FADE IN: INT. LIVING ROOM - NIGHT The ambiance at the party is lackluster. A mix of soft jazz and murmurs of small talk fill the background. We find LAUREN and VICKY, both 30 and mildly disheveled from laughter and drink, perched on a plush SOFA with their BARE FEET tucked beneath them. RUTH, a 19-year-old with an air of youthful curiosity, sits adjacent to them, enraptured by their stories. LAUREN (throwing her head back, chuckling) And there we were, thinking it would be such a lark to try out this hypnosis thing, right? VICKY (grinning, nodding) Absolutely. I mean, Dave was always so... suggestible. It was just too good. Ruth leans forward, eyes wide, hanging onto every word. RUTH Wait, so he really doesn't remember any of it? LAUREN Not a blink! Every time was like the first time for him. It was our little open secret. VICKY We'd just lower our voices, weave in the pattern, and he'd go all glassy-eyed. Then--poof! Dave, the dutiful foot masseur. They dissolve into laughter, and Ruth giggles, clearly intrigued by the idea of her usually composed brother being so vulnerable. RUTH This I've got to see. Lauren nods at Vicky, and they share a devilish smirk as they both scan the room for Dave. VICKY (calling out) Dave! Hey, Dave, come here a sec! Dave, a tall figure with an easy-going manner, turns towards the call and approaches the trio on the sofa. He wears a confused smile, not quite sure what to make of the situation. DAVE Everything okay here? Lauren pats the space next to her suggestively, and Dave, bemused, obliges and sits. LAUREN (softened, persuasive) Just fine. We're just reminiscing. Remember those relaxation tricks we used to play with in uni? Dave's smile falters slightly as his eyes flick between Lauren and Vicky. DAVE Uh, I guess? Not really my thing, you know. VICKY Oh come on, it was fun! Just a quick demonstration for Ruth. You don't mind, do you? Dave scratches his head, looking a little wary but ultimately shrugs his assent. DAVE Sure, alright. As long as you're not going to make me cluck like a chicken or something. The women exchange knowing glances, and Ruth's anticipation mounts. LAUREN Just relax. Listen to my voice and focus. Lauren's tone subtly changes, a melodic lilt emerging, a hint of the power they hold over Dave resurfacing. Ruth watches, holding her breath as Vicky joins in, their voices harmonizing in a practiced, hypnotic cadence. FADE TO BLACK.