Don’t Move
Please stay still. You’ve just stepped on a live hypnotic mine. Any sudden movement and you’ll obliterate the free will of everyone in this park and all the surrounding blocks. I know it’s a lot to process right now, but the good news is that I can defuse it. You’ll be fine if you do what I say. Don’t move.
Okay. Good. You must have a million things going on in your mind, but don’t let this be one of them, okay? It’s not your fault. You’re not responsible for what’s happening. If anything, it’s the government that’s to blame. They know there are still hundreds of these scattered everywhere, but they chose to keep the information from the public to avoid panic. The joke’s on them now, I say. Public opinion will crucify them when they hear about this. Honestly, I can’t wait.
I hope I’m not bothering you with this. If I am, I apologize, but that’s how I deal with this stuff. Some people prefer complete silence to remain focused, but not me. I ramble, for that’s the only way my mind can go into auto-pilot to work through this. You’re doing great, by the way. Just hold that position, please. Last week, I was in a similar predicament and the person stepping on the mine let go of the foot before I gave the order. I thought we were all goners then but, strangely, it didn’t explode. I don’t know why that was, but we better not push our luck, right?
Hey, did you just shiver? Shit! I probably shouldn’t have told you that story, huh? Please, don’t do that again. Your muscles need to be perfectly still. Can you do that for me?
Hmm, I know. Let’s try something that might help. There’s a statue of a man reading a book in front of you. It’s one of my favorites. Did you know it’s been here since the day this park opened to the public? Probably not. I want you to look at it, okay? Look at the statue and nothing but the statue. Focus on the fact that nothing disturbs it. Whether it’s raining or snowing, whether there are birds pooping on it or people leaning against it to take a selfie, it never budges, never compromises. It’s always there, in perpetual rest, immobile, frozen, unafraid. Now, think how much you want to be like that, how you need to remain still, all your emotions at ease while you listen to my voice… only my voice… my voice telling you to be like that statue, your mind acknowledging that if you do that, you and everyone else will be safe. Calm… still… statues don’t think… statues have no worries… statues have no fears… yes…
Good job. Keep being a statue, frozen in place so I can do my work. Now, let me just check this and this… perfect! You did it. The mine is harmless, now. You can wake up from your trance in 3, 2, 1…
Hello? I said you could snap out of it now. You no longer need to do this. Hello? Can you hear me?
Well… look who’s loving this feeling and doesn’t want to let go. It was only a light trance to keep you at ease, but you love it just a little too much, don’t you? You love falling deeper and deeper, losing yourself completely to my words and suggestions… and you know what? That’s hot!
So… since you’re so receptive and suggestible, let me fill you in on a secret. Even though it is my job to dispose of them, I really love hypnotic mines. I would never hypnotize and enslave so many people like those terrorists, but one or two now and then? A mindless toy for me to use? Yeah, I’ve had a few, and I guess now it’s your turn. Listen closely, my little statue. I have big plans for you this weekend. This will be fun.
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(click the image left of the cover for a breakdown of all tales in this collection.)
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