Catty night

Yet another family meeting had started and, as always, I was minding my own business in a corner trying not to be noticed. Whatever nonsense I browsed on the cellphone was more interesting than spending time with people that barely cared about me.

These end-of-year type celebrations were mostly boring, filled with small talk, people faking interest in each other's lives, sharing travel pictures and all the classic stereotypes one can imagine.

However, there was always one high point, which was the reason I forced myself to participate. Two years ago we had a magician doing cool card tricks; last year we had someone who played two guitars at the same time. I was just curious to see what would be the new stuff this time.

However, three hours later I was utterly disappointed to find out the high point of the year would be a hypnotist... Really?
It's not only lame but totally fake.
Part of me wanted to grab my things and leave before having to watch everyone pretending like something awesome was happening.
In fact... That's exactly what I was about to do, before my annoying sister grabbed my wrist.

– Hey! You ain't gonna leave, right?
– I'm out. This year blows.
She crossed her arms and gave me a childish look.
– Don't you want to see the hypnosis show? You always wait before the special event to leave.
I sighed.
– Hypnosis is fake.
– Magic is fake too and you stayed to watch.
– But Hypnosis is fake fake. Not just simple fake, like magic. It's totally bullshit, in fact.
– What the hell? Hypnosis is more real than magic!
– Whatever – I shrugged – I'm leaving.
Before I could go to the exit, she held me again.
– Let's have a bet, then! – my sister smiled – 50 bucks it's real!
My greedy self was considering the offer.
– Well... But how exactly will the fakeness be decided?
– Easy – she laughed – You'll be the one being hypnotised. If it works, I win.
– Easy indeed – I shook her hands, happy with the possibility of free money – You got my attention to stay in the stupid celebration for a while more.
My sister gave me a sassy smile and we both walked to the other room, where the "high point" of the day was happening.

Everyone was sitting in a circle of chairs around a tall woman in the center, which I assumed was the hypnotist.
By the time we got there, she was finishing an explanation about hypnosis, which I was glad I got to skip.
She was wearing regular clothes and didn't have anything special. Seemed like a casual person one could find walking in the streets.
– Okay people! – she gave everyone a smile – Who wants to be first?
All the adults pretended they had nothing to do with that, while my cousins all tried to push one another to raise their hands.
– Here! – my sister yelled – Brother here wants to go first!
– Wonderful! – the hypnotist pointed to a chair in front of her – Have a seat, darling.
I sighed and shrugged, then walked to the center of the room like I didn't care.
– Hello, young boy! My name is Madeline. What's yours?
– Jack – I said in a neutral tone, sitting with my legs open and arms crossed.
– Do you believe in hypnosis, Jack? – Madeline asked, gently touching my shoulders from behind.
– Nah... I thought you were supposed to convince me.
Everyone laughed a bit.
"Classic Jack", they probably thought.
– Well, boy – she moved around the chair stopping in front of me – To really make hypnosis work, you must believe it. It's a team job – she couched to put our eyes the same height, then whispered in a volume that only I could hear – Otherwise you'll force me to use other methods – her body language was playful, yet her eyes were dead serious.
– Then do it – I whispered back.
She then stood up and moved her attention to the crowd around us.
– What do you guys want to see? Any requests?
– I have! – one of my cousins raised his hand – Make this asshole think he's an animal!
– Classic, but a good one! – Madeline snapped her fingers – What kind of animal?
Everyone started talking at the same time.
– A chicken!
– A dog!
– A house cat!
– House cat? – she looked at me – You like house cats, Jack?
– Nope... Totally hate 'em.
– A house cat it is then – she giggled, then asked the crowd again – Anything else?
My sister raised her hand with a trickster's grim on her face and said:
– A female cat.
– You guys are an hilarious crowd – Madeline laughed – A female cat it is! Anything else? One more thing?
"Do you need more?", I thought, wondering how long that crap would last and if it was really worth fifty bucks...
They were about to give more stupid ideias, so I had to raise my voice:
– You idiots want me to strip too? Geez! – I clapped my hands twice and looked at the hypnotist – House cat is fine.
– Female house cat – my sister corrected.
– Whatever! Let's get done with it.
– Perfect! – said Madeline. Approaching me again – Are you comfortable with what we are about to do?
– Whatever...
– Let's begin, then! But before that... Since you were not present before, I feel like I should tell you some of the basics – she raised a finger – Fist, hypnosis is just like daydreaming, but instead of doing it consciously, I'll guide your subconscious to a make-believe world while your conscious mind is unable to interfere. This way, your own imagination will change reality without the filter of your logical mind telling apart real and fantasy – Madeline paused for a second, holding her chin – To put it simple, you'll see, hear and feel things that only exist in your head as if they were real. Got it?
– Yup – I looked at the clock, wondering how long it would take.
– Second, because your conscious mind will be asleep, you'll be left open to suggestions that might very well change the way you think, change your behaviour and also your personality for a short time. It will be like turning into a completely different person. Are you okay with everything I just explained?
– Fine.
Hypnosis was bullshit. It's not like she could make me do anything I didn't want to. Except maybe for keeping me in that chair.

