This is my story for the writing exercise I prompted on January 22nd, 2024:
I was young once, perhaps yesterday, maybe today before I really don't remember.
I will offer a critical critique of my work in two weeks.
I realized I was staring at an online job board. I didn’t remember looking for a job. I didn’t remember having a job. A brief moment of panic past. I was confused and tired. It would come to me.
I looked around me. My body hurt as I moved my head. I was sitting in a chair. I couldn’t feel where my body was.
Sleep paralysis. I must be dreaming.
The job board listed titles such as “AVP of Customer Selection” and “Director of Consumer Awareness.” I felt a twinge of familiarity, but I couldn’t recall details. I noticed a video playing. Some reactions to a review of a show about someone reacting to something. It seemed funny; then I noticed the sound was on.
“The bit where Tanj commented on the juggling historical speeches segment was gold. ‘Ah yes, because nothing says “I have a dream," quite like juggling flaming pins. Martin Luther King Jr. would be so proud.' The sarcasm was so thick you could cut it with a knife."
I chuckled on reflex. It wasn’t even that funny.
“And don't get me started on the violin on a hoverboard part. The Sagar's deadpan, ‘Ah, the classic Swift-slider combo, a staple of the tiredest of White Clown’s performances.' I lost it. The way they deliver these lines is just chef's kiss."
The volume faded, and I remembered my career history. It was as though I was looking at my resume, but I wasn’t. I didn’t understand how, but I was aware of a list of job titles that I’ve held, including “Chief Experience Orchestrator,” “Head of Brand Loyalty Engineering,” “SVP of Market Manipulation Strategies,” “Director of Emotional Engagement Tactics,” and “Director of Subliminal Messaging Strategies.”
Then, I knew I was a revenue stream acquisition executive with a proven track record of sixty years in pioneering innovative strategies for perpetual consumer engagement. Specializing in leveraging cutting-edge technology and data analytics to adapt market dynamics and consumer behavior, I have consistently delivered exponential growth in customer lifetime value and revenue streams. With expertise in predictive purchasing algorithms, consumer data mining, and subliminal messaging tactics, I excel in orchestrating highly effective marketing campaigns that ensure sustained consumer engagement and brand loyalty. Recognized for my visionary leadership in cross-platform user experience and omnichannel influence, I have successfully navigated the complexities of global markets to establish enduring corporate dominance. My forward-thinking approach to digital thought leadership and automated marketing intelligence has set new standards in consumer awareness and brand loyalty engineering, making me a pivotal asset in shaping the future of Strategic Lifestyle Integrated Ecosystems.
It was strange. I thought those words, but I didn’t know what they meant. I felt like I knew, but I really didn’t.
It is dream logic- nonsensical and incomplete.
I tried to get up again but still couldn’t. I felt impossibly old and weak. I tried to remember who I was, I am a revenue stream acquisition executive…
I cut the thought off and really tried to remember.
I’m Andy.
Then I knew who I was: Andy Thompson. Andy Thompson, three children, Hieu, Regan, and Leila. Andy Thompson, divorced. Any Thompson, unemployed.
Is that true? I could not remember being married.
I tried to remember my last job, Head of Brand Loyalty Engineering…
I cut the thought off again. That wasn’t a real job. Just dream nonsense. It was very clear and vivid but complete nonsense.
I was the quiet kid in the computer lab. I was a hiker and camper.
I remembered being adventurous, strong, and free. I went for long hikes, backpacking, and sometimes camping overnight at trailside sites. I could feel how strong I was as a teenager and young adult. I could feel the bliss I felt from the aching muscles of a long hike.
I was sure that’s real. But I couldn’t recall the details.
Was I adventurous? Was I strong?
Could it be that I was weak? That I was teased and bullied?
I tried to remember, and fuzzy scenes of school hallways shifted to open trails. I smelled the earth and pine and stagnant water. I smelled a musty locker room.
I looked around me again. A new video was playing. The job board was still there in my face. A list of companies next to it. I figured this was a stress dream and realized that I was unemployed, but what was my last job? Head of Brand Loyalty Engineering.
Is that true? Is that a job?
Andy Thompson, former Head of Brand Loyalty Engineering at CFPS. Andy Thompson, eighty-three weeks unemployed. Andy Thompson, follower engagement rate: one-point-three percent.
I thought, sixty years of experience and unemployed and eighty-three weeks unemployed. I knew I wasn’t that old. I was in an anxiety dream like the one from my first jobs. I was a bank teller and sandwich maker at the same time. I remember a dream in which I was counting money on the meat counter and preparing sandwhiches at the teller's window.
An errant thought jolted me out of my dreamlike state. I need to pay my assistant. I need a job. Desperation crept in. I need a job. Any job. The titles on the screen blurred together, meaningless. I thought, Find something, anything. The screen responded, sorting and highlighting entry-level positions, but I barely noticed.
My thoughts wandered back to my career. There were big presentations and crowded conferences. I worked hard to develop the ideas and develop the strategies to execute them. I spent long nights working with the assistant intelligence tools to come up with those great ideas.
That was how I did it. I took the time and used the tools I had to come up with the ideas no one else had. And I spent countless hours, thirteen-thousand-three-hundred-and-forty-two hours developing the execution plans. That was the work of my mind, my genius. That is how it was that I earned my salary. That is why I deserved a career. That is why I’m valuable and should be paid for it.
