Page 23 of Pretty Nightmare

PRIVATE SESSION #1

DONOVAN: OK, Indie. You know how this starts. So—

INDIE: I get it. I asked you to do this. This is not a medical procedure and this is not medical advice. This is a simple Q&A under hypnosis. I give my full consent and agree that you will not be held responsible for any psychological consequences.

Jesus Christ, Indie.

What? I’m just trying to protect you.

It’s just… funny. Thinking back on the very first time we did this and I had to spend like ten minutes explaining things to you.

Yeah, well. Not our first rodeo, is it?

No. OK. So… I think I’ve got a starting point, so just relax and take a few deep breaths. Clear your mind and feel yourself sink down into the cushions and become heavy.

This is different. You didn’t start things this way before.

Ah. I see.

You see what?

We are going to do this again. OK. Well… I’ve learned a thing or two since that last first time. Got some pointers from a friend, actually.

What friend?

Do you really want to spend our time talking about me? Seriously? I’m gonna be honest with you. That was a ploy I used when you were young to make you like me and force a connection. It was a… technique.

Hmm. Well, it worked. And our connection has never been forced.

So… should I keep going? Or do you need to chat before we get started?

No, just get on with it.

Relax and let yourself drift. Think about the ocean, Indie. Think about how it smells and how the mist feels on your skin when you’re near it. Hear the waves in your head.

…

Now picture yourself on an island. It’s a tropical island. A very nice white-sand beach. And there are cliffs above you. If you squint you can see a pavilion up there. And you recognize this island. You’ve been here for six months now. It’s your home, for the moment. Tell me where you are.

You didn’t count backwards.

Do you want to lead?

No.

Then shut up, Indie. And tell me where you are when you picture this island.

I don’t really know where it is, exactly.

No. Forget where it is. This is the island in your memory, OK? It doesn’t matter where it is. The only thing that matters is where you are. So where are you?

… I’m not on the beach. They didn’t let us go to the beach much.

OK. Keep going.

I’m near the bunkhouse. That’s where we stay.

Describe it.