I'm in a long-distance relationship that is five months old; of those five months we have spent a total of 15 days together spread over a two month period. As in all relationships it was wonderful in the beginning. We spent long hours on the phone getting to know each other and catching up on what was going on in each other's life.

About two months ago I noticed his calls were not as frequent as they used to be. He says it's because he's busy. I accept this because I know his job is demanding, but somehow I feel it's not too much to ask for a phone call a day. As it stands now, we haven't seen each other in three months, and if I don't call him, I don't think he'll call until a week passes without a word from me.

He says he loves me. I want to believe he knows what love is. I'm willing to do what it takes to make our relationship work, but I feel I'm giving 95% and he is giving 50%. How can I make him open his eyes and see what his blasé attitude toward our relationship is doing to me? - Sydney

Sydney, in Dean Koontz's novel "Odd Thomas," a couple goes to a county fair. In the back of an arcade tent they find an unusual machine. The top of the machine is glassed in. Inside the glass is a realistic-looking gypsy fortuneteller complete with colorful headscarf.

Not satisfied with the answer, they drop in another coin, and the woman again asks if they will have a long, happy marriage. This time the card reads: "The fool leaps from the cliff, but the winter lake below is frozen." On the third try they get a card which reads: "The orchard of blighted trees produces poisonous fruit."

Eight times the couple drop in a coin, and each time they receive a similar answer. They bicker and move away. Then the second couple, who clearly love each other, step forward and deposit a coin. A card falls which reads: "You are destined to be together forever."

Sydney, we asked the gypsy fortuneteller your question. A card dropped down. It read: "A cold wind blows, and each night…" - Wayne & Tamara