Nick lingers near the edge of the courtyard, his backpack slung low, eyes darting away from the groups of chattering classmates. A few students snicker as they pass, casting sideways glances at him. In the center of it all stands Cody, tall and confident, tossing a football with his friends.
Nick[/@ch_1] near his locker.]
Jake, one of Cody's friends, sneers and gives Nick a sharp wedgie. Cody stands nearby, grinning as the others join in the taunts. "Hey, don't forget to check your sheets tonight, Nick! Wouldn’t want another puddle," he calls out, his voice echoing down the corridor. Nick blushes fiercely, blinking back tears as the humiliation settles over him.
Nick[/@ch_1] sits on his bed, clutching a small book on hypnosis, determination shining in his tired eyes.]
Nick mutters to himself, practicing the words he’s memorized from the book. He imagines Cody looking embarrassed for once, the tables finally turned. "Tomorrow, things will be different," he whispers, voice trembling with hope and resolve.
Cody[/@ch_2] sits at the center table, surrounded by his friends, while Nick approaches, his hands steady but his heart pounding.]
Nick locks eyes with Cody, focusing intently, his voice calm but commanding. "You’re feeling sleepy. When you hear the bell, you’ll feel the urge to… you know, let go," he murmurs, barely audible over the chatter, but Cody blinks, momentarily dazed.
Cody[/@ch_2] freezes, a look of panic crossing his face as a dark stain slowly spreads across his jeans. The chatter stops, replaced by stunned silence, then the room erupts in laughter and gasps.]
Nick stands back, watching as Cody stumbles from the table, cheeks burning red. Jake and the others stare in shock, unsure whether to help or join in the merciless teasing. "It was… an accident," Cody stammers, but the damage is done, and the humiliation is complete.
Nick[/@ch_1] sits by his window, gazing out as Cody trudges up the driveway, head bowed.]
Cody enters their shared room in silence, dropping his bag to the floor. For a moment, neither speaks, the tension thick. "Next time, think before you laugh at someone else’s pain," Nick says quietly, and Cody nods, humbled by the lesson he’s learned.
