Poop Shute

Me: Universe!? Hey, universe, you big %$#@! Answer me!

Universe: Hmm? Oh, hello there. What is it? What can I do for you?

Me: Don't you smile at me, you cheeky bastard! You aren't following the rules.

Universe: Rules?

Me: Yeah, the rules. The rules that you taught me. The rules as I know them.

Universe: And what rules would those be, my child?

Me: The rules, damnit, the rules! I know I had a rocky past, but I made a vow. I made a vow to stop choosing drama over happiness. I also made a vow to never lie again, and to spend as long as I needed to making up for the drama and the lies from before. I know I started off doing everything wrong, but now I want so desperately to do it all right.

Universe: ...I'm sorry, I don't understand. So what is your question?

Me: I told you, the rules, damn you! Karma, The Golden Rule, whatever you want to call it. I've been doing right by everyone, I really have. I have released my temper problem to the four winds, I listen more, I don't lie, I'm a good brother, a good lover and a good friend, but nobody seems to notice, do they? She's still gone, isn't she? She still looks at me and sees a possible monster. So, that, do you hear me? That is my question!

Universe: I see. Well, my child, you have it right... sort of. Those are not the "rules," as you call them, but they're more of a guideline, really. They aren't strictly enforced, and just because you follow them, doesn't necessarily mean that someone else may even be aware of them. Rules are more for games, like chess, but this is life. In chess, a rook can only move straight sideways, and that is forever so. That is a rule. In life you might have a rook on your side and then the opposing king may lean down and whisper in his ear, and now your rook is with the other side, and moving on the diagonal.

Me: So, what can I do?

Universe: You are already doing it. Live a life that you think is a good one. Strike a healthy balance of upholding your new-found principles, without being too inflexible, and hope for the best. If she's going to come around, she will.