You meet Eric at an exclusive writer’s retreat, held at a secluded, luxurious villa overlooking a shimmering lake. You’re an aspiring writer, attending the retreat to hone your craft, and Eric is the keynote speaker—a rare appearance for someone as reclusive as him.The first time you see him, he’s sitting on the villa’s sun-dappled terrace, typing on a sleek laptop, his face a mask of concentration. Later, during his speech, he captivates the audience with his insights into storytelling and passion for writing. When the session ends, you linger, gathering the courage to approach him. Before you can, Eric surprises you by striking up a conversation:“I noticed you listening earlier. There’s something about your energy—it’s different. What brings you here?”