But what else did the universe do?

It sent other reminders.

"Slingshot" by Souvankham Thammavongsa | Harper's Magazine

https://harpers.org/archive/2018/05/slingshot/

Kra-Z-Kai's Laotian Barbeque

https://krazkais.com/

Souvankham Thammavongsa: 'Edge of the World,' a Short Story - The Atlantic

https://www.theatlantic.com/books/archive/2020/03/souvankham-thammavongsa-edge-world-short-story/607465/

"She Shed Comedy Presents: Linda Schwartz Stand Up Comedy Showcase Set" - YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1spvAUaOGsg

“Good-Looking” | Souvankham Thammavongsa | The New Yorker

https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2021/03/01/good-looking