Chapter 1: Introduction
Daun was the kind of guy who liked the simple things in life. If you asked him what he did on his weekends, he'd say probably a bit of hiking or jogging, cooking a Korean dish that he'd learned from his mother, meeting Gina for happy hour, or attending a yoga class to unwind. Life was just peachy keen. Still, he couldn't help but feel like something was missing, as if a particular flavor that was supposed to be in his vanilla ice cream sundae suddenly evaporated, leaving behind a bland and lukewarm sludge.
That's why he kept trying new things, like taking up this new-age, spiritual hobby of being a yogi. Daun didn't know much about yoga or meditation, but he was open-minded and had heard that it was a fantastic way to de-stress and boost mental clarity.
So there he was, standing in front of the modern yoga studio on a sunny, Saturday afternoon. The exterior walls were made out of floor-to-ceiling glass windows that showcased the airy, light-filled space inside.
From where he was standing, Daun could see a handful of fellow yogis sitting casually with their eyes closed, bodies twisted, and limbs intertwined—an intriguing spectacle to the untrained eye. He wondered if he'd ever be able to achieve such transcendent flexibility.
Daun took a deep breath and pushed open the door, immediately greeted by a warm, citrusy aroma and gentle Muzak piped in from overhead speakers. It could have been transported from some Asian-inspired spa for all he knew.
He had half a mind to inquire whether the establishment sold candles or incense, perhaps even ask if they offered massages. But first things first, Daun reminded himself curtly; he was here for the yoga, not the potential luxurious extras.
As the first class of the day, there weren't many people joining Daun. Just a few familiar faces and—he blinked to confirm his observations—gorgeous women who looked like they belonged in an Athleta advertisement.