Neera takes a bite of the delivered sandwich. The salty, soy-ish flavor is unusual but surprisingly delicious. She watches the drone depart, still amazed that such advanced technology enables hot food delivery even in these remote woods.

"This sandwich tastes wonderful!" Neera calls over to Parin after swallowing another bite. "Please send my compliments to the chef."

She leans back against a towering oak, munching contentedly. However far their hike takes them from civilization, Neera knows Thomassia's extensive support network will still be there if needed. Like this convenient drone bringing supplies right to weary hikers in the wilderness. She smiles, feeling cared for in a way she never was back home. What an incredible place this is!

"I'm glad you're enjoying it." The other kids quietly put the small plastic lunchboxes into their backpacks, before continuing the trip. Eventually, the group find themselves in front of a lake stretching into the horizon, next to a plaque on the ground showing a map of the area, together with a few lines of text talking about how important the lake used to be as a source of water and fish.

Neera follows the group around a bend, and draws in her breath sharply. Stretching before them is a sparkling lake extending to the horizon, its pure waters fringed by distant mountain peaks. She walks over to read a plaque providing some history. Long ago, these pristine shores sustained the native people with ample fish and fresh water, the plaque explains.

"It's so beautiful here," Neera says softly, taking in the unspoiled scene. "Like a glimpse into the past, before industry or roads even existed."

She crouches by the lake's edge, trails her fingers through the crisp water. Tiny silver fish dart curiously past below. Neera smiles, filled with deep contentment. She could stay here forever, she thinks - collecting water, catching fish, breathing the heady forest air under an open sky. No smog or smoke, no chronic illness holding her back. Just calm days spent immersed in nature's peace, as free as her ancestors once lived. What a special, timeless place Thomassia has preserved here.

Neera and the others arrived in time to be able to enjoy the full sunset, sitting comfortably on their sleeping bags. After a few hours of discussions and talking, the stars eventually become visible. And there are somehow always more of them than you'd ever expect.

Neera settles onto her cozy sleeping bag beside the lakeshore as the sun sinks below the distant peaks. One by one, her new friends grow quiet, everyone transfixed as the first evening stars appear. And there are so many more than Neera expected - infinite glittering lights blooming across the darkening sky.

"There's no end to them," Neera whispers. Back in smog-veiled Delhi, you were lucky to spot one or two persistent stars. But here, the dazzling celestial display stretches to forever.

A shooting star suddenly blazes overhead. Neera gasps, enchanted. She closes her eyes, breathing the pine-scented air. This is magic - lying safe beneath the ancient trees, luminous heavens spinning slowly above, a primeval landscape surrounding her, unchanged for aeons... It's the most perfect moment she's ever experienced. And the greatest gift imaginable - the chance to simply exist as part of this natural splendor, unencumbered, with an entire universe of stars wheeling endlessly overhead as she drifts off to sleep.

The tent and sleeping bag are both carefully designed to be and feel spacious: Neera can sprawl out her arms and legs without bumping into anything. Room to be able to take up space and unfold yourself freely seems to somehow be a theme in thomassia.

Neera stretches and shifts comfortably inside the roomy tent, luxuriating in the sense of spaciousness all around her. Even sleeping out here in the wilderness, everything feels open and free - not confining like the cramped rooms of her Delhi slum. She smiles up into the dark, arms splayed wide across her pillow. Thomassia seems designed for human beings to spread out and just...be. No crowds or limitations holding anyone back.

Neera rolls over in her sleeping bag, peering out the tent flap at the glimmering stars. She takes a deep breath, thrilling in how easily the crisp night air fills her lungs. No struggle for oxygen out here. Just freedom down to her very cells, liberty encoded into this land's DNA.

She drifts off again surrounded by the ancient forest, unimaginable galaxies spinning overhead, feeling totally at peace. Her new life stretches out ahead of her, wide open and full of joyful promise.

The morning after, Neera sees puddles of water pooling up all over the place. It must have happened when she was sleeping at her deepest. There are still grey clouds above her, but the rain has stopped for now.

