Angela Ziegler, known to her friends and teammates as Mercy, stands in front of her mirror. She’s frowning thoughtfully at the pile of clothes spread across her bed—most are her usual, practical attire, but today, a collection of bold, revealing outfits catches her eye. The room is filled with the faint scent of fresh laundry and the soft whir of the ventilation system.
Lena Oxton, ever-energetic, bounces over to Angela with a mischievous grin. "Angela, you’re beautiful! You should try something different—maybe those cute crop tops and skirts? Trust me, they’ll suit you. And a belly button piercing? Absolutely adorable!" Angela blushes, laughing nervously, but the encouragement plants a seed of curiosity.
Angela hesitantly browses the racks, picking out a fitted crop top and a flowing skirt. She admires a delicate silver belly button ring displayed beside the counter. Summoning her courage, she approaches the attendant and asks about piercings, her heart fluttering with anticipation.
Angela stands before the mirror once more, now dressed in her new attire. The crop top reveals her toned midriff, where a sparkling belly button ring glints in the light. She twists and turns, feeling both exposed and exhilarated, her usual reserve tempered by a shot of newfound confidence.
As Angela enters, conversations pause. Lena beams, "Look at you, Angela! You’re absolutely radiant!" The others chime in with cheers and compliments, making her cheeks flush with pride. For the first time in a while, Angela feels truly seen—not just as a healer, but as herself.
Angela sits beside Lena, her confidence blossoming with every smile and laugh. She realizes that sometimes, a little change—no matter how daring—can reveal new sides of oneself. As the team settles in for the night, Angela feels a renewed sense of belonging, her spirit as bright as the city lights outside.
















