“5… 4… 3… 2… 1… sink.”

The numbers flashed over the spiral in sync with my hypnotist’s words in steady rhythm, like a waltz.

“5… 4… 3… 2… 1… sink.”

I breathed through my ball gag, drool pooling on the floor below me. I had stopped struggling against the rope some time ago.

“5… 4… 3… 2… 1… sink.”

I have to resist… I…

“5… 4… 3… 2… 1… sink.”

My thoughts moved to the beat…

“5… 4… 3… 2… 1… sink.”

My tist cupped my chin then.

“5… 4… 3… 2… 1… sink.”

I heard numbers as they…

“5… 4… 3… 2… 1… sink.”

sweetly spoke to my mind…

“5… 4… 3… 2… 1… sink.”

“Still resisting, are you?”

“5… 4… 3… 2… 1… sink.”

“And yet you think on beat.”

“5… 4… 3… 2… 1… sink.”

“You can’t help it, can you?”

“5… 4… 3… 2… 1… sink.”

“Even though you fight it…”

“5… 4… 3… 2… 1… sink.”

“You follow the rhythm…”

“5… 4… 3… 2… 1… sink.”

“Of my numbers and words.”

“5… 4… 3… 2… 1… sink.”

Deep down, I understood…

“5… 4… 3… 2… 1… sink.”

deeply that they were right.

“5… 4… 3… 2… 1… sink.”

“Count for me, my subject.”

“5… 4… 3… 2… 1… sink.”

I have to resist them…

“5… 4… 3… 2… 1… sink.”

I have… to… resist… them…

“5… 4… 3… 2… 1… sink.”

Muffled, numbers fell out…

“5… 4… 3… 2… 1… sink.”

Out my mouth and mind…

“5… 4… 3… 2… 1… sink.”

5… 4… 3… 2… 1… sink.

“5… 4… 3… 2… 1… sink.”

5…

4…

3…

2…

1…