desperation

"Show me your powers," I said, "I need to know how strong to make the potion."

Shannen looked down and shifted on her feet.

"Well?"

"Um, OK, I lied, I don't have my powers," she said, "There, now are you going to help me or make silly requests?"

"Miss Halliwell," I said with a sneer, "I am aware of your affliction. I have seen it before. If it is not cured within the next 24 hours, it will be permanent, and your sisters will be in comas, but their minds will be trapped in hell!"

"Oh my God, are you serious?"

"Yes, deadly serious. I have been at this for a while despite my....humble abode. Now you WILL do what I say or your sisters will be trapped...forever!"

"OK, OK," said Shannen, "What do you need me to do?"

Remove your jacket, lie on the couch and be quiet and still. Let me test the energy flowing through you to see how serious YOUR affliction is."

Shannen shoved the empty beer cans and trash off the couch. She grimaced at the nasty couch, took off her jacket and folded it on the arm of the couch and lay down.

I smiled.