INT. SHOPPING CENTRE FOOD-COURT - FRIDAY AFTERNOON We see DAVID (21), a laid-back university student, slouched at a table, absorbed in his phone. The bustling food-court is alive with chatter, clinking cutlery, and the occasional laughter. His sister, RUTH (16), approaches with her friend AIMEE (16). Ruth is casual in her demeanor, wearing jeans and flip-flops. Aimee, all in black, follows suit, her presence almost shadow-like, with an intriguing contrast of her pale skin against the dark clothes and painted nails. Ruth nudges David playfully, while Aimee observes, a smirking enchantress with a mysterious edge. RUTH Hey, bro, stop being antisocial! David looks up, offering a half-smile, forcing himself away from the digital trance of his phone. DAVID What's going on? Did you buy out the entire mall or what? AIMEE (teasing) Only the important stuff, right, Ruth? Ruth agrees with a laugh, sliding into the seat next to David. Aimee sits opposite, her eyes locked onto David with a playful yet sinister glint. AIMEE (CONT'D) So, David, read any good books lately? DAVID Uh, just textbooks. Why? AIMEE Just curious. You know, they say the way the words flow can really... capture your imagination. David nods, a bit confused but going along with it. Ruth rolls her eyes but watches curiously. DAVID I guess. Though I'd rather they just get to the point. Aimee leans forward, her gaze intensifying, voice a steady, lilting rhythm. AIMEE Well, sometimes it's nice to let the words just wash over you. Like waves ebbing and flowing on the beach. You can imagine that, right, David? David blinks, something in Aimee's tone pulling at his attention. Ruth watches, amused at her friend's antics. DAVID Sure, that's... kind of relaxing, actually. AIMEE It is, isn't it? Like your thoughts are floating away... and you just focus on the sound of my voice. Ebb and flow... David's eyes have softened, a distant look replacing his initial disinterest. Ruth's amusement fades to intrigue. RUTH Aimee, what are you-- Aimee raises a finger to her lips, shushing Ruth as she maintains her hypnotic dialogue with David. AIMEE And every moment, you might feel yourself becoming more... and more... relaxed. David's posture shifts, his shoulders drooping as he falls into a relaxed state. AIMEE (CONT'D) With each word I say, you drift deeper. And when I snap my fingers... (snaps fingers) you'll feel alert again, just for a moment. David jolts slightly, his eyes sharpening before the focus fades once more. AIMEE (CONT'D) But with every snap, it gets harder to resist the comfort of that peaceful place. Now, David, deep breath in... David inhales deeply, his body responding automatically. AIMEE (CONT'D) (snaps fingers) And... awake. He blinks back to the moment, eyes clearer but confusion setting in. DAVID What are you--how did you-- AIMEE Ebb and flow, David. Ebb and flow. Isn't it fascinating how the mind can just... let go? With a sly smile and another snap of Aimee's fingers, David slumps again into the chair, lost in the rhythm of her voice, deeper with each word, each gesture, each snap, entranced by the enchantress dipped in black. FADE OUT.