Ducan[/@ch_1] sits alone, his backpack pressed against his chest, glasses slightly askew. He scans the room, watching clusters of kids laughing, their faces illuminated by sunlight streaming through the windows.]
Ducan scribbles in a small notebook, his fingers trembling as he glances at the table across the room. Nick, once his closest friend, laughs with his new crowd, throwing glances and whispers Ducan’s way. The gap between them feels as wide as the cafeteria itself.
Nick[/@ch_2] and his friends gather, voices raised just enough for Ducan to hear. The afternoon sun slants through the windows, painting long shadows across their faces, highlighting their grins.]
"There’s Ducan the bedwetter nerd," one boy shouts, as Nick smirks and adds, "Hey, Ducan, where’s your diaper today? Let’s see those tighty-whities!"
Ducan clenches his fists, the humiliation burning in his cheeks. He recalls the weeks he spent studying hypnosis, determined to turn the tables.
Ducan[/@ch_1] stands face-to-face with Nick, surrounded by a small crowd. Light flickers off Ducan’s notebook, which he now holds open, his voice steady.]
"I bet I can hypnotize you, Nick. If I can’t, I’ll do your homework for a month," Ducan declares, his gaze unwavering.
"Bet you can’t, bedwetter nerd," Nick replies, rolling his eyes as his friends snicker.
Ducan begins to speak, his words slow and soothing. The room seems to quiet, the sunlight warming their faces as Nick’s eyelids droop.
Ducan[/@ch_1] focuses on Nick. The air feels tense, silent except for Ducan’s voice. Nick stands motionless, his eyes nearly closed.]
"Sleep," Ducan commands softly, and Nick slumps, entranced.
"Whenever anyone says ‘bedwetter,’ you’ll wet yourself," Ducan intones, his words sinking deep. The crowd looks on, uncertain whether to believe what they’ve seen.
Nick[/@ch_2] and his friends gather by the track, laughter echoing across the field.]
"There’s Ducan the bedwetter nerd!" Nick shouts, pointing at Ducan. Suddenly, Nick freezes, a look of confusion then panic flickering across his face as a dark stain spreads down his shorts.
Students burst into laughter, some snapping photos with their phones, while Nick stands mortified, unable to understand what’s happening.
As Nick shuffles toward his stop, someone calls out, "Bedwetter!" The word hangs in the air, and again, Nick is struck by his own curse. Ducan watches from his seat, a mix of satisfaction and empathy stirring inside him, knowing he’d finally reclaimed some power from the torment that had haunted him for so long.