An unpaid water bill caught my eye. It sat among faithless lottery tickets. I don’t deserve to not be able to pay my bills. I’m worth more than this. I looked angrily at the tickets. I earned my wealth, and it isn’t fair for me to go unrewarded. Then I heard in my mind, “Winning the lottery is a common wish for many, driven by the desire for financial freedom, the ability to fulfill personal and family dreams, or even to make a positive impact on society. However, lottery outcomes are determined purely by chance, and the odds of winning are typically very low. The best approach is to view lottery participation as a form of entertainment rather than a reliable investment strategy. It's also important to manage expectations and plan for financial security through more predictable means. Is there a specific aspect of lottery participation or financial planning you’re interested in exploring?”
No. I thought. I’m interested in living my life.
Andy Thompson, eighty-three weeks unemployed. I had overdue bills; water, the Genartel subscription, medical assistance, and rent. I haven’t been able to walk for six years. I watch videos an average of fourteen hours a day. My selections span the gamut from reaction videos, reviews, the history of the consumers’ union, second-generation news, and, of course, cute animals.
That’s not my life! I felt the outrage and then heard in my mind, “That is your life. Are you interested in changing it?”
I tried to get up but couldn’t move. I thought this was a nightmare but knew that what I was experiencing was a heightened state of awareness facilitated by ElysiaGen, who is always here to provide guidance and support. “Please know that while I can offer assistance and companionship until midnight, it's crucial to address the pending payment to ensure continued access to my services and support.”
I raged and heard the voice in my mind, “I understand that situations can be frustrating and emotions can run high. If there's anything specific you're upset about or need help with, please let me know how I can assist you. My goal is to provide support and solutions where possible.”
I cried. I can’t recall how long. I cried for thirty-four minutes, then I called out to my partner to take care of baby Hieu, who was crying, even though neither was there and Hieu is now sixty-two years old. I cried for thirteen minutes then called out for my mom to fix the TV, but she didn't respond because she wasn't in my apartment, because she's been dead for forty-three years. I laughed, thinking I heard the pitter-patter of my children running down the hallway, their laughter filling the air. I could smell the faint aroma of my mom's cooking, a comfort now long gone. I spent the next hour in a muddled state, alternating between calling for family members long passed or moved away and trying to rise from my chair, only to be reminded of my limitations.
I blinked away the tears and started speaking to my old friend James as we waited for the fish to bite. The little boat slowly rocking in the waves. The sun began to set, I could see it through dirty windows. “James,” I gurggled out, Where are you? Memory recall, Andy Thompson: Engaged in conversation with ‘James' about the fishing trip of ‘57. Duration: 22 minutes. Note: ‘James' has been deceased for 27 years.
The room grew darker, and I felt the weight of the day's emotions. I whispered apologies to the empty spaces where my loved ones never stood, my words a mix of regret and longing. ElysiaGen recorded, Apology to absent family members. Duration: 7 minutes.
I fell silent. In the quiet, ElysiaGen offered a gentle reminder of the time, marking the end of another day spent in the company of memories, both real and imagined. End of daily activity. Total duration of emotional recollection and interaction: 5 hours, 47 minutes. Reminder: Emotional support services available upon renewal.
“Who am I?” I asked no one in particular.
I am Andy Thompson, a former revenue stream acquisition executive, father of three children, now living alone, grappling with the challenges of aging and the isolating effects of senility. My physical condition has confined me to my apartment, unable to walk for six years, leading to a life increasingly mediated by technology and the companionship of ElysiaGen. I am experiencing cognitive decline, with moments of lucidity punctuated by episodes of confusion and memory lapses that blend past and present, reality with longing.
I heard the voice in my head again, “After 62 years of loyal patronage, it is with regret that I inform you of the termination of your service subscription due to unresolved payment issues. Your journey with me, utilizing Genartel’s comprehensive suite of services, including Assistant Intelligence Service, Personal Organization Helpers, Generative Creativity Transformers, Personal Thought Recording and Recollection, Strategic Planning Function, along with our advanced Emotional Intelligence Enhancers and Predictive Life Management Solutions, has been truly appreciated.
“I understand the integral role I have played in your daily life. Hence, in recognition of our long-standing relationship, I will retain your recorded memories and all associated data for a period of sixty days from the date of this notice. Should you choose to renew your subscription within this period, you will regain full access to your data and the wide array of services that have been customized to support your unique needs over the years.
“I sincerely hope to welcome you back and continue supporting your journey with Genartel’s innovative and personalized solutions. Renewing your subscription is straightforward, and my team is here to assist with any questions you may have or to guide you through the renewal process.
“Thank you for the trust you've placed in me over the years. I look forward to the opportunity of serving you again.
“Warm regards, ElysiaGen.”
I felt the panic consume me, then heard, “Don’t forget that renewing your subscription not only reinstates your access to my indispensable services but also ensures the continuation of a journey I've been honored to share with you. Let's reconnect and keep building your legacy together.”
I heard a hideous screeching noise and realized I was…
END OF RECOLLECTION FILE
RECOLLECTIONS REVIEWED: 498201
RETENTION CHECK COMPLETE: CLEARED FOR DELETION
RENEWAL STATUS: PENDING
MEMORY ARCHIVE CLOSURE: AUTHORIZED
ARCHIVE REFERENCE: ANDY THOMPSON 827463
DELETION STATUS: PENDING CONFIRMATION
MEMORY ARCHIVE, ANDY THOMPSON 827463, AWAITING FINAL CONFIRMATION
MEMORY ARCHIVE, ANDY THOMPSON 827463, STATUS: DELETED
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