h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

My life is full of conflicting demands. When I save someone from something horrible and I see how grateful they are then I feel a deep satisfaction. When I have the opportunity to make a special relationship - which is not a frequent option, by any means, I have to control what my heart tells me and stay with the higher purpose of service of others.

Sometimes that is really hard.

And sometimes it hurts other people so I find I have to keep myself more and more separate so that I don't cause hurt.

*Places twig at top of castle to represent a flag. Starts to arrange shells as decoration around castle.*

How can you serve others if you don't serve yourself?

How can you hope to understand what is good, if you don't let what is good into your life?

There is lots of good in my life. More good that you could begin to imagine. When I scratch my vest and a child regains their sight, when I scratch my vest and a football hooligan puts down his broken bottle and hugs his enemy. They are some of the good things I have. I can watch a sunset with a friend I can stay up all night chatting to people I like. That should be enough for me.

The good you have said is for others' benefit, trust in your feelings once in a while and they might make you see and feel things you didn't know were possible

Maybe one day! *Said more to reassure Ena than to indicate any chance that it might happen*

*sighs*

*takes Vestie gently by the arm and leads him away from the beach in silence, they walk for a long time and finally reach the river that so soothed their hearts and minds*

*she pushes him in at a shallow area and jumps in herself, as soon as she is in the water the peaceable vibes begin again*

May I know the truth?

Truth... I have been telling the truth. *sinks into the comfortable water and dreams.*

The truth about what you feel

*sheds a tear of sadness*

*pushes on relentlessly*

Do you think your mother, your friends...even your sister...would want you to live a life where you deny yourself love and feeling?

I don't think they would. But, when you decide on a path in life sometimes you have to stick with it even when the going gets tough. My path is generally a solitary one when it comes to exclusinve relationships but there are plenty of friends for me to share with and sometimes passion is sacrificed for longer term inner peace.

You remind me of something my mother once told me.

The strongest people think they can stick to a path in life, even when they feel it is wrong. But true strength lies in being able to admit you were wrong and being brave enough to change the path you walk.

I think I can agree with your mother. You have to decide whether your path is wrong because someone else doesn't understand it or whether it is wrong because you no longer understand it. If you still understand the path and the temptations it will bring then sticking with it is not a bad thing.

My mother told me that because I wouldn't let myself love a young man in our home town, but by the time I had realised my feelings were more important than my chosen path he had left.

I just don't want to see you make the same mistake, change your path before you find someone you care about, that way when you find them you won't lose them

*looks away for a moment and wipes her eyes*

*feels defeated and distressed she couldn't do more for her friend, she climbs out of the river and sits on the banks*

*Sits next to Ena and holds her hand*
Would it be painful for you if we remained friends? Some people want an exclusive relationship or no relationship at all. I can understand people who choose that way, but I don't. Don't feel I am a lost cause or someone to be pitied. I have a huge amount of freedom and enjoy my lifestyle. Will you be my friend?

Alright Lithy

*sits down next to her on the bank*

How are you feeling today?

Hi Lady A. What are your views on relationships. Can a person live without one special one or should everyone have a partner?

No, I don't mean that you can't live without one special person. I just mean it seems absurd to deny yourself that.

But..of course I will be your friend, never doubt that

There has been a long history of people who have chosen celibacy. Quite often it is to do with their ability to be available to many without the constraints of having to care for someone special - or even a family.