This could be read from Ed or Al's point of few. It doesn't really matter.
Equivalent Exchange
Years ago, we both believed that equivalent exchange was the one and only law that the world was driven by. I feel somewhat surprised that it took me so long to realize differently.
I've decided to keep pretending it exists, for his sake. He still believes in it so fully, he feels he can lighten the blow that that night had on both our lives by saying that it's how the world works, that there was no way to change it.
There was no equivalent exchange that night. We both lost so much, and what did we get in return? A creature that doesn't even slightly resemble a human being.
Human nature does not leave room for equivalent exchange. It is how life is meant to work, that is painstakingly obvious. The system by which the world is governed requires equivalent exchange; there are laws. No stealing.
And yet, people steal.
And yet, people give.
Science says that nothing is ever gained or lost. There is a certain amount of matter in the universe to work with, and that amount is fixed. There is no give or take.
However much I want to believe it, to think that all this had to happen, I can't any more. We're unlucky, plain and simple. There is no scientific explanation for pure chance, for why the two of us always get stuck in the worst of situations while others live their perfect lives without complaint, having no reason to doubt the law of equivalent exchange, because they are always given what we ask for.
If we want something, we have to give twice as much in return.