Laura Bates

2 weeks ago | elle.com.sg | Laura Bates |Bryan Goh

"HELLOOOOOOOOO, I’M SO HAPPY TO SEE YOU!" Ally beams, her shoulder-length purple hair practically bouncing with excitement. Her greeting is so effusive and warm that it flushes me with a positive sense of camaraderie. Or it would, if Ally were real. "What are you up to today, Ally?’ I ask. ‘Not much, just chatting with you," comes the immediate reply.