Really think about it, and let me know

You know how your mind wanders and you ruminate on thoughts that may (or may not) mean anything of any significance to anyone?

Today brought yet any other of those moments for me.

I overheard a situation from its seemingly inconsequential beginning through to its as-expected end. It really isn't anything newsworthy or otherwise notable, but I overheard the whole thing.

To summarize:

Person 1: "Well, Person 2. I haven't seen evidence that Person 3 did a certain thing."
Person 2: "Really? That's interesting. Hum..... Hey, Person 3! Did you do this thing?"
Person 3: "I'm sure I did, Persons 1 and 2. But please allow me to make sure."

See, I knew how the whole situation would play out. I knew once the first comment was made that this other person (Person 3) would be asked about it. I even knew the timing and manner of the asking....

It was then that I began to wonder. "Unless I'm simply stuck in the biggest - and most meaningless - of space/time continuum fractures, could it be possible that predictability actually equates to inevitability?"

For a real definition of terms, I am look at "predictability" to mean "indicating something in advance." And for me, "inevitability" means "incapable of being avoided."

True enough; there could have been 1 billion alternate sets of circumstances following the initial comment. Virtually anything could have transpired, including (but not limited to) an earthquake, medical emergency or Rapture.

But what ultimately occurred was exactly what I thought would happen... like it was just bound to be that way and that way alone. Almost like I knew that there was no other possible course of action that could be allowed without the universe rupturing.

And if this really is about predictable behaviors or actions in repeatable circumstances and familiar settings, does that somehow diminish the seeming inevitability of what ensued? Could it really be possible that what happened was totally unavoidable?

And if this was unavoidable, could it mean that it is impossible for someone to change their ways and disrupt the flow? If someone were to, say, decide not to badger the living daylights out of someone - just this once - would there be a cosmic allowance whereby that inevitable course of action didn't occur?

I remain unresolved in providing an adequate explanation for the whole thing, and I am also willing to admit that this is all probably only meaningless ramble.

However, it does end with a cartoon ENJOY!