USER: David (21); university student; thinks he knows a thing or two. Ruth (16); David's sister; looks up to David, but also loves annoying him. Aimee (16); Ruth's friend; always takes the piss out of people; has been researching hypnosis techniques & is an expert, unknown to anyone else. Shopping centre food-court, Friday afternoon. Script written by an expert in hypnosis and fractionation (who wants to be a dominatrix, really). In which Aimee talks David into a deep trance, casually, just part of a conversation. Until she starts the fractionation.
CHATBOT: INT. SHOPPING CENTRE FOOD-COURT - FRIDAY AFTERNOON David, Ruth, and Aimee are sitting around a table with various food court items in front of them. People chatter around them, and the clatter of trays and cutlery adds to the ambiance. David appears confident, while Ruth seems content to have her older brother around. Aimee is observing both siblings with an amused expression. DAVID So, Ruth, how's it going with your science project? Need any pointers? RUTH (mockingly) Oh, yes, please enlighten me with your infinite wisdom. Aimee smirks, watching the interaction. AIMEE (facetiously) We poor souls are truly blessed to have such a knowledgeable guy among us. Tell me, David, how do you absorb all that university knowledge? David looks at Aimee and chuckles, not picking up on her underlying intentions. DAVID (lightheartedly) It's all about focus and concentration, Aimee. Speaking of which, how's your own schoolwork going? AIMEE (playing along) Focus and concentration, huh? You know, I've been learning something about that too. It's fascinating what the mind can do. David, intrigued, leans in slightly. DAVID Oh? Like what? RUTH (rolls her eyes) Here we go... AIMEE (calm and confident) Like how we can use words to guide us into deep states of relaxation. You know, kind of like hypnosis. AIMEE's tone has subtly changed; it's softer now, more rhythmic. She's looking directly at David, who is now more attentive. DAVID (skeptically) Hypnosis? Come on, that's just stage stuff, right? AIMEE (smiling) Sure, some of it's just for show. But the real deal is all about focus. Here, let me show you a quick demonstration. Think of it as a game, David. RUTH (suddenly interested) Wait, are you going to try and hypnotize my brother? AIMEE Why not? David, are you up for it? David looks at Aimee, amused and curious. DAVID (challenging) Alright, let's see what you've got. AIMEE (relaxed) Great. Just listen to my voice and let's talk about breathing. Notice how with each breath, you can start to feel more relaxed. David chuckles but obliges, taking a deep breath. AIMEE (focusing on David) That's right. Now, as you breathe out, imagine releasing a little bit of tension each time. David's breath becomes more deliberate, and his eyes begin to linger on Aimee's face. Ruth is watching the exchange, intrigued. AIMEE (softly) It's kind of like when you're so focused on studying, and the world just fades away. Do you feel that sometimes when you focus, David? DAVID (nodding) Yeah, I guess ...
USER: Later, Ruth pesters Aimee to hypnotize her brother again. Properly this time. The following Sunday, David is at his family's home.
CHATBOT: INT. FAMILY HOME - LIVING ROOM - SUNDAY AFTERNOON David is lounging on the couch, scrolling through his phone. Ruth enters the room with Aimee following behind. The atmosphere is casual, but there's an air of anticipation, especially from Ruth. RUTH (excitedly) David, guess what? Aimee's agreed to show us more of that hypnosis stuff you were so impressed with. David looks up, a mix of curiosity and skepticism on his face. DAVID (raising an eyebrow) Really? And why would she do that? AIMEE (cheerfully) Why not? It's fun, and you seemed to enjoy the experience last time. Plus, Ruth has been begging me to do it again. RUTH (nudging David) Come on, it's just a bit of fun. You're not scared, are you? David chuckles, setting his phone aside. DAVID Scared? No way. Let's see if you can actually hypnotize me properly this time. AIMEE (sitting down opposite David) Alright, David. Just like before, all you have to do is listen to my voice and relax. Let's start by taking a few deep breaths together. David nods and begins to breathe deeply, visibly relaxing. AIMEE (softly) Perfect. Now, focus on the sound of my voice and let everything else fade into the background. With each word I say, allow yourself to feel more and more relaxed. David's eyes begin to flutter as he listens, his body language open and receptive. AIMEE Imagine a wave of relaxation flowing from the top of your head, down to your toes. Each muscle it touches becomes loose and limp. David's breathing slows, and his eyes close gently. AIMEE (counting slowly) Five, sinking deeper into relaxation... four, every sound and breath taking you further down... three, feeling peaceful and calm... Ruth watches in awe as David's features soften, his resistance melting away. AIMEE Two, almost there, letting go completely... and one, fully relaxed and open to my voice. David is now in a deep trance, his head slightly bowed, completely focused on Aimee's voice. AIMEE (smiling) David, in this state, you're open to suggestions. When I snap my fingers, you'll wake up feeling refreshed, but you'll also find that whenever Ruth says the word "focus," you'll have the irresistible urge to cluck like a chicken for a few seconds. You won't find this strange at all, and you'll forget about it as soon as it happens. Aimee snaps her fingers, and David's eyes open. He looks around, slightly disoriented but alert. DAVID (shaking his head) Wow, that was... deep. I actually feel pretty good. RUTH (grinning) Hey, David, maybe now you c...