My name is Jasmine Crenshaw. I’m an ordinary person. At least I was until 5 minutes ago. I looked down at myself to find I was dressed in a tuxedo. I had notes in my hand.

I heard myself being introduced as Professor Micheal Grezetsky. He is a world renowned philosopher whom I admired very much. He is here to do a lecture on the meaning of life.

The introductions finished and I took a sip from my water. As I looked down I noticed myself sitting in the front row. That means he must be me.

Seeing me (him?) sitting there I am determined to give the best performance I can.

I pushed the notes aside and began. “There are many ways to look at the meaning of life. The religious way. The purely academic way, taking it down to what we are scientifically. Hell, there’s even an author came up with the answer 42.

But I know deep in my heart it’s far more than that. Look around you.” I stopped and scanned the people in front of me. “We are all different. How can we come up with one answer to fit everyone?”

As I spoke my heart beat faster. It was amazing to have this audience even if they didn’t realise it wasn’t the Prof.

I carried on waxing lyrical about the mind, body and soul. How they were connected and how they gave our lives meaning. Everything I had ever learned and thought of became part of me. The words flowed and so did the ideas.

I looked out to where I was sitting. He looked back at me and smiled, nodding his head thoughtfully.

I continued. “I believe that the meaning of life itself, is complex. Almost beyond the comprehension of humanity itself. The meaning of my life is to try to understand our worlds place in the universe and to try to make sense of humanities place in it. Then i try communicate it to you. “

I paused and took another look around for dramatic effect.

“I know some of you will upset that there is no definitive answer to this. So I say this to you, if I can leave you talking about this then my job is done.

So, what is the meaning of life? Whatever you choose it to be. After all. This is your life journey.”

I stopped talking. Applause rang out. I moved to leave the stage and my world went black.

I found myself leaning on a wall. My mind was blurry. Had this really happened or was it merely a caffeine filled fever dream?

In front pocket of my rucksack lay a neatly folded sheet of paper.

My Dear Miss Crenshaw (Name on ID)

It was a pleasure hearing you speak. Firstly thank you for having the courage to go through with this. It meant a lot to me. I started my career here.

Secondly thank you for taking this seriously. I did wonder if you would destroy my reputation. However, you came out with something that was well thought out. No doubt it has been well studied. It was definitely well presented.

Last of all, I would love to meet you properly after all this is finished. You have an amazing mind. It would be my pleasure to hear what else you have to say!

Best wishes

Proff M Gretzsky.

All his details were there too.

“He noticed you girl.” I decided I really did need a drink. “This time it’s Apricot Brandy!”