INT. QUIRKY TEASHOP - DAY The sound of a bell tinkles as RUTH, 18, in breezy summer clothes and sandals, pushes through the door. Her eyes scan the teashop interior, landing on her brother DAVE, 22, behind the counter. He wears a tea-stained apron and a surprised smile. DAVE Ruth? What are you doing here? Ruth grins with mischievous intent, approaching the counter. RUTH Can't I visit my big bro at work? It's not like you come home much these days. Dave chuckles, wiping his hands on the apron. DAVE Well, I'm glad to see you. Oh! You should meet Stella, the owner. She's quite the character. STELLA, 49, emerges from the back with a tie-dye apron hugging her frame. Her hair is peppered with gray and falls in wild curls. She carries an aura of timeless wisdom and a free spirit. STELLA Who's this lovely young thing? DAVE Stella, this is my little sister, Ruth. Ruth, Stella. Stella beams at Ruth, offering a warm handshake. STELLA Pleasure to meet you. RUTH You too! Dave always says how cool you are. Stella's eyes twinkling with mischief, and she glances over at Dave. STELLA Cool, maybe. But observant, definitely. Your brother here has a little-known talent. Ruth's eyebrows perk up with curiosity. RUTH Talent? Stella nods conspiratorially. STELLA Dave is our resident tea guru, but that's not all... Stella leans in closer to Ruth, lowering her voice. STELLA (CONT'D) ...he's also one of the most naturally susceptible people to hypnosis I've ever seen. Dave rolls his eyes, dismissing the claim. DAVE Oh, Stella loves to joke about this sort of thing... Stella winks at Ruth. STELLA A joke? Let's demonstrate. Stella turns to face Dave. STELLA (CONT'D) Dave, may I? Dave, accustomed to Stella's eccentricities, sighs and indulges her. DAVE Fine, but let's keep it quick. We have a customer. Stella nods and motions Dave to come closer. He steps around the counter. Stella stands before Dave, speaking quietly with a rhythmic cadence that fills the space with an unseen energy. STELLA Just relax and focus on my voice... Dave's posture starts to soften as Ruth watches, her amusement mixed with disbelief. After a few moments, Stella taps Dave's forehead lightly. His eyes flutter shut, and he stands perfectly still, his expression blank. STELLA (CONT'D) Kneel before your sister. Without hesitation, Dave lowers himself to his knees before Ruth. Ruth gasps, both startled and intrigued. RUTH No way... He's really out? Stella nods with a gleam in her eye. STELLA Watch this. Stella glances down at Dave. STELLA (CONT'D) Dave, when you awake, you'll feel the need to serve, eager to please. You won't remember being hypnotized, and you'll think these are your own ideas. Stella taps Dave's forehead again. His eyes open, and he blinks at Ruth. DAVE Ruth, can I get you a tea? Anything you want, just name it. Ruth covers her mouth to hide her laughter, witnessing her brother's transformation into a doting servant. RUTH Okay, this is... wow. How did you do that? Stella gives Ruth a sly look. STELLA Want to know the best part? You can trigger this response too. Just tap his forehead like this and say the word 'Serve.' She demonstrates again, tapping Dave's forehead and watching him sink back into the trance-state. STELLA (CONT'D) Now, he's yours to command. Ruth tentatively reaches out and taps Dave's forehead, her voice shaking with excitement. RUTH Serve. Dave looks up at Ruth, his eyes glazed but attentive. RUTH (CONT'D) Get me... a jasmine green tea, please. Stella smiles, her work complete. Dave rises to fulfill the request. STELLA Now, that's what I call family bonding. Ruth laughs, still in disbelief, and Stella retreats to the background, content with her antics as Ruth takes a moment to absorb the surreal scene. FADE OUT.