Tim, a lively ten-year-old with grass stains on his knees and a confident smile, tosses a baseball in the air. His older brother, Jake, sits hunched over on the couch, glasses slipping down his nose as he flips through a thick, dog-eared book. The room is cluttered but cozy, the kind of place where arguments and laughter both come easy.
"If you want, I can help out," Jake offers, trying to keep his voice steady.
"No way, I don't need your help! Unlike you, this will be a one-time thing," Tim snaps, pride flickering in his eyes.
Jake stares at the book, his mind spinning with embarrassment and curiosity. He turns the pocket watch over in his hands, its metallic surface glinting. Suddenly, the door creaks open, and Dylan, a tall, smirking classmate with a reputation for pranks, steps inside.
"Great, just what I need. He's probably here to pants me or give me a wedgie," Jake thinks, bracing himself.
"Didn't know you were into hypnosis. You should come over sometime—we can practice it," Dylan says, his tone surprisingly genuine.
Jake[/@ch_2] stands in front of Tim, the pocket watch dangling from his fingers.]
"You know, hypnosis could actually help you get better at sports," Jake says, trying to sound casual.
"Really? You want to give it a try?" Tim asks, curiosity and skepticism mixing in his voice.
"Sure, just relax," Jake replies, beginning to swing the watch back and forth.
Tim[/@ch_1]'s eyes follow the motion, growing heavier with each pass.]
Jake keeps his voice low and soothing as he counts down. "When I count from three to one, you'll be in a deep sleep," he intones, watching as his brother's eyelids flutter.
"Three... two... one," Jake whispers. Tim nods, then slumps back, completely at rest.
Jake[/@ch_2] kneels beside his brother, a mixture of mischief and longing in his eyes.]
"You went down fast," he mutters to himself, amazed at his own success. Then, in a voice barely above a whisper, he leans in. "You will wet the bed until you start being nice to me," he instructs, his heart pounding with nervous excitement. Tim, eyes closed, repeats the words softly, the spell taking hold.
"When I snap my fingers, you'll take a nap," Jake says, feeling a strange sense of control.
Jake sits back, a mix of pride and worry twisting in his gut. The bond between the brothers has shifted, the air between them now thick with secrets and unspoken promises. Whatever happens next, Jake knows things will never be quite the same.
