That Way Madness Lies: XV of Shakespeare's Most Notable Works Reimagined

by Dahlia Adler

“It’s not that,” she said finally. “It’s not that I don’t … like … men. It’s more that I don’t have time for them right now. I wanted to focus on school then focus on my career. Most people don’t meet their soul mates until they’re in their late twenties or early thirties. I should have had more time. And I wanted to be the one to choose my partner. I wanted to be able to meet someone and work together to build a relationship. Not have instant love tell me what I was going to do and who I should trust. It doesn’t seem fair.” The closet was still for a while as Petrucio thought. “How we react to our circumstances is a choice. We don’t have to do anything we don’t want to do, you know. We could choose to react one way to this, or we could make the best of it.” She heard him take a deep breath. “For example, I know that you’re … ambitious—which is a good thing,” he interjected quickly. “And that you have strong principles and you stick to them. I know that family is important to you, but your values are more important to you and that you’re willing to work hard to defend them. I know … that you have high expectations and that your high expectations make people around you try harder. I know you’re a fighter and that you can defend yourself if need be,” he said with a wry grin that she could hear. “We might not have ever locked eyes before this, but your reputation precedes you. I called you names earlier, but I really meant that you’re tough. Strong, I guess.”