Neera emerges from her tent into a damp, cloudy morning, the forest floor dotted with puddles. Rain must have swept through overnight as she slept. The moisture-wicking fabric of her hiking gear keeps her warm and dry, though. She takes a refreshing breath, inhaling the earthy petrichor scent lingering after the storm.

Nearby, Parin and a few other early risers are packing up camp. Neera moves to help, excited for the day's adventures ahead. A little rain won't slow down this hardy crew!

"The trails might be a bit muddy today," Parin remarks. "But we brought boots for that!"

Neera smiles, lacing her waterproof hiking shoes. With Thomassia's top-notch gear and infrastructure, the group is prepared for anything. And she relishes the chance to trek through rain-washed forests glowing green in the soft morning light. Another day in her incredible new life stretches brightly ahead!

Walking deeper into the forest, she finds that the rain has caused there to be a strange kind of shine on many plants and flowers. But it looks really amazing, especially when she manages to make out the occasional rainbow beneath the trees.

Neera strides deeper into the lush forest, her breath catching at the magical sight. Raindrops glisten like scattered diamonds on every leaf and petal. Dappled rainbows dance across the forest floor whenever the clouds part. She trails her fingers across glossy ferns and flowers as she walks, marveling at nature's transformation.

"It's like some fairy grotto now, with everything sparkling!" Neera exclaims. The helmet boy beside her nods enthusiastically. They splash through puddles together, marveling when sudden sunbeams set the churned-up water ablaze with color.

Rounding a massive tree trunk, Neera spots a tiny red mushroom aglow with inner radiance amid the damp green undergrowth. This enchanted wood surely holds more wonders just awaiting discovery around the next bend! She hitches her pack higher, pulls in a deep breath of the rain-washed air, and strides on with tireless curiosity driving her ever forward...

Suddenly and without warning, the rain comes back again. But it doesn't take long to put on the hood and plastic visor, that work perfectly to keep Neera completely dry. The boy in the helmet just looks at everyone around him rush to put up the hood to protect them from the elements.

The downpour resumes abruptly as Neera is admiring the glowing mushroom. There's a scramble as everyone dons their rain gear. She quickly pulls up her jacket's hood, securing the clear plastic visor over her face.

Within moments she's snugly enclosed, the water sluicing off her outfit's slick surfaces. Beside her, the helmet boy seems mildly amused by everyone suddenly sporting face shields just like his. Neera grins at him behind her transparent mask.

"Well you were ahead of the trend with that helmet!" she jokes. He gives her a friendly elbow-nudge and a thumbs up. Their high-tech hiking uniforms have transformed the group into intrepid explorers, easily laughing off extreme weather. Neera marvels again at Thomassian gear design - not just functional but bringing people together!

Eventually, the group finds another similar to the one they saw yesterday. Parin made her way to one of the doors. "Neera, I should have told you yesterday, but these are public bathrooms. Thomassia tries to hide them into the landscape, so they might not be obvious. But basically, if you see a door that looks like it doesn't lead anywhere, like the doors on this building, that's because it's a well-hidden public bathroom."

Neera follows Parin's gaze to a plain door set incongruously into a grassy hillside. She recalls the similar building they stopped at yesterday, which had turned out to contain chargers and delivery access. As always in Thomassia, infrastructure to support citizens is seamlessly merged with the natural landscape.

"So these subtle buildings actually have bathrooms inside?" Neera asks. Parin nods, explaining the principles behind this ubiquitous civic design. Neera grins - even bathroom breaks for remote hikers are graciously provided for here. Everything she learns about Thomassia delights her.

"Such thoughtful planning," Neera replies. "I'll have to remember to keep an eye out for doors like that if I ever hike out this far again." The land's ongoing care for all its people, even in wild places, makes her feel embraced by something far bigger than herself.

Parin nods at Neera, walking in. Then she walks back out, starting to take the group along the route back to the car.

After a rest stop, Parin leads the group back onto the rain-drenched trail, retracing their steps toward the distant parking lot. Neera strides tirelessly over mud and gnarled roots, the hiking boots keeping her feet dry over the uneven ground.

