The Path Not Taken

Dear Delyara, I saw her today. She didn't see me. She was walking through the market, looking at the fruit, and she looked so settled. So happy. Ten years ago, I was the one standing next to her. I walked away because I thought I needed "more"—more money, more status, more excitement. Well, I have the money and the status, but standing there behind a pillar watching her, I realized I’ve spent a decade chasing shadows. I’m successful by every standard the world has, but I am the loneliest man I know. I traded a soul for a career, and the deal was a scam.