Kahu pushed open the heavy glass door and stepped into the simulation lab. The walls hummed with soft blue light. A screen flickered to life: Chapter One: Whakapapa. Remembering Why We Do What We Do.
Kahu's hand hovered over the door handle. They let go. Walking further in, they approached the long selection console at the center of the room. A dozen simulation screens woke up one by one around them.
The nearest screen read: BEGIN. Kahu's finger touched the glass, then pulled back. Across the room, a girl student was doing the same thing — her knuckles white on the edge of her console.
Kahu glanced at the girl. The girl glanced back. Neither moved. The lab hum grew louder — like a held breath. Then the girl gave a tiny, wobbly wave. Kahu waved back, just a little.
Kahu turned back and pressed BEGIN. The room filled with the sound of soft wind and the smell of rain on warm pavement. Kahu opened their mouth and whispered, 'Hello.'
The screen glowed gold. Across the room, the girl whispered 'Hello' too — and her screen flared the same bright color. Kahu smiled, really smiled.
The lab lights shifted from cool blue to a warm morning yellow. The girl stepped closer, her shoulders already straighter. 'Ready for Chapter Two?' Kahu asked.
The girl nodded. Together, they reached for the next screen.