She pauses once to sip some water, gazing back at how far they've come. Towering emerald trees now conceal the sparkling lake, and their first night's campsite, from view. It feels like she's glimpsed into a secret, sacred world here - one hidden just off the beaten path, there for those daring and curious enough to seek it out.

Filled with resolve, Neera pivots to follow the others up the winding forest track. She knows someday she'll venture out this way again, perhaps with new friends to share the wonder. For now, her footsteps quicken, eager for whatever simple joys and mysteries her bright new life holds in the days ahead!

The boy with the helmet turns to Neera. His voice sounds unexpectedly clear, although it's still a bit muffled. "You know why I wear this helmet? It's because I've got asthma. Bad. This helmet can hide an air filter, and even an inhaler, right in front of my face. It's more psychological than anything, but I've had some really nasty moments. But with this thing, I know that I'm always totally prepared and well-equipped."

Neera turns to the boy, eyes widening as his clear voice issues from inside the helmet. He explains it hides filters and an inhaler - equipping him against sudden asthma attacks. She listens intently, amazed and delighted by the clever, caring design.

"That helmet is incredible," she tells him sincerely. "What a smart way to always have emergency care right there if you need it, while keeping your condition private too. I really admire it."

She hesitates, then says softly, "Back in Delhi, I had terrible asthma from the pollution. Needed my inhaler all the time. Coming here feels like a miracle, being able to hike and play freely. But it means so much to see someone like you out here too. It gives me hope I'll always stay this healthy breathing Thomassia's clean air." She smiles at him. "I'm so grateful for what I learned from you today."

"It's really not keeping my condition private. It's making it obvious so everyone knows to help."

Neera blinks, considering the boy's words. "That's an excellent point," she replies thoughtfully. "Your helmet makes your vulnerability clearly visible so people understand to assist you if needed."

She nods slowly, a wave of inspiration washing over her. "Back home, my asthma made me feel like a burden, keeping me dependent and confined. I hid it because I hated standing out that way." She gestures at his gear. "But your approach is so much healthier - embracing tools that mitigate your weakness without shame, so you can participate fully in life. You've shown me the truth of openly acknowledging my needs to foster independence. What an amazing lesson. Thank you, my friend!"

Finally, the group returns to the minivan, taking out a special plastic liner to protect the cargo space from any water dripping off their backpacks. Parin makes her way to the driver's seat, and begins taking off back home.

Neera settles into her seat for the ride home, peeling off her rain-spattered jacket. Their gear kept them warm and dry through the stormy hike. She gazes fondly out at the lush green wilderness scrolling past her window - it almost seems to glow, transformed by the rains that now stream down the windshield.

These past days spent immersed in Thomassia's unspoiled nature have awoken something in Neera. She yearns to explore more of this friendly land that has so generously taken her in. Her life back in Delhi feels a distant memory now. Ahead stretches a future filled with possibility - and she can't wait to discover what adventures it holds!

It's not a long time before Neera's back home again, with the room all to herself. "Don't forget the daily laundry cycle, Neera. I've put the mesh bags inside the bathroom, for now; the way it works is you put each of the items in one of the smaller bags with your room number on, and then put all the clothes that get washed in the same way inside one of the bags with a picture of the washing instructions. Then you wait for the blue robot that gets all the laundry to drive past your door; it makes its own chime. It's different from the food delivery robot's chime, but you'll just check the door when it arrives. Got it?"

Back in her cozy room, Neera smiles as Parin patiently explains the laundry delivery system. She nods along, committing the routine to memory - personalized mesh bags for each item type, then into one bag for robot pickup. Simple and efficient, like everything in Thomassia.

"Got it, thanks Parin! I'll listen for the laundry bot's chime at the door," Neera says. She gazes around her comfortable quarters, the scene still seeming slightly unreal after her days immersed in unspoiled wilderness. Yet here in her new home, supportive infrastructure hums along flawlessly in the background - laundry taken care of, hot food deliverable 24/7, bathroom breaks accommodated anywhere...

Neera shakes her head in wonder. However remote her adventures take her, she knows Thomassia's caring network will remain quietly present, empowering her independence while she explores life's possibilities. This wonderful land offers both freedom and security in equal measure. She couldn't be more grateful to now call it home.