Two days later, Ethan and his parents received a call from the mayor’s office. The mayor was free to finally meet them all. Not wanting to miss the appointment, he rushed out of his flat and waited in the lobby until his parents came.

Idling by the front door, he fiddled with the hem of his shirt, nervous about the meeting. He had dressed professionally, to avoid making an awful first expression. Yet, his anxiety and depression got the best of him still. His thoughts were growing rampant, making him doubt that he’ll get the job in the first place. His senses were out of order, feeling like he was being judged by everyone in the area. His eyes frantically moving around, only seeing the desk workers at their stations. Still, Ethan felt an ominous set of eyes on him.

Finally, a chime from his phone snapped him out of his trance. Seeing his mom’s name followed by a short message stating, ‘Out front,’ Ethan collected his breath and walked out, still feeling like he was being watched.

~~~

Arriving at the hall, they had no trouble waiting to be called since there was little to no visitors at the time. The atmosphere in the building was cheerful. Workers were chatting non-stop as they worked vigilantly. The familiar desk worker called them over for their appointment.

“Good morning Mr.’s and Mrs. Willburn. The mayor is ready to see you now. If you would kindly follow me to the third floor, we can start the meeting.” She spoke as she guided them to the elevator. It had a see-through window, so occupants inside can see out into the lobby and varies floors they were passing.

“My, it seems everyone is lively today. Is it someone’s special day?” Ethan’s mother giggled. The clerk chuckled and shook her head in response, then answered back. “Not quite Mrs. Jasmine. The mayor was able to relieve some demanding claims from the government. She was successful in making fair agreements. Thus, everyone here in the building is giving thanks to her by working as hard as they can.”

Stepping out of the elevator, more employees were in the hallway, gossiping and enjoying themselves. “I can’t wait to meet this superb mayor of yours, she sounds like she takes matters very seriously rather than other people.” Ethan’s father added.

They were closing in on a conference room at the end of the hall. The clerk checked her watch then spoke, “Ah, the mayor should be coming out any minute now. She is just talking to the head security officials.” At that moment, the doors opened to reveal three people, two women, and a man. The first woman had short blonde hair and bright blue eyes. She was much shorter to the other two people she was talking to, however.

A man stood next to her. His back was facing Ethan, so he didn’t have a clear view of his face just yet. He took note of his scuffled jet-black hair. His entire demeanor was very nerve-racking. He had a slight slouch to him, and he didn’t speak as much when the mayor was speaking to him, just nodding his head in response.

The other woman had caught Ethan by surprised, however, as he recognized that bright red hair and blue eyes. His mother gasped in surprised as well, “Wait, isn’t that…”. The desk clerk called for the mayor as the group was getting closer. All three of them look toward Ethan’s group. Finally, the man that Ethan couldn’t see fully turned his head. His bright red eyes burned into Ethan, startling him.

The man turned to the mayor and Octavia to speak, then proceeded to walk towards the group. As he passed by, his eyes shifted toward Ethan, eyeing for a bit, then continuing to walk to the elevator.

Ethan shook slightly at the encounter, but still followed the clerk as they closed in on the mayor. Both her and Octavia greeted them with warm smiles. 

The mayor spoke first, “Thank you, Sarah, you can return downstairs, I’ll take it from here.” The clerk bowed her head a bit and said goodbye to the group.

Now facing Ethan and his parents, she introduced herself. 

“Greetings, my name is Eris Bailey. It’s a pleasure to meet newcomers into Aelwynne. I am very sorry that I wasn’t available sooner.” She stretched her arm out to greet Ethan’s group. His mother shook her hand first, replying to her introduction.

“The pleasure’s all ours, Ms. Bailey. We didn’t mind, we know how busy you were with other matters. I’m Jasmine Willburn. And here is my wonderful husband Irwin Willburn.” Walking over, Irwin gave his hand to shake. 

“Pleasure to meet you, ma’am.” He spoke with a hint of politeness.

Eris nodded, then looked over their shoulder, seeing Ethan a few feet away from them, hesitating of whether or not he should cut in. 

“Ah, and you must be Ethan Willburn. What a pleasure to meet you. I give my thanks for serving our country.” Walking forwarding and presenting her hand to him, she waited as he was nervously trying to think of what to say.

“P-pleasure to meet you, ma’am. And thanks for having me here.” He mentally kicked himself as he stuttered the first part of his introduction. Eris giggled and looked back over to Octavia, who was taking in the scene before her.

Waving her over, she strutted to them and gave a bright smile. 

“Hello! I’m Octavia Harmonia. It’s a pleasure to meet you all. Though, it looks like I already met one of you. I am the head of security here in Aelwynne, and I'm here to interview your son..."

Ethan couldn't listen to the rest of Octavia's introduction. His thoughts were getting the best of him as he only heard bits and pieces of the conversation around him. 

‘She’s the head of security?! 

“…ust shy, come now, Ethan…” 

‘She’s the one that must evaluate me?’ 

“…an? Are you o...?” 

‘I made a complete fool of myself when we met at the station and now that she’s here, I don’t know what to do! I-?!

Suddenly, his knees gave out under him and he fell to his knees. His breathing was out of control and he began to shake uncontrollably. The voices around him were muffled noises. His sight began to blur as he sees colors such as red, yellow and black frantically move around him. Two black colored blotches started to fade away, while the red and yellow stayed.

Suddenly, he felt pressure on his shoulder. Turning his head, his vision was now filled with the color red. The muffled noises were now closer, yet he still couldn’t focus. As he continued to stare at the red blotch, a bright blue glow caught his attention as it contrasted with the bright red. The hand on his shoulder shifted toward his chest, and a sudden wave of calmness washed over him.

He gasped for air as he collected himself. His vision returned to normal, as he was able to make out the face of Octavia and Eris who were crouched down next to him. 

“Are you ok?” Octavia asked worriedly. Ethan nodded his head in response. Octavia sighed, relieved that the situation was over. She turned to the Eris and spoke.

“Inform the security. Tell them to search for Mr. and Mrs. Willburn. I’ll stay here with him.” Eris nodded and rushed down the hall to the elevators.

Ethan gazed still lingered down the path that Eris took until a hand was stretched out to him. 

“Here, let’s sit down in the mayor’s office.” Octavia urged. 

Grabbing her hand, Ethan steadily rose. Entering the room, Ethan plopped down on the nearest chair to rest. Octavia walks over to her purse that hanged from a nearby hook and rummaged through it. Walking back over to Ethan, she held out a bottle of water.

“Here, some water should help you.” Ethan snatched the water eagerly. He drank at least half the bottle until his thirst was satisfied. A silence went over them, not sure of what to say to one another. Ethan then broke the silence as he laughed bitterly.

“Well, that was quite an experience. Sorry that you had to see me like that. Since I was in a rush this morning, I had forgotten to take my medication this morning...” 

Octavia nods in understanding, not wanting to question further. Ethan sighs miserably, fidgeting with his thumbs. 

“I’m sorry I didn’t mention my health issue. I’ve been declined everywhere I apply to. Heh… I probably lost my chance here as well, huh?’ Gripping his arms, he braced himself for her answer.

Octavia looks shocked for a moment, taking a moment to collect her thoughts before speaking. 

 “...Not quite. We have others who also have some medical issues, but that doesn’t hinder them to do their jobs.” She then winked at him, causing him to jolt in realization.

“W-Wait, so… Did I pass?!” Ethan stood up abruptly, yet he still wasn’t fully recovered and fell back down to the chair. Smiling at him, she gave him several documents with a pen. 

“I’m not one to turn people away just because of some silly little issue. Write here and here…” She pointed to several blank lines on the documents for him to sign in.

They both sat, going over each document until the mayor came back with his parents, worry across their faces. Finishing with the paperwork, Octavia walked over to the mayor and stepped out of the office. As they left, Ethan’s parents rushed over to him, bombarding him with questions. 

“Ethan, are you ok!? We were so worried! Did you forget to take your pills? How are you feeling now?" Ethan waited a moment, before sighing.

“Yes, I’m feeling better. And yes, I did forget to take my pills in the morning. Since I was in a rush, I had forgotten them. Sorry for worrying you two...” His mother hugged him tightly, on the verge of tears while his father sighed.

“We aren’t mad, don’t worry. Just please…take care of yourself, ok?” Irwin pleaded as Ethan comforted his mom. Ethan didn’t say anything, just simply nodded. 

When all was said and done with, Ethan grinned and spoke. “So, I got the job.” What he got in response made him jolt in surprise.

