William Tries to Explain

"I can influence people to do whatever I wish," he told Dr. Black.

"So I'm assuming this is new?" asked the doctor. She came over and checked William's eyes.

"Yeah, it's weird. I'm not sure how far I can push it."

"I don't think you've gotten any superpowers there, champ," said Dr. Black.

"Do you think it's hot in here?" asked William.

"No."

"But it is. It is hot in here."

Dr. Black looked around. She pulled at her top a bit. "Yeah, now that you mention it."

"See, I just influenced you to think that way."

"Don't be silly; it is hot in here. I just noticed it."

"But it's so hot, your scrubs pants are making you very uncomfortable."

Dr. Black ran a finger around the waistband of her bottoms. "Yeah, it's annoying. I need to check the AC." She walked over to the thermostat.

"So were your bottoms bothering you before I pointed it out?" asked William.

"Well, they must have been," said Dr. Black. "I noticed them, but I didn't need you to point it out."

"But they're so uncomfortable, you really want to remove them."

"Well, of course I do, but it would be very unprofessional for me to do so. Now about this new found ability you think you have. Are you experiencing headaches?" She walked over and stood next to William's bed. She ran another finger under her waistband.

"I would not mind, and you don't care as you trust me," said William. "Go ahead, take them off and tuck your tops into your underwear for good measure."

"Wellll, Ok," said Dr. Black, "But just in here." She untied her scrub pants and slipped them off. She then tucked her scrubs top into her white cotton panties. "Much better."

"So, you didn't find it hot until I pointed it out. Your pants were not uncomfortable until I pointed it out. Before 60 seconds ago, you would not have dreamed of stripping your pants off and showing off your underwear to a patient, but after I said it was OK, you did it. Now do you believe me?"