom is too loud! I'm too scared to sleep!

You mean the thunder? Bad, bad thunder. We'll go to the Doctor tomorrow and file a complaint.

Okay, *sobs*...

Okay now, you two come inside.

I'll pass. Here's her toothbrush. Make sure she brushes her teeth after she's done with her milk, and here's her towel, her socks, her hand puppet, and her feather hairpin.

Okay, I got it. Look at you. You're like her mom.

Eh? Now that you mention it, I guess I'm kinda like one. Hm, okay. Gianna? Mommy still has work to do. Be a good girl here, okay?

Come, Gianna, say bye bye to Mina.

*Sobs*... Bye, Mila.

It's Mina, not Mila! Oh, well. I gotta go back. Good night, Meteor.

Good night. I'll see you tomorrow.

*Whimpers*, s-see you tomorrow.

Gianna, you're covered in snot. Don't get my pajamas all dirty, okay?

I won't... *Sniffs*.

You know, I can get you some tissues.

Oh, Meteor, it's coming out again!!

Ahh! Where are the tissues? Right here! Here you go, wipe yourself clean!

Okay now let's tuck you into bed. Be sure to get your feet in too.

Your blanket is so warm, Meteor, and it smells like roses.

*Chuckles*, don't be silly.

Come here, Meteor.

You want a hug?

Yup!

You want me to tell you a story too?

Yup!

Be sure to go to bed after the story, okay? You won't be scared of the thunder anymore, right?

Yeah...