Reunited with Mithra and Rashnu.

Do you know what’s so nice, sitting here at this table with the three of us? asked Zoroaster at the end of the dinner. We are three men who, more than forty years ago, sat together at school, and now, as we are about to turn sixty, each of us has a beautiful and rich story to tell! It was a realization that brought a smile. Earlier, Mithra had told how after a few years as a backbencher in a large multinational, he had felt a bit out of sorts, but recently he had consciously taken a step back and accepted a job as a business developer. It gave him lots of energy and a sense of regained freedom. No more large responsibilities, no longer having to supervise many staff, no more big managers constantly looking over his shoulder. Just go to work, meet people, and make deals. For a few years now, he’s been with a new girlfriend, and they find happiness in shared experiences, their dogs, and a summer house by the sea. Facing negativity from the past, he talked about it with ease and detachment. The things he had experienced were no small feat, that’s sure. But what was the point of clinging to all that? Mithra spoke powerfully, as we know him. His positive energy made us enjoy his generosity. Rashnu and I have never lost sight of each other since kindergarten; I know his story well. Like everyone, Rashnu has known highs and lows. Recently, things didn’t look so good because his activities hadn’t generated enough money lately. Yet, as is typical for him, Rashnu remained serene during this tough time and never lost his moral compass. He knew that by persevering and working hard with a new activity, he could succeed again. And indeed, the tide is turning for him as well. Working with the latest technologies, he is gradually convincing some new clients to collaborate with him. Rashnu spoke with authority, and apart from a few of my humorous remarks, we listened captivatedly to his story. I, Zoroaster—the “wise”—joked, feeling stronger myself in recent months. Coincidence or not, I also have a new job now. The past years, I mostly lived on beautiful thoughts and banal philosophizing (and money I had earned earlier), but now I find energy again in a company where I work for a boss. I already said during my interview: don’t give me responsibility over others, but let me settle in calmly into a technical field and delve into it. And that’s exactly what I can do now. My colleagues are nice people, and what I can do requires a serious intellectual effort. Expectations are high, and I get up every morning early and in good spirits. I hope that mental decline will be somewhat delayed, because I fear it. I joked about my romantic escapades, which are quite notable. Mithra and Rashnu listened fascinated, and although they didn’t want to admit it, I noticed they had also experienced some adventures. The atmosphere was just right; the setting sun’s light bathed us in heroic, self-affirming glory. We felt like wise men, convinced we would do this all over again!

These moments are valuable, surrounded by good friends who, like us, see life in a similar way, and who give me the confidence that the future will be beautiful. Our story is not over yet; we can still write a few more chapters. Light and truth—that is what will guide us.