December 31, 2018
As the clock struck midnight on New Year's Eve, the world outside erupted in a cacophony of cheers and fireworks. Inside his dimly lit living room, Dave sat alone, a glass of champagne untouched on the table beside him. The vibrant colors of the fireworks illuminated his face, but his heart felt heavy with the weight of the past year. He gazed out the window, lost in thought, reflecting on the tumultuous events that had unfolded in his life.
Dave had been the CEO of Apple Inc. for five years, a position he had worked tirelessly to achieve. His tenure was marked by unprecedented success; he had launched groundbreaking products and expanded the company's market reach like no other CEO before him. Yet, despite his professional accomplishments, a sense of emptiness lingered within him.
In the summer of 2018, everything changed when he met Andy on Facebook. She was a stunning actress, an A-list celebrity with a magnetic presence and a plethora of admirers. Her social media was a showcase of glamorous events, luxury vacations, and a lifestyle that seemed unattainable. Captivated by her charm and beauty, Dave found himself falling deeply in love.
Their relationship blossomed quickly, starting with a simple comment on one of her posts. What began as a casual online interaction soon evolved into late-night conversations, romantic dates, and extravagant trips around the world. Eager to impress, Dave spared no expense. They dined at the finest restaurants, attended exclusive parties, and adorned Andy with lavish gifts, including exquisite jewelry that sparkled as brightly as her smile.
However, as the months passed, the initial excitement of their whirlwind romance began to fade. By June, the pressures of Dave's job began to take a toll on him. He had become increasingly distracted, spending more time with Andy and less time at work. His performance suffered, and ultimately, he was let go from his position at Apple. The news hit him like a ton of bricks, shattering the illusion of success he had built around himself.
With Dave's job loss, the dynamics of their relationship shifted dramatically. Andy, once enamored by his status and wealth, began to drift away. She started frequenting clubs, mingling with new suitors, and often returned home late, claiming to be busy with work. The vibrant life they had shared turned into a series of lonely nights for Dave, filled with anxiety and despair. He watched helplessly as the woman he loved began to explore new relationships, posting pictures of her escapades with other men on social media.
In the depths of his sorrow, Dave turned to alcohol as a means of escape. Each drink blurred the reality of his situation, but it also deepened his sense of isolation. He felt lost, both professionally and personally, unsure of how to rebuild his life after losing everything he had worked for.
One fateful evening, while aimlessly surfing the internet, Dave stumbled upon an article about spiritual awakening. Intrigued, he began to delve deeper into the concept, reading about the nature of existence and the possibility of transcending the mundane. The more he learned, the more he questioned the reality he had accepted for so long.
As the days turned into weeks, Dave immersed himself in books and online resources about awakening and self-discovery. He began to meditate, seeking solace and clarity in the chaos of his life. One day, while deeply engrossed in a book about spiritual awakening, something extraordinary happened.
As he read, a sudden wave of dizziness washed over him. He felt a strange sensation, as if the very fabric of reality was shifting around him. The words on the page began to blur, and a bright light enveloped him. In that moment, Dave's heart raced, and he felt an overwhelming sense of peace.
Then, everything went dark.
Where am I?