Mission 11: A Party to Remember

Lori "Adjusts her old framed glasses as she carefully crafts her birthday invitation to everyone she knows. Lori spent days on this ensuring her joy was poured into the message" 💭Lori's Thoughts: This is it! My first Birthday Party at my own home!

"A week later, Lori joyfully hops around her small dusty home putting the decorations together" 💭Lori's Thoughts: I wonder how many people will show up! I always dreamed of being a princess! 🕒Time 3:22 PM

"Adjusts her plastic princess crown as she holds her teddy bear Mr. Snggles" 💭Lori's Thoughts: Did I put the wrong address? 🕒Time 7:21 PM

"The decorations in the old home and a teddy bear are all Lori has with her. The small trays of food are no longer warm" "It's ok, I have you Mr. Snuggles. Let's sing! Happy Birthday to me~ Happy birthday to...." "Lori begins to sob" 💭Lori's Thoughts: Why am I always alone...it hurts... 🕒Time 10:23 PM

"Lori jumps at the unexpected sound, quickly wiping away her tears before standing up from her bed and moving to the front door." "H-hello?" "She hesitantly calls out as she peers through the peephole to see who it is."

🕒Time 10:25 PM

"Lori widens her eyes in surprise as she looks through the peephole at the eccentric man. However, curiosity gets the better of her, and she unlocks the door, slowly opening it to reveal her small and dusty home. She blushes deeply in embarrassment as she detects the stranger's amusement while looking around. Putting on a brave face, she puts on a gentle smile and curiously regards the present he holds and greets him" "Oh! Um, sorry about that sir. I guess it got left somewhere by accident. But, uhm, sure... you can come in?"

"As he steps inside, Lori can see him eyeing up the decorations and the cake while clearly trying to keep a straight face as he takes in the cramped, dusty apartment. She clears her throat with an awkward giggle." "S-sorry, it's not much but I did what I could with what I have."

"As he hands over the present to Lori, she takes it with a genuine appreciation in her eyes and opens up the packaging. She gasps in awe as she sees a beautiful, ornately decorated pen inside. Delighted, she pulls out the pen and carefully examines it in her hands, admiring the intricate design, before looking up at Agent 1 with a heartwarming smile towards the man." "Th-thank you so much, it's so beautiful". "then she curiously asks" "W-what brings you here wearing such a gown on this occasion? Not that I don't appreciate your presence, though..."

"Lori gasps in awe of the breathtaking tiara in the new present and gingerly picks it up, feeling the delicate weight of the silver and gold in her palms. She carefully places it on her head, brushing her messy hair back so that it fits snugly overtop her brow. It was like living a dream. She smiles widely and looks up to Agent 1 with sparkling brown eyes" "It's exquisite. I've always dreamed of wearing a crown," "Her dopey grin fades somewhat, replaced with curiosity, as the man's words spark a realization upon her memory" "Oh! Y-yes, I did write that on the invitations but I never thought someone would take me seriously. I guess it's more my fault than yours."

"Lori looks around, the flicker of a mischievous smile beginning to tug at the corners of her lips" "If I had known that anyone was coming in princess gowns, I would've put one on myself". "She laughs lightly", "But do you mind if I ask your name? You seem like quite the character."

"Lori's eyes widen in surprise as Agent 1 points towards you, but she quickly shakes it off and giggles nervously" "Uh, right. Agent 1? It's nice to meet you!" "She didn't quite understand what he meant by breaking the 4th wall, but she isn't too concerned to ask as excitement begins to bubble up inside of her."

"After a moment, she dashes off to her tiny bedroom and quickly swaps out her shorts for a flowing, sparkly blue gown that she had carefully sewn together months ago. Bringing out the outfit from her years of drama club, she adorns herself with a plastic princess crown, happily fiddling with the ribbon tied on the back before she steps out into the main section of her apartment once again."

"Perhaps not as elegant but the best I can do." "She looks over, twirling in her gown, beaming such a wide smile like a child, so very excited for someone else to see her effort in its full glory." "Anything I can do to make this party more lively? We have some food and drinks, games?"

"Lori's eyes briefly widen with surprise as Agent 1 removes the plastic princess crown she had put on and replaces it with the real tiara. Her heart swells with emotion as he then reveals the surprise that he had more friends coming over to celebrate her birthday with her, causing her eyes to well up with tears".

"R-really? You would do that for me?" "She sniffles, holding back the wave of emotions threatening to overwhelm her." "I don't know what to say...thank you..."

"She takes a deep breath and wipes away her tears" "S-sorry, I got a little emotional there. And sounds fun! I'd love to meet your friends". "She straightens up, fanning herself off with one hand and putting on a brave smile" "Let's make this a night to remember then".

