Yes

It was much quieter inside the building, but Gregg still insisted on escorting him all the way to the English department's office. They knocked at the door, and Miss Wright appeared before them. Her friendly, pretty face was a welcome sight.

"Good morning Thomas, Gregg, what can I do for you?" Though she smiled as brightly as ever, her aura told a different story. A kind of quiet sadness, coupled with a scratch of anxiety.

"I got my powers last night. I'm a passive [non-contact, automatic] empath. Could I have a chat with you? You're the only mind-reader I know at all."

Compassion flooded Miss Wright's face. "Of course you can - do come in. And you, Gregg?"

The redhead threw up his hands. "Oh no, I was just making sure Tommy boy got here alright. He had a bit of an incident outside just now. Imma head off to class, if you two are all good."

"We'll be fine. Thanks mate," said Thomas, patting him on the shoulder.

The English office was empty, the other teachers presumably gearing up for class in the staffroom. Miss Wright closed the door behind Thomas, and offered him a seat across the desk from her.

"I remember my first time mind-reading like it was yesterday," she began. "And I know I tell you not to use clichés, but that's honestly how it feels. It was so overwhelming, hearing people's personal, private thoughts shouted at me. I've spoken to other passive mind-readers, and they all experienced the same thing. So just know that whatever you're going through, Thomas, it's perfectly normal."

"Thanks." Thomas looked up to see her sympathy was authentic - but her sadness was still there, buried for the moment. "I just... on my way in, I walked through the yard and people's emotions were so loud, so powerful, it gave me the worst migraine of my life. I actually collapsed."

"Are you feeling okay now?" He nodded in response. "Good. You'll learn very quickly how to tune out the noise when you don't want to hear it - though sometimes I do occasionally pick up the odd thought I wasn't listening for. Everyone's ability is different, though. Especially yours, being an empath. Would it help if I put you in contact with another empath, who can counsel you on managing your power?"

"Yeah, I think so. Thanks, Miss Wright, that's... that's reassuring." She beamed at him, but as her focus on him faded, he felt her depression returning. "I - I know it's rude, and totally none of my business, but... do you want to talk to me about anything? It might help."

The young teacher looked at him curiously, and he guessed she was reading his mind. Eventually she sighed, a wry expression tugging at her lips. "I suppose I can't say nothing's wrong when you can see exactly how I'm feeling."

Thomas raised an eyebrow. "I'm afraid not."

Miss Wright sighed again, resting her cheek on her palm. "I'm just... not as settled as I would like. I moved here a year ago, when I got this job, but..." she met Thomas's eyes. "I'm still a bit short of friends," she admitted quietly. "And the pay isn't very good, so I have plenty of time to think about it."

"You're a wonderful woman," Thomas told her sincerely. "And a great teacher. I doubt the pay or the friends will stay that way for long."

The brunette laughed quietly, and smiled appreciatively at her student. "You're very kind."

"I mean it."

She blinked, and her eyes focused on his forehead for a second. "I suppose you do." She studied his eyes for a few seconds, then looked away. "I just feel like I'm a failure. I'm in the prime of my life, twenty-five years old, and yet I haven't been on a good date in years, I haven't made any new friends, and my brother's earning twice my salary in only his first job." She paused, eyes watering and voice quaking. "I don't know why I'm telling you all this, Thomas. It's not your problem."

"I care though," rebutted the young man immediately. "I can feel how you feel, and you're far too brilliant a person to be feeling this way. Why did you go into teaching?"

Miss Wright hiccoughed, and swallowed. "Because I love the job. Every one of my pupils is amazing, in their own way. Take you, for example!" She laughed shakily.

"Well, hold onto that. I think doing what you believe in, and what you enjoy - and helping kids along the way - is far more admirable that earning lots of cash. As for your dating life - you're smart, sincere, kind, patient, interesting in so many ways... and an absolute knockout. Any guy would be lucky to have you."

The young woman across from him looked up at him, her aura gradually warming closer to orange, when a hot pink wave pulsed through it. Thomas realised with amazement that he had just witnessed a flash of attraction in his teacher - attraction towards him! He blinked, looking at Miss Wright in amazement, and her soft cheeks flushed a deep pink as her powers allowed her to see his revelation.

"You'd better get to class in time for registration," said the teacher hurriedly, trying to suppress an embarrassed smile.

"O-of course," agreed Thomas, standing up. "Thank you so much for the advice - I feel much better now."

"I think you're the one who probably deserves thanks," laughed Miss Wright. "You're a... a good listener, Thomas. Thank you."