Summer Williams sat at a small table in the bustling student union building, her petite frame perched on the edge of her chair as she sipped a cup of coffee. Light brown hair framed her youthful face, her expressive eyes darting between the crowd of students and her phone screen. Her heart sank as she checked her bank account for the third time that day, willing the numbers to change. No such luck.
"College is supposed to be fun," Summer thought, "but this financial pressure is killing me." A feeling of desperation edged into her chest, and she rubbed her temples in frustration.
As she scanned the room once more, her gaze drifted towards a bulletin board across from her, cluttered with various flyers and advertisements. A brightly colored flyer caught her attention, its neon hues standing out amidst the sea of papers. Squinting, she read the words: "Psychology Research Project - $200 for 30 minutes of participation."
"Two hundred dollars?" Summer's thoughts raced, her curiosity piquing. "God that would come in handy right now."
She couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope. It wasn't enough to make any huge difference in her finances obviously. But as desperate as she was, any little bit would help. She got up and moved towards the bulletin board, snapping a picture of it with her phone and taking a quick glance at the board for any other potential opportunities. Seeing nothing else noteworthy, she pocketed her phone and headed through the crowd of students out of the building.
"Alright, Summer, think this through," she told herself, considering the pros and cons. On one hand, she could use the cash to cover her expenses and alleviate some of her financial stress. On the other hand, she knew nothing about this research study and what it would involve.
"Well," she reasoned, "it's just a college psychology project. How dangerous could it be?" She already imagined the things she could do with the extra money...put it towards books, her phone bill, a little extra for going out. And maybe doing this would open up some other research projects where she could make some easy money.
"Okay, I'm doing this," she decided, taking a deep breath. "I can give them a call and find out more about this project at least." With her decision made, Summer felt some of her stress dissipate as she headed across campus.
After her morning class, Summer found a bench along a quiet path and sat, pulling out her phone and re-reading the flyer. Although she'd made up her mind to call, she still felt nervous. Her thumb hovered over the screen for a moment before she finally mustered the courage to tap in the number from the flyer. As the call connected, she took a deep breath, trying to calm herself.
The phone rang once, twice, then a voice came through on the other end. "Hello, this is Kevin Miller speaking."
"Hi! I'm Summer Williams...and...I saw your flyer about the psychology research project?" Her words tumbled out faster than she intended, nerves making her voice quiver slightly.
"Ah, yes! Thanks for calling, Summer," Kevin replied, his tone professional yet friendly. She could almost picture him adjusting his glasses as he spoke. "I'm glad you're interested in participating."
Summer couldn't help but smile at the warmth in his voice. He sounded approachable, professional even. And she felt more at ease asking questions and learning more about the project.
"Can you tell me a bit more about what I'd be doing in the study?" she asked, twirling a strand of her light brown hair around her finger.
"Of course," Kevin said, launching into a detailed explanation of the research project. Summer tried to follow along as he described his research into hypnotism and the human mind. Feeling a mix of excitement and slight apprehension, Summer listened intently as Kevin outlined the project's goals and procedures. The idea of being part of a study on hypnotism both intrigued and unnerved her, but the promise of quick cash overshadowed any lingering doubts.
"So, you'll be guiding me through a hypnotic experience?" Summer clarified, her voice tinged with curiosity. "Does that really work?"
"Exactly," Kevin confirmed. "And yes, you'd be surprised at how it can work. Hypnosis can have varying effects on different individuals, but I assure you I am more than capable of guiding you through the process. It's a simple process, just to observe reactions and responses. You'll be compensated for your time, and there is no risk involved."
Despite his reassurances, Summer couldn't shake off a nagging sense of unease. The thought of being under someone's control, even momentarily, sent a shiver down her spine. But the lure of financial relief tugged at her decision-making, tempting her to take the leap.
After a brief moment of contemplation, Summer made up her mind. "Ok, I'm in. I think I'd like to participate in your study," she declared. "When should we schedule it?"
"Fantastic, Summer," Kevin replied, his voice tinged with excitement. "How about we meet tomorrow at my office in the psychology department?"
"Sounds perfect," she agreed, jotting down his office number.
"Great! I'll see you then," Kevin said, before ending the call.
As Summer tucked her phone back into her pocket, she couldn't help but feel a sense of optimism lifting her spirits. She had taken the first step toward alleviating some of her financial stress, and the prospect of earning $200 for just 30 minutes of her time filled her with newfound hope.
The next morning, Summer bounded into the cluttered office, her ponytail swinging. "Hi! I'm Summer Williams...I'm here for the study?" Her eyes darted around, taking in the stacks of papers and dog-eared psychology textbooks crowding every surface.
A lanky guy with messy hair and thick-rimmed glasses glanced up from his computer. Summer's first thought was that he looked like he'd rolled out of bed and rushed directly to campus.
"Ah, Summer, right on time. I'm Kevin Miller." He stood, revealing his full height. He motioned towards a worn-out armchair opposite his small desk. "Please, have a seat."
Summer settled into the chair, crossing her legs and fidgeting nervously with the string on her hoodie. Kevin finished typing something on his computer, adjusted his glasses, and then turned towards her. His eyes fixed on hers with an intensity that made Summer shift slightly in her seat.
"Can I offer you some water?" Kevin's voice was smooth and controlled.
"Oh, um...sure! Thanks." Summer accepted the glass and took a sip, her mouth dry from nervousness.
Kevin leaned back and gave Summer a reassuring smile. "So, Summer. We talked a little bit yesterday. But tell me what made you interested in participating in our study today?"
Summer took a sip of water, her mind racing. She didn't want to come right out and say it was only the money.
"Well, I've always been fascinated by psychology," she began, flashing a bright smile. "And when I saw the flyer, I was curious. Plus, you know, the compensation doesn't hurt for a broke college student!"
She laughed, taking another nervous sip of water and hoping it came across as casual rather than nervous. Kevin's unwavering gaze made her feel like he could see right through her.
"Indeed," he replied, a hint of amusement in his tone. "Well, I'm certainly glad you're here. I've been eager to get going with my project and haven't been able to find a willing subject. I think you'll find this to be quite an illuminating experience."
Kevin leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with enthusiasm behind his glasses. "Let me explain a bit more about my research. I'm exploring the vast potential of hypnosis to unlock the hidden recesses of the human mind as well as exploring how suggestible the mind can be under certain conditions."
