It's easier for two

38. Make sure you have something else

The next day, Eva returned to the same place, where the familiar trees greeted her like long-time companions. Her thoughts drifted over the tree tops like soaring birds.
"Make sure you have something in your life apart from her," Alex's voice echoed in her head, followed by her own. "Make sure you have something else." Eva's life was consumed by work, leaving little time for anything else. Her job was a place where every step could result in punishment, nullifying all her efforts in one swift blow. She had to save everything, pull everyone along, and surpass herself, all while fearing it would never be enough. The city she lived in didn't offend her, but it failed to feel like home. She knew people she hardly cared for and people she wished she didn't know at all. It all led her to a state of neutrality, of restraint, where she didn't stand out, didn't interfere, and didn't ask herself questions. She didn't know how she was doing, as everyone else kept asking but never expected an answer.
And then, a bright and flickering light appeared in the darkness, a woman who rekindled her interest in life, who brought back colors and strength, who showed her how to be herself and not hide her feelings, to express them and infect others with her passion. Without her, everything went out and an unusual ache appeared. Eva looked at her life and saw herself teetering on the edge of a precipice of emptiness, of alienation, of meaningless existence. Instead of taking her away, Elektra had left her alone at the edge, but the memory of her shone bright enough to make Eva realize that something was amiss, that she had to change things urgently.
Her jumbled thoughts took on a new order, forming into a logical chain: leave the company, find a more suitable job, invite Alex to a team where his talents would be appreciated, work remotely, travel to different cities and countries, find her own place, create a home there. Eva felt confident and inspired, but the sun was already setting on the horizon, reminding her it was time to return to the hotel.