Madeline moved behind me and placed each hand in one of my shoulders, massaging them and breaking my tension. She was actually pretty good at that. I was getting paid fifty bucks to get a massage? Sweet!
– Fist you need to relax, Jack – she said with a soothing voice – The first step is to distract and turn off your conscious self.
My muscles begun to relax one by one, while I also closed my eyes to enjoy the feeling. Waves of pleasure were running through my spine to the rest of the body, making me wish I was lying on a bed rather than sitting in a chair.
– Breathe slowly Jack – she said close to my ears, her warm breath tickling my skin – I want you to breath in the same rhythm as my hands move in your shoulders – She pressed her fingers gently against my skin – Breathe in deeply and slowly – then her grip loosened – Now breathe out.
Madeline continued to repeat the "breathe in" and "breathe out" while massaging me for what felt like a really long time. I couldn't help but relax even more... I was liking that hypnosis thing.
After a while, she said:
– Breathe in, imagining all the stress in your body concentrating in your chest... Now, breathe out and imagine it all going away... Breathe in, imagining all the pain in your body concentrating in your chest... Now, breathe out imagining it all going away...
She continued like that, talking about getting out my stress, pain, fears, insecurities, anger, and everything else...
Imagining that energy concentrating in my chest was dumb... But also kinda funny... My chest tickled...
Hey... Wait... Why am I doing it?
The whole point was to prove my sister it's all bullshit... Yet I'm here enjoying the relaxation and imagining the things she tell me...
It was relaxing... Really... It was fine to enjoy that... I mean, I wasn't being hypnotised and doing stupid things...It was just relaxing... It was fine... As long as I didn't act like a cat, I would win the bet.
– You seem to have a lot going on in your mind, Jack – I felt her warm breath in my right ear again – Just let it go. Relax and ignore those annoying thoughts. You don't need any of that right now. It will feel a lot better to let go.
She kept massaging my shoulders while I kept breathing in the same rhythm of her hands. Or was she massaging me in the same rhythm of my breathing? It felt like her hands were connected to me... like a part of my body... But I liked it...
– Focus on my hands, Jack – She said in the other ear – Ignore everything else. You'll relax even more.
Madeline continued to close and release her grip on my shoulders, while my lungs tried to keep her pace. With my eyes closed, it felt like I was melting with pleasure. My whole body turning limp... Any moment and I would probably sleep... The world around me got more and more irrelevant with each passing second... The only thing that existed were her hands on my shoulders, the warmth that came from her body, the comfortable chair I was sitting in and the rhythm of my breath.
Breathe in...
I think I yawned... Not sure... Didn't care...
Breathe out...
The room was silent...
Breathe in...
The world was silent...
Breathe out...
It was perfect for a nap...
Breathe in...
I was so relaxed...
Breathe out...
I didn't want to think about anything...
I was too comfortable to bother...
My body was sinking in the chair...
My muscles felt like they were melting...
My mind felt like it was melting...
I was in a void of nothingness...
Even the sensations in my body began to disappear...
There was nothing left...
Just my breathing...
And those hands...
Those...
Hands...
Air...
Air?
Air!?
Her hands were not moving!
I need air!
Her palms were laid still in my shoulders...
Move them! Please!
But the hands refused to move...
Please! I need air! Please!
I was getting dizzy...
My head felt light...
Air! I beg you!
I'll do anything!
Please!
I felt the pain spreading all over my body...
Tension building up in my neck...
My heart racing like never before...
P-please...
Move your hands...
I need to breathe...
Please...
Please...
Ple...
Her fingers pressed against my shoulders.
Breathe in...
She released her grip...
Breathe out...
The massage resumed its natural pace and I was able to breathe again...
Thanks you!
I thought I was going to die!
The tension disappeared...
The pain disappeared...
– Jack? – her calm voice, an angelic whisper, entered my ear and filled my whole body... It echoed inside me... As if her voice was coming directly from within myself – Do you understand now, Jack? You are under my control.
I...
I am?
– You don't even want to resist – her voice pulsed inside my head – Deep down you want to obey... Because it feels natural... Because it feels good... Because you don't know any other way...
Her hands stopped moving again... And so did my breathing...
– Your reality is controlled by me... Your will is controlled by me... Anything I tell you is the absolute truth... You will believe everything I said, for what I say is an undeniable reality... What I tell you is the only reality that matters...
My heart was beating so fast that my chest was aching...
– But don't worry – her voice said, coming from the empty space and from inside my body at the same time – I am a benevolent mistress who won't do you any harm.
I'm... Out of air... Again...
– You can trust me, because I'll reward you for doing so... You can believe in everything I say... You can give me full control of your thoughts, your feelings, your desires and everything else... Just like you've already given me control over your body – her soothing voice was all I could hear – It's easy... It's effortless... It's natural... It's what you truly want.
The hands started to move again and my breathing resumed.
I felt... Helpless... But still... Happy?
Things were so simple now...
All my mundane worries disappeared and I couldn't even remember what they were...
The weight of making any choices also vanished... I didn't have to chose anything... I just had to obey...
Reality was so simple and straightforward...
I liked it...
She would take await my responsibilities...
She would make me truly free...
All I had to do was obey...
My heart and mind were calm...
I was free from everything...
Free to obey her...
Free to believe her...
It filled me with joy...
– You seem more relaxed now, Jackeline – her omnipresent voice startled me – I bet it's the first time you feel so calm and relaxed in your whole life. Right Jackeline