“You’re gonna hate me for this but it’s for your own good. And it’s for the good of everyone else here. You’re going to be a hero, but I have orders first.” He says. My brain feels exhausted and so I struggle to focus on what he is doing. He brings out the device again and the thickest, deepest sense of dread came over me. The increased numbness that device had given me was no match for the heart-stabbing terror that washed over my mind. It seemed to clear up my mind a bit. My mouth twitched in effort to scream.

He slowly twists the dial until it refuses to turn anymore. My vision is getting blurred and unfocused and I suddenly feel like puking. I barely notice the button he presses. Suddenly, my vision is painfully clear and bright, the dizziness has vanished and subtly, I hear a faint tune in my head. Oh no.

That was the last coherent thought as the music became a roar. I was a hibernating train of thought in a living doll.

He whispers one command, “Act like you would do anything to stay. Anything.”