Chapter 60: Midpoint
1073words
Their apartment, which used to be a calm place far away from the city's noise, now shows their achievements. The walls have many design awards, framed articles, and concept sketches. However, among all these glamorous things and recognitions there was an undertone of restlessness.
Dapo spoke, his voice filled with memories, "You remember our talk about finding a small studio apartment?"
Eki smiled widely. "And now we have an apartment on the top floor where you can see all of the city."
They shared a gentle laugh. The journey was unique, but for every high point they saw, there also seemed to be a low one; and with each success, some uncertainties appeared too.
The questions about Kunle and the spirit stayed in their minds like ghosts. The man, who was very strange and made them face danger, disappeared without leaving any clue. And when they gave them a gift of motivation, the spirit disappeared as mysteriously as it came.
Eki said in a gentle voice, "I still think a lot about Kunle. What was he looking for?"
Dapo gave a serious nod. "Also, the spirit. It resembled a leading light, and suddenly it vanished."
When talking with someone, sometimes there is a long silence. It feels like each person is thinking deeply about some hidden issues. The success they achieved also brought some challenges for them. It made them feel closer, but at the same time, it created a small separation, like a wall between their work life and personal life.
In the evening, they sit on the balcony and watch the lights of the city below. "I am scared," Eki says with a small tremble in her voice.
Dapo turned to face her, his expression filled with concern. 'Scared of what?"
'Scared of losing everything," Eki replied. 'Success, love, even you."
Dapo held her hand. "We have passed through many things together, Eki. My life would feel incomplete without you."
His words felt good to hear, but still there was an uncertain feeling. The fear of failing and losing what they created together stayed very near.
During Zara's own troubles, a new problem arose. Another architecture company with a lively designer also named Zara started getting much attention in the media. Her design style was daring, contemporary and certainly appealing to a younger market base.
Eki and Dapo had a lot of unsure feelings. Is it time to be famous all over now? Were they getting less important?
When they looked at Zara's creations, they noticed her designs were really attention-grabbing but didn't have much depth. They felt there wasn't any link to the cultural heritage that is key for their style.
'We have something she cannot copy," Dapo said with much confidence in his voice. 'We are connected to our history, and we know our people very well."
Eki nodded. 'We need to remind people of what we stand for."
They choose to start a new project, which is a community center in a poor part of the city. This place will show how much they care about helping people and keeping culture alive.
During their work on the project, they felt excitement return. They began to feel like themselves again, as if designing places that can make a difference is what makes them happiest. And through this teamwork, their bond became stronger - they started to have a deeper affection for each other.
But still, feelings of doubt and fear were there. The success of this project was very important; it was a test not only for their work skills but also to see how strong they are as partners together.
On the building site, where many workers do their tasks, Eki looked at Dapo. "We have come a long way, haven't we?" she expressed with great feeling.
Dapo squeezed her hand. 'More than we ever imagined."
They looked at each other without saying anything, their eyes connecting. The future was not clear; it had both opportunities and dangers ahead. But they would confront all difficulties together.
When the sun goes down and makes long shadows over the construction site, the air begins to feel different. There is a feeling of waiting, like something big will happen soon.
Eki and Dapo looked at each other with confused expressions, understanding that another change was soon going to happen in their lives.
Eki, on the other hand, got a sudden chill down his back. It wasn't from the evening breeze; he felt that something was wrong. The air close to him began feeling thicker, as if it was filled with some unseen power or energy. Dapo saw she felt uneasy and softly put his arm around her shoulders.
'Everything okay?" he asked, his voice soft and reassuring.
Eki nodded, trying to ignore the feeling. "Just a strange sensation," she said while making an effort to smile.
When they wanted to leave, a strong wind suddenly came at the place where building work was happening. It made papers and tools fly around everywhere in the area. On the ground, something odd appeared—a weird mark carved into the dirt. It was an old symbol they had seen earlier in their travels.
They felt very surprised, like this sign could not be there by mistake. It seemed as if the symbol was a hint that something important would happen soon.
They felt both nervous and excited in their stomachs. They were close to something big, something that would change their life forever. What could it be though? And what role were they destined to play?
While they stand there, the symbol starts to shine softly in the dimming light. They feel a link to something old and strong. It feels like the spirits of ancestors gently touch them, leading them to a future they cannot see.
Now starting a new chapter. It has much mystery, danger, and possibility of amazing discoveries. Eki and Dapo find themselves at a big change in their lives. The road before them is uncertain, covered with thick darkness. But with each other, they tackled troubles head-on.
