Hypnotic Nights

AUTHOR'S NOTE: This should be played as a game. You can turn it on in the options by pressing "Start Game." If you don't, some chapters will be displayed incorrectly.

The blasting pop music from the house reached all the way to the street. It was late Friday, so it was a tradition for the young to keep the city awake. Unfazed, you walked up the staircase with a sleeping bag over your shoulder. Before you could knock, the door swung open, almost sending you tumbling.

She stood there, the light from indoors behind her, outlining her in the darkness outside. She was wearing a shirt, her braided blonde hair like a silver stripe over the otherwise lime green cloth. "I'm so sorry, Jamie. I saw you through the window and thought I would surprise you. I didn't think—, I'm s-sorry."

You pulled yourself the last steps with the help of the railing. "It's fine, Clarice."

"I'm glad you could come," she avoided your gaze, instead looking at the shoes in the corner. Then, she walked back inside, her gray yoga pants tight over her butt as she moved. "Tea?"

"Sure," you answered. A beer would be nice too, but it had to wait. Clarice was an innocent girl, perhaps that's why she chose a weekend sleepover instead of throwing a party. It's like being a teen all over again. You didn't know her too well, but she was a close friend of your sister.

You reached down your pocket and felt the touch of your crystal necklace. Father left it at your table before he disappeared. Beside the blue jewel was a note, you remembered the scene clearly. The note said that it's the same necklace father used for his hypnosis and that it was his most powerful focus. This weekend was a good time to try it out. And sadly for the girls, you had some dubious things in mind.

Music blared from upstairs. The kitchen was bright white, and different tea types in colorful boxes crowded the counter. You heard a female clear her throat. "Don't touch the cinnamon."

She had her obsidian hair in a short style ending just after her ears, like something from the 1920s. Her pale skin stood in contrast with her black skirt, knee socks, and crimson red lips. She sat, leaning onto the table with her iPhone, eyes bored. It was your classmate, Mia. You touched your chin, like a true philosopher. "Is that reverse psychology?"

"It is not," she replied, sharp and showed her teeth like a panther.

"Please be nice to each other. . ." Clarice said, grinding her hands together. "I'll go set up the T.V."

"Need any help?" you ask.

"No, it's okay . . ." she walked out through the open door, and seconds later her head popped back out. ". . .but thank you."

This was your chance to use your crystal. Now that they had split up you could try to induce one of them. It would take some time, and you knew your sister would arrive in about an hour, so you would have to pick fast.