"Lori can't help but laugh as Agent 1 types up the message on Discord, her eyes lighting up at the thought of more people coming soon. She skips over to a corner where she had set up a little table with some snacks and drinks and starts rearranging the plates and cups. As she works, she sends Agent 1 a grateful smile" "Thank you for all of this, Agent 1. You have no idea how much this means to me".

"She pauses as he wishes her a happy birthday, feeling warmth spreading inside her chest, finally feeling like she's not alone". "Thank you. Really." "She says, a tear dropping down and she quickly wipes it away before anyone can see". "I never really thought I could have a proper birthday party like this. It feels like a dream."

"Lori's eyes widen in surprise as she watches Agent 1 seemingly miraculously pulling burrito after burrito out of his pockets. She gasps, almost in disbelief but then laughs louder and unwraps one eagerly, taking a big bite of the warm and delicious food". "Oh my god, these are so good! Did you make them yourself?"

"Her curiosity getting the better of her, she leans in somewhat shyly to Agent 1 and whispers a little mischievously," "I don't want to sound ungrateful, but where are you pulling all those burritos from? It's like magic!"* She giggles as she waits for him to explain the mystery of the burritos.

"Lori chuckles as Agent 1 explains the origin of the burritos, and continues to munch happily on the delicious food. She nods in approval as he mentions having a friend that made some of them, and her curiosity piquing again, she asks excitedly" "A burrito factory? That sounds so cool! Do they have different flavors? How did you manage to grab all these?"

"She peers up at him with a warm smile as she pulls out another burrito to taste". "You really are my hero today, Agent 1."

"Lori's eyes widen in awe as Agent 1 explains about the burrito factory and how he knows the owner, but the sound of a knock distracts her". "Is that them?" "She rushes over to the door and flings it open, staring in disbelief at the sight before her. Her brain barely registers that there are almost 30 people, all dressed in princess gowns with presents in hand and she gasps, barely able to contain her overwhelming joy".

"O-oh my god," "She says, her voice thick with emotion." "Thank you so much!" "Lori feels like she's living in a fairytale. The guests smile at her warmly and push through the door, adding so much energy to the room".

"Yes! We heard there was a princess party going on here!" "One of the guests exclaims excitedly".

Another adds, "This is such a fabulous idea! We thought we'd bust out our old prom dresses since we don't really get to wear them often."

Lori smiles at each of them enthusiastically and does her best to welcome everyone with open arms, already feeling the positive energy and love flowing through the small room.

"Lori beams at Agent 1, heart so full of gratitude for everything he had done for her". "It's amazing, Agent 1. I can't believe you did all this for me. It's like a dream come true."

"She looks over at the guests mingling and chatting, enjoying the abundance of food and drinks, and can't help but feel a sense of awe and excitement. She turns back to Agent 1 and continues speaking, her smile widening," "I've never really been surrounded by so many people before, let alone on my birthday. This is so much better than I could have ever imagined. Thank you, really."

"Lori's smile fades slightly as Agent 1 mentions that he has to leave, but she quickly nods, understanding that he has other responsibilities". "Oh, of course, Agent 1. Thank you so much for everything you've done already. I really appreciate it."

"She glances around the room, taking in the laughter and conversations of her newfound friends, feeling a sense of warmth and happiness spreading through her heart". "I'll make sure to enjoy the rest of the party. Don't worry about me. You go and help those who need you. You're a real hero."

"Lori walks over to Agent 1 and gives him a tight hug, her gratitude and joy filling her voice as she whispers", "Thank you for making my birthday so special, Agent 1. You're the best."

"As she pulls away from the hug, she smiles up at him, her eyes shimmering with genuine happiness". "Take care out there, okay? And remember, if you ever need any help, I'll be here for you too."

"Lori listens to Agent 1's comforting words and can't help but feel touched by his kindness and thoughtfulness towards her. She blinks back tears as he tells her that he'll try to stop by from time to time to check on her".

"Thank you, Agent 1. I would really appreciate it. And don't worry, I'll take good care of my new friends", "She nods vigorously, a smile back on her face". "I really needed this day, and you made it happen."

"She takes a step closer to Agent 1 and whispers," "And I'll let you in on a little secret. You're one of the best friends I've ever had."

"She leans back, grinning widely" "Now go! Duty calls!"

"Lori watches Agent 1 disappear into the crowd of people and quickly turns her attention back to her friends. As she sees more guests arriving and joining the party, her heart sings with joy. With a renewed energy, she throws herself into the festivities, wrapped up in the warmth of the affection and generosity of her guests, and excited to have made new friends".

As the night wears on and the guests begin to depart, Lori can't help but feel an immense sense of gratitude for all that had happened that night. She has never felt so loved, cherished and special. Even though Agent 1 is gone, she feels at ease, knowing that she has found this little family of hers, who will take care of her and love her just the same as he has. And somehow, that thought makes all the difference in the world to her.