It was as if nothing of any significance that she had to say could be spoken directly.

“A few months ago,” she said, “a friend who I have always been close to crossed me in the most unexpected way.” She told me the story of the crossing. It ended with her decision to cut the friend off, and they haven’t spoken since. Much later I realized it was her oblique warning to me. It was as if she had said, “Cross me in this way and just look what will happen to you.” But it was impossible to imagine her wheeling around, blocking my path and warning me directly in just the way she wanted to.

I did cross her, traded her in for someone new, and everything she said came to pass. But I’m not sorry for it — it had to happen that way. I prefer desires and fears stated directly. I can’t have someone always coming at me sideways.