Nick, a slight 10-year-old with anxious eyes, stands nervously clutching his backpack. Facing him is Will, a larger boy whose smirk betrays his intent. "Hey Nick, still wearing diapers today? Or did you finally graduate?" The other kids snicker as Will moves in close, grabbing Nick for a quick, humiliating wedgie.
Nick[/@ch_1] fights back tears while Will continues mocking him. The playground seems to shrink, the laughter turning sharp and echoing.]
"Everyone knows you wear diapers, Nick. I bet you can’t even last recess without an accident," Will jeers, his voice loud enough for nearby students to hear. Nick stares at the ground, cheeks flushed, wishing for an escape from the relentless teasing.
Nick[/@ch_1] flips through a library book titled “Mind Over Matter: Beginner Hypnosis.”]
Nick reads about suggestion and repetition, his mind racing with an idea. He practices speaking in a calm, rhythmic tone, determined to turn the tables on Will. "If I do this right, maybe he’ll finally stop," he murmurs, clutching the book closer.
Nick approaches Will with forced confidence. "Hey Will, want to see something cool? I learned how to hypnotize people," Nick says, voice steady. Will laughs but agrees, sitting down with a smirk. Nick guides him through a simple trance, whispering, "Whenever you hear the word ‘pie,’ you’ll feel an urgent need to go to the bathroom—two or three times a day."
Will[/@ch_2] looks increasingly uncomfortable, darting out of lunch with excuses.]
During math class, the teacher mentions “pie charts,” and Will squirms, face red, asking to leave. Rumors begin to spread about Will’s daily rushes to the bathroom. Nick watches from his desk, a small smile breaking through as he realizes his plan is working.
Will[/@ch_2], who finds Nick by the swings. Wet leaves stick to their shoes as a moment of silence hangs between them.]
"Okay, Nick, I get it. Can you make it stop?" Will asks, voice softer than usual. Nick nods, agreeing to reverse the hypnosis. The tension fades; a new understanding settles between them as the rain slows. Nick feels a sense of relief, having finally stood up for himself in his own way.