~~~

Meanwhile, Octavia and Eris waited outside the office. Even though the walls were soundproof, Octavia was still able to hear the conversation inside. She grimaced as she heard all the worrying questions about Ethan’s health. Eris looked over to Octavia, seeing her hurt expression.

"You ok?"Eris inquired, patting Octavia on her shoulder.

Though, Octavia didn't seem to notice as she was lost in her thoughts about Ethan.

She can't believe she what she had just seen. Never before has she seen someone look so lost and broken. He seemed off at first, but...this was something different. It...reminded her of...

"Octavia?"

Eris' voice snapped Octavia out of her trance as she quickly collects herself and turns away from Eris.

"Yes, I'm fine." 

Eris is taken back by her dismissiveness but didn't speak up about it. 

"Ahem, well... I saw that you unlocked his ‘Essence’. While he won’t be suffering from his panic attacks anymore, he will be mad at you for doing that."

Octavia still faced away from her nodded her head in agreement.

"I know, I had to though. I...I couldn’t stand him living like that.’ 

Not wanting to continue this grim conversation, Eris shoves her playfully and laughs. 

“Always a sweetheart, huh? Why doesn’t your brother share that same kind of heart?” 

It must have worked since Octavia let out a snort with the mention of her brother.

They laugh for a little while longer until the doors from the mayor’s office burst open. Ethan’s mother pounces on Octavia, hugging her tightly while thanking her. “Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!”

That evening was one to remember, both for Ethan and Octavia.