8.

"Mr Thompson, thank you for your concern but I have found my calling in life."

Later that evening Alex decides to head back home. As Alex wearily locked the door of his therapy office, the city's twilight casting long shadows, he ascended the narrow staircase to his apartment.

On the way up, he encountered Mr. Sutter, his middle-aged and perpetually irritable landlord. Sutter was a portly man with thinning hair and an ever-present scowl.

"Sigh..." Alex let out a frustrated sigh.

"Evening, Alex," Sutter grunted, sparing him a fleeting glance as he adjusted the glasses perched on his nose.

"Mr. Sutter," Alex replied, attempting a tired smile. The landlord's knack for reminding him of overdue rent rarely eased his evenings.

"I hope your 'therapy business' is bringing in more than just dust," Sutter remarked, more cynicism than courtesy in his tone.

Alex sighed, "It has its challenges, Mr. Sutter. Just like any other profession, I suppose."

As they continued climbing the stairs together, Sutter couldn't resist making another remark "Has your money troubles ended yet?" he scoffed, not bothering to mask his disapproval.

Alex nodded, a subtle irritation flashing in his eyes. "It's a rough patch, but I'll sort it out soon."

Sutter grunted dismissively, a nonverbal reminder of the rent due date. "Make it sooner than later. I don't have time for charity cases."

Fueled by a newfound rage, Alex decided it was time to take matters into his own hands. 'I will be charitable and happily pound your poor daughters pussy soon.'

He locked eyes with Mr. Sutter and, with a voice steeped in influence, suggested, "You know, Mr. Sutter, there's something important we need to discuss. Why don't you come up to my apartment?"

Caught off guard, Mr. Sutter hesitated for a moment before agreeing reluctantly because he found himself oddly compelled to agree. "Alright, but make it quick. I have better things to do than chat with struggling therapists."

As they entered Alex's apartment, the atmosphere shifted. Alex, now in control, spoke with a deliberate cadence, "Mr. Sutter, you will find my apartment quite comfortable. Please, have a seat."

The influence of Alex's voice subtly wrapped around Sutter's mind, making him slightly more compliant to the unspoken commands. Sutter sat down, his initial defiance giving way to a peculiar calmness.

In a calculated move, Alex fabricated a story designed to exploit Mr. Sutter's vulnerabilities.

"Mr. Sutter, I've noticed something concerning," he began, his expression taking on a grave concern.

"In my professional capacity as a therapist, I've observed signs of extreme stress in individuals. It's a pattern I've encountered frequently, and I couldn't help but notice similar signs in you."

Mr. Sutter, taken aback by the seemingly perceptive insight, furrowed his brows. "Stress? I'm a businessman; stress comes with the territory."

Alex actively used his powers and tried to put Sutter in a trance state. He leaned in, his voice carrying an air of professional concern.

"Indeed, it does. But unchecked stress can have severe consequences. As a therapist, I specialize in helping people manage these burdens."

"Your well-being is important to me, Mr. Sutter. Let me assist you in navigating these challenges, and you'll find a newfound sense of calm and control."

Though typically skeptical of therapeutic approaches, Mr. Sutter, influenced by the subtle power in Alex's voice, hesitated before reluctantly agreeing.

"Fine, Alex. If you think it can make a difference, let's give it a try."

Alex carefully chose his words, aiming to subtly guide Mr. Sutter into a trance-like state. "You know, Mr. Sutter, the stresses of life can be overwhelming. It's essential to find moments of peace, moments where you can truly relax and let go of all the tension."

Mr. Sutter, though notably calmer than before, maintained a skeptical gaze. "I appreciate the sentiment, Alex, but I'm not one to easily succumb to such notions."

Undeterred, Alex pressed on, "Imagine a place where worries melt away, where you feel weightless, free from all constraints. Focus on my voice, let it carry you to that serene space."

Despite Alex's attempts to deepen his influence, Mr. Sutter proved more resilient than anticipated. The atmosphere in the room shifted, a subtle struggle between the hypnotic power and Sutter's mental defenses.

As Alex continued to speak with deliberate intent, he noticed changes in Sutter's demeanor. The man became noticeably more tolerant, surprisingly calm, and even agreed to some suggestions, but the elusive trance remained just out of reach.

Frustration crept into Alex's thoughts. His newfound power, which had effortlessly swayed Sarah, encountered resistance from Mr. Sutter's strong-willed mind. Determined, Alex recalibrated his approach, searching for the right combination of words to break through Sutter's defenses.

"I can see you're beginning to feel more at ease," Alex asserted, his tone gently persuasive. "Allow yourself to drift into a state of deep relaxation. It's a natural, effortless progression."

As Alex delved into the delicate art of manipulating Mr. Sutter's mindset, he felt a subtle shift. Sutter's guard was momentarily lowered, revealing a vulnerability.

However, just as the tendrils of influence started to tighten, a familiar notification sound echoed in the room – a text message on Alex's phone.

Curiosity flickered in Sutter's eyes, and his focus wavered. It was at this crucial moment that Alex's phone lit up with a message from Sarah. Intrigued yet momentarily distracted, Sutter's attention shifted towards the interruption.

Alex, maintaining his composure, subtly checked his phone. The message from Sarah was displayed on the screen:

"Hey Alex, I couldn't wait I quit my old job today! ❤️ What time should I come in tomorrow?"

A mix of triumph and annoyance crossed Alex's face. His efforts with Sutter had been momentarily derailed by the unexpected text. As Sutter regained his senses, Alex knew he had to act swiftly to salvage the situation.

Before he could say anything Mr Sutter spoke. "I appreciate your concern, Alex. However, I have matters to attend to. Fix your financial issues soon, and remember to pay the rent on time," Sutter reminded sternly before making his way towards the exit.