It was a world of hope — a sustainable ecosystem composed of the wonders of nature and advanced technology. In my awestruck gaze I could make out flying cars, innovative city structures, waterfalls, and trees as tall as redwoods (in relation to their surroundings, I suppose). My wife walked in from the hotel door holding a few white towels, and I quickly closed the suitcase. “The kid at the front desk said he could only give me two extra. Should be okay,” she said. “By the way, my mother’s been asking about you. I’m sure she’s glad you came out for the holidays — just please try not to argue politics with my dad again, will ya?” I imagined the former part of what she said was only there to butter me up for the latter. “Hm,” I sounded, attempting to make short of the fact that a literal microcosm hid in the suitcase in front of me. “Sure thing.” The words emptied my mouth with a heavy sigh. She squinted her eyes, giving me a suspicious gaze. “What’s wrong?” She asked. She was always good at seeing past my facades. Or, maybe I just wasn’t good at making them. “Oh no, nothing. I, uh, just forgot the toothpaste.” I replied. “Oh.” Her expression softened. “That’s okay, I think there’s some in my bag.” she replied. “I’m gonna shower now, honey, but I’ll look for it when I’m out.” She blew me a kiss and turned towards the bathroom. I gave her a lighthearted smile in return before our eyes broke. ‘Is this just jet lag and I hallucinated the damned thing?’ I thought. My fingers slowly lifted the opening of the suitcase again, allowing my eyes to peak back at the utopian world. And before my eyes it lived. I couldn’t help but laugh in amazement. A world away from jet lag and in laws. Away from three star hotels and dinners filled with political discourse. A world for those to retire from the real one. Ah, what a dream.