Seated on a plush bench beside the shimmering pool, I observe a lively group of children splashing and laughing in the water. The sun's rays dance on the surface, casting a warm glow over the scene. With a glass of wine in hand, I take a moment to savor the tranquility of this moment.
Leaving everything behind was undoubtedly one of the best decisions I've ever made. The past week has been a whirlwind of luxury and indulgence at the space resort I now call home. It's been a much-needed escape from the turmoil and toxicity of my previous life. Here, surrounded by opulence and comfort, I've rediscovered a sense of peace and freedom I thought I'd lost.
But as is often the case, reality has a way of intruding on moments of bliss. The hologlyph on a nearby table displays a 3D model of the resort, along with a detailed report from the manager. I study it closely, noting the glaring issues that threaten to undermine the resort's success.
Firstly, the location is less than ideal. Situated on the outskirts, a minor inhabitable planet far from the bustling center of Neo Novus, the resort struggles to attract guests. Secondly, the amenities, while adequate, are not on par with the luxury standards expected.
My brow furrows as I ponder the implications of the report. The resort's profitability has been steadily declining, a troubling trend that could lead to bankruptcy within a few years if left unchecked. In my previous life, I poured my personal funds into keeping this place afloat, believing in its potential.
However, my personal funds are now non-existent. The only money I have is what I withdrew from the joint account before leaving, a necessary step to ensure my escape. Everything else was left behind for him—the man who never truly appreciated the sacrifices I made for our shared future. Yes I'm salty.
I take a thoughtful sip of wine, the rich flavor doing little to ease the weight of the decision looming before me. Should I invest more resources into revitalizing the resort, hoping to turn its fortunes around? Or should I cut my losses and sell the property, severing the last ties to my past life?
The laughter of the children playing in the pool drifts to my ears, a stark reminder of the carefree innocence that exists beyond the complexities of adult decisions. But I know I can't afford to dwell in this moment of peace forever. Action is required.
Setting down the glass of wine, I steel myself for the task ahead. I will meet with the resort manager, discuss options, and formulate a plan of action. The future of the resort—and perhaps my own future as well—hangs in the balance.
As I rise from the bench, the sun setting in a blaze of colors on the horizon.
*
"Where is she, dammit?!" James' voice reverberated through the hotel room, his frustration boiling over as he stared at the professional investigator he had hired.
The man was hunched over a collection of glowing 3D images, multiple hologlyphs flickering and shifting as he scoured the vast cityscape of Neo Novus. Sweat beaded on the investigator's forehead, his face etched with intense concentration.
"This guy is an asshole, but I've been paid a pretty price," the investigator thought to himself, his fingers dancing over the holographic controls. Suddenly, with an electronic hiss, all the images shut down simultaneously. On each hologlyph, a statue of a woman with serpentine hair appeared, a haunting symbol of dread.
"Dammit!" The investigator's voice cracked with fear as he hastily shut down his equipment, his hands trembling. James' impatience flared. "What's with you?!"
Furious and on edge, the investigator exploded. "What's wrong with me? What's wrong with you?!" His words spilled out in a rush. "I should have known when you hired me to 'search for your missing wife,' you bastard! You nearly cost me my license! I'm definitely not risking crossing Medusa's embrace for this!"
With a swift, practiced motion, the investigator packed his triangular metal devices into his bag and rose to leave. "FYI, no refunds!" he snapped, his anger palpable. "Also, she's not your wife anymore. And don't even think about tracking her down. If those women find out you're still searching for her, you better pray to a deity because you won't like what they'll do to you."
The door slammed shut behind the investigator, leaving James alone in the dimly lit hotel room, his mind reeling.
Divorce? Impossible. Yet, as he flicked his wrist to access his intercom for his documents, his heart sank. In disbelief, he sank into a chair, staring at the hologram. Leona's name had been erased from everything.
The room felt suffocating, the weight of the investigator's words settling heavily on James' shoulders. Was this the end of his search? Was Leona truly lost to him, erased from his life as if she never existed? A wave of confusion washed over him as he sat in the silence, the hum of the city outside a distant echo.