The story revolves around Michael, an architect who is obsessed with his work. He receives a universal remote control that can control time, allowing him to advance, pause, and rewind his life. Initially, Michael uses the control to his advantage, avoiding unpleasant situations and achieving success. However, as time passes, the control starts to malfunction, and Michael realizes that he has lost control over his life.
The control advances time, and Michael experiences the consequences of his choices. He misses important moments with his family, his wife leaves him, and his children grow up without him. Michael tries to fix his mistakes, but the control continues to malfunction, and he loses everything he holds dear.
In a surprising twist, Michael wakes up in the Bed, Bath & Beyond store, where he first received the remote control. He realizes that everything was just a dream and is relieved to have a second chance. Morty, the mysterious man who gave him the control, leaves a note, saying that he has given Michael a second chance to do things right.
Michael is grateful for the opportunity to change and makes a conscious effort to prioritize his family and relationships. He understands that relationships cannot be shortcut and that love arises from small gestures and everyday moments. The story ends with Michael throwing away the remote control, symbolizing his newfound appreciation for life and relationships.
The story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of prioritizing work over family and relationships. It highlights the importance of communication, empathy, and small gestures in building strong relationships. Ultimately, it offers a message of hope and redemption, reminding viewers that it's never too late to change and make amends.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. Michael Newman is an architect who is obsessed with his work.
2. Michael is married to Donna and has two children, Ben and Samantha.
3. Michael's boss often demands more work from him, causing him to miss precious moments with his family.
4. Michael is given a universal remote control by a mysterious man named Morty that allows him to control his universe.
5. Michael uses the remote control to fast-forward through unpleasant moments, such as illnesses and arguments with his wife.
6. Michael's use of the remote control causes him to miss out on important moments with his family.
7. Michael advances 10 years in the future and finds that he is a rich man but with serious health problems.
8. Michael's children are now grown, and his daughter is in a relationship.
9. Michael discovers that his wife, Donna, left him because he was never there for her.
10. Michael tries to make amends with his family, but it's too late.
11. Michael wakes up from a coma and is told that he has been asleep for six years.
12. Michael's children have grown up and moved on with their lives.
13. Michael realizes that he has made mistakes in his life and that his material achievements have not brought him happiness.
14. Michael is given a second chance by Morty and decides to make changes in his life.
15. Michael throws away the remote control and decides to prioritize his family.
16. Michael learns that relationships require effort and communication to be successful.
17. Michael understands that love is not just about grand gestures, but about the small, everyday actions that show care and appreciation for others.