They must do things similarly to us in Chichicastenango. That's not really where MA is from, but for the purpose of this entry it may as well be. It is a remote place, as familiar as it is forgotten.

The possibility has arisen for her to enter into a relationship with one of her best friends of the last 10+ years, C. Funny how life throws these schemes and proposals and options and pains at us. Envious friend, lover, confidante, companion, mentor, apprentice, son, father and fellow fisherman -- the world seems almost world-weary at the application of labels with which we douse its tear-rusted ravines and crevices.

I was friends with CH for seven years, and the possibility also then arose for something more, just a few months ago. We tried it and it didn't work. We're still friends, on paper, but functionally things are more complicated.

Can MA, with her own oven-full of drama and life complications, avoid the pitfalls I experienced when turning a historically rich friendship into a coital butterfly?

Broccoli, lollipop, and forest. These were the metaphors CH and I used for friend, relationship-high inducer, and unconditional love-giver. We can always hope for forest but are often too lazy to get past lollipop.

Try your best, MA. Follow your heart, if you can hear its song plainly. I fear that you may not, and this time -- this time -- I do not wish to be pulled by the undertow.