#differentpaths

The room was filled with a sense of camaraderie and determination as Tailor and Trace discussed their plans for the wooden bolts. Erzabet, sitting a little apart from them, couldn't help but feel a pang of envy. She observed the bond between the two, their shared comfort and understanding, and it stirred something within her.

Feeling a surge of vulnerability, Erzabet turned to Rachelle, who was quietly occupied with her own thoughts. "Hey Dr. Duboise," she crooned, "the boys don't seem to mind the lack of privacy..."

Rachelle looked up from her contemplation, her expression stoic and unfazed. "Envy, Erzabet? That's not a characteristic I expected from you. We all have different paths, and not everyone finds the same kind of companionship."

Erzabet sighed, her voice tinged with longing. "I know, Rachelle. It's just that seeing the love and support they have for each other reminds me of... connections I've lost throughout the centuries. It's a reminder of the void that remains within me."

Rachelle's gaze softened, her tone offering a touch of empathy. "Erzabet, you have your own strengths and experiences. It's not about comparing yourself to others or longing for what you don't have. Embrace who you are and find contentment within yourself."

Erzabet nodded, her eyes reflecting a mix of bitter acceptance and lingering desire. "You're right, Rachelle. I need to focus on my own journey and find my own fulfillment. Perhaps the void can be filled by my own swollen ego."

Rachelle's lips curled into a small smile, her voice steady and wise. "That's the spirit, Erzabet. We all have our own paths to walk, and each one is unique and valuable in its own way. Don't let envy cloud your perception of your own worth, and don't mind me, I found some earplugs and a sleep mask in one of the crates we broke down." She pulls her prize out of her bag.

In one of those dreams, you led me to a river bank and pointed me to a bridge. You looked back at me and told me it was you who built this, and that I would never be able to build the same thing.  But now that I’ve seen how our lives turn out to be, I’ve realised that our battles have been so different right from the start. And you were right, I will never build bridges as high and righteous as yours.