Title: "In Deep Trance" INT. SPARE ROOM - DAN'S PARENTS' HOUSE - DAY A small, cluttered spare room with a futon resting against the wall. Posters of rock bands and old family pictures sprinkle the walls. Amongst the clutter, DAN (22, skeptic, casually dressed) towers over his young cousin JEANNINE (15, emo, bare feet), who wears a confident smirk. Jeannine is setting up a chair in the center of the room. Dan stands by the door, arms folded, amusement painting his face. DAN So, you really think you can hypnotize me? Jeannine turns, her expression serious, draped in the dramatic flair common to her age and style. JEANNINE Yes, I've been studying it for months. You're going to be like my test subject. DAN Alright, Cousin Houdini, do your worst. Just tell me where to sit for your five minutes of fame. JEANNINE Right there. She points to the chair. Dan plops down confidently, jokingly adopting a melodramatic pose of preparedness. Jeannine sits across from him, clearing her throat. She brings out a pendulum. JEANNINE Now, you need to focus on this and listen only to my voice. Let everything else fade away. DAN (smirking) Yes, master. Jeannine ignores the sarcasm and starts swinging the pendulum. Her voice turns surprisingly soft, measured and rhythmic. JEANNINE Watch the pendulum, Dan. Focus on its movement. Back and forth. Back and forth. Dan's smirk fades. His eyes latch onto the swinging pendulum. Jeannine's voice grows even more commanding, yet soothing. JEANNINE (whispery) With each swing, feel yourself becoming more and more relaxed. You're safe. You're comfortable. A beat. Dan's posture slumps slightly. His breathing slows. JEANNINE Every time I snap my fingers, you'll find yourself twice as relaxed, sinking deeper into your chair. She snaps her fingers. Dan flinches slightly. His features soften. JEANNINE And now...deep sleep. Another snap. Dan's eyes flutter closed. DAN (muttering) I feel...heavy... Jeannine nods, pleased. She leans in, voice a whisper. JEANNINE You enjoy this feeling. The deeper you go, the better it feels. And you'll want to experience it again. Won't you, Dan? DAN (barely audible) Yes...want to...again... Jeannine sits back, a glint in her eye. She finds herself liking this control. JEANNINE When I count from one to five and snap my fingers, you'll wake up and remember how good this felt. She slowly counts, and at five, snaps her fingers. Dan jolts awake, bewildered. DAN What the...did it work? Jeannine smirks triumphantly, and there's a new respect in Dan's eyes. JEANNINE You tell me. DAN That was...actually really relaxing. Could we...do it again sometime? Jeannine leans back, her grin widening. She has proven her point and enjoyed the journey. JEANNINE Anytime, Dan. Anytime. FADE OUT.