How Many Tears Are Enough?

Two

Kara had underestimated how incredibly tough this job would be. Not because Lena's is the brat she was rumoured to be – she's surprisingly accommodating and though a little stubborn at times, she always gives in eventually. Nor because she feels highly unqualified, which she is but time and again Alex has reassured her she's doing everything she can and even she did have more education in this area she probably wouldn't be able to do much more. Lena has her own doctor and therapist and Kara is just there to make sure she goes to her appointments and takes her meds.

No, it's mainly because of how much everything in her life has changed. Adjusting is a lot harder than she expected and she misses her friends and family, her old life, dearly. Her nights are extremely lonely. She cries herself to sleep more often than not lately. Having Sundays of hardly seems enough, locked in the same four walls the remainder of the week, away from everyone and even then, she finds it hard to leave Lena behind when she's allowed to.

Like always when she doesn't really know what to do, Kara calls Alex. She misses her sister so much but Sunday is still a long way away and she's on the verge of tears by the time Alex picks up the phone.

"Alex," her sister says as if Kara wouldn't know who she's calling.

"Alex, it's Kara." It takes Kara a lot more effort to keep it together than she thought she'd need but she has to. It's still early in the night and Lena is right across the hallway. There's still staff roaming the halls and Kara doesn't want anyone to witness her breakdown.

"Hey Kar. What's wrong?" Kara really can't keep anything from her sister. They're too in tune for her to keep her feelings and thoughts secret from Alex. Alex always knows.

"I just-" Kara takes a shaky breath- "I miss you."

"I miss you too, kiddo. Only a few more days!"

"Yeah." Kara lets out a breathy chuckle. She'd forgotten she promised Alex she'd come over for dinner and movies.

"Just hang in there. Are you taking care of yourself?"

"Mhmm."

"I don't mean if you eat three times a day. I mean, do you take time for yourself. Do you care for yourself?"

"I- Right." Kara frowns, thinking about whether she really cares for herself.

"What did you do last Sunday?"

Kara is left speechless for a moment, unsure of what she did and unable to reproduce an answer.

"Sundays are your only days off, Kar. You got to use them for you. You're always welcome here but you could also do something there. Enjoy some alone time. Go for a walk, read a book in the park, explore town. As long as you do it for you. Are you okay, Kara?" Alex adds after Kara remains quiet for probably too long a time.

She inhales sharply, supressing a sob because Alex cares so much about her. Alex always knows what Kara needs, she gives the best advice and never gets angry at her for calling at odd hours.

"Yeah, I'm okay," Kara replies after a few steadying breaths. "I'm glad I could talk to you."

"That's what sisters are for, right? And I like knowing you're not dead because then I wouldn't have anyone to tease about eating sandwiches with marshmallow and peanut butter," Alex jokes. It gets a laugh out of Kara and she immediately feels infinitely better.

They talk a little longer, easier banter that fulfils Kara's social needs for now. That reminds her who she is and who she has in her life; her sister, Sam, Ruby, her friends. They tease each other and talk about both their jobs and Alex's family, make plans for another game night – day really because that's all Kara can manage with this new job.