Text; un: Pers

[scooba]

Um...

I suppose I should post this here. People having been saying I should be more confident in myself so...

I guess I wanted to let you know my birthday is coming up soon. So, I'm not too sure how to celebrate it here.

Comments

[scooba]

I hope so too.

[...]

It's been about 2 years since I arrived here and it feels like I haven't changed much.

[beshackled]

Two years is but a blink in the span of existence. And young as you appear to be...

[He knows not the boy's age, not having seen the other exchanges, but he seems... a little ways into adolescence?]

Give yourself time to grow. I am sure you will do so when your time is right.

It took me a very long time to gain confidence in myself. And even now, I struggle sometimes.

[scooba]

I was 14 when I arrived here but...

[He really hasn't changed too much since he first arrived here, has he?]

May I ask how did you gain your confidence? I think I'm still struggling with mine after all these years here.

Touching on spoilers for the raid plot here

[beshackled]

How did I gain my confidence...?

[He pauses, hand raising to his lips in thought for a few seconds ere he lifts his head, recounting a summary of the events aloud.]

I would have to say... 'twas quite recently. My colleagues were in grave danger, and I wished to save them no matter the risk to myself.

'Twas... not a plan well-received by the one with the most authority over the facility. But, there were two who came to investigate what was happening there, and by our efforts, we managed to save many who would have otherwise been summarily condemned.

I realized something from all that happened. That I have a voice, and that voice is worth listening to.

And so do you.

[scooba]

Thank you, I...

[He really didn't know how to respond to that. He really did have a voice here but the problem was learning how to use it.]

...I know when I got my Vision, I was willing to risk my life trying to save my family members but I don't know if that was me having a voice or not. I just didn't want to see them die.

[beshackled]

...That is the heart of it, in the end. To feel passionately about something and be willing to see it through despite opposition or the temptation to give in and give up.

You made a choice to save them, did you not? 'Twas not a choice made for you... so yes, I think it counts.

[scooba]

Is it really that simple? To save people is enough for me to have a voice?

[He supposed so considering he did get a vision as a result.]

...I wouldn't have thought it like that. I just thought it was me trying to save people.

[beshackled]

Sometimes... we express our wills in ways that don't use words. 'Tis the voice we hold inside of us, rather than the one we use to speak to others. The one that warns you of danger, or tells you that someone is lying to you, or that you are capable of things you didn't know you could do before.

Growing up without confidence... it isn't always easy to talk to people or express our wishes aloud, but as long as you hearken to your heart and listen to your inner voice, I think you are on the right course.

[scooba]

[...]

It's kind of funny. You speak just like the same way that "Father" would. She would say the same thing. Words don't always hold power. Our actions do.

[beshackled]

[A father that is a she? What fascinating people he has yet to meet...]

I think I understand.

Words are words. Actions are truth.

[scooba]

I hope so.

I know I'm not good with words. I usually do things by action because I'm not good around people. I just hope that it's enough.

[beshackled]

I am certain that, in time, you shall find what works best for you. There are many ways those that live upon the star communicate. By speech, by gesture, by writing, by light, by scent, by projection of thought...

You'll find a way. You already have the will to reach out, so the rest shall come in time.

You needn't rush.

[scooba]

Even after staying so long here? It just seems like I have to do something to change...

[beshackled]

Hm...

Have you been dissatisfied with yourself for some time? Or... is there some particular reason that has spurred to you pursue change after your time here?

[Is the motivation internally or externally driven?]

[scooba]

[...

...

.....

...]

I've been dissatisfied with myself for quite a long time now. But I know that there isn't much I can to become the person I want to be. Especially when I'm so...quiet.

[beshackled]

What sort of person do you want to become?

[He speaks the question without judgement, head tilted in open curiosity.]

[scooba]

[There was a long silence on his end]

....I don't know. I just want to be someone that people can look up to.

[beshackled]

You are the youngest hero I have met.

I think you're already someone others can look up to.

[scooba]

I am?

I think there are those who are younger than me here.

[beshackled]

Even if there are, you've still done a great deed at a very tender age.

Try not to look down on yourself so much.

[scooba]

I'll try not to. It's just something I need to work on.

[beshackled]

Good. Should you ever need someone to talk to, I shall be happy to listen.

[From one person who struggles with self-confidence to another.]

I am Erichthonios, and you may reach me through these shellphone devices, should you wish to.

[scooba]

...My name is Freminet and it's nice to meet you. I hope we can meet again someday.

Thank you for helping me.

[beshackled]

'Twas no trouble, Freminet. I'm glad to have been of some help to you.