Some soulmates are meant to part ways and not end up together. Although Treb has intense emotions for a colleague, he has the awareness that it would be inappropriate to pursue a romantic entanglement. Treb is the only one Mariella loves. He embodies all the traits that she seeks in a suitable male companion. Despite being aware of Treb's affection for her, she is perplexed by his lack of initiative in pursuing a potential relationship with her. She asserted her interest in him directly and thus took control of the situation. Despite waiting for a long time, she has yet to receive any form of reciprocation. Mariella, who was beautiful, bright, and youthful, had her affections for Treb turn from strong love to hatred because of perceived rejection. In order to seek revenge, she and her friends concocted a plan to create slight nuisances for Treb, just enough to irritate him greatly. Treb, who stoically endured the torment of unrequited love through his adherence to self-restraint, ultimately faced utter devastation due to the uncompromising adherence to his moral values. Inevitably, he was left with no choice but to leave. Forever. ---------------- I sighed and locked the door behind me, telling the reflection to leave me alone. I expect to be welcomed with "Hi Daddy" pleasantries from younger coworkers when I enter the workplace building. Words that have become synonymous with rudeness for me since it suggests age discrimination. Additionally, my stomach doesn't have the audacity to accept certain faces as my children, especially those who appear older than me and whose faces even their own mothers would disown. Even those security guards who have the bravado to be polite call me "dad", and I am not sure if that is now included in their training. Included are those in higher management positions who appear relieved to find someone older in age, as if my face can hide their horrible adult fats. For some people, the fact that the word ''faces'' rhymes with feces is no coincidence. Please accept my apologies for being mean, but I also deserved to be handled with kindness and sensitivity. I remembered Al Pacino’s line in the movie, Devil’s Advocate, ‘’I rest my case. Vanity is definitely my favorite sin. Kevin, it's so basic—self-love is the all-natural opiate.'' Those I consider real friends are those who call me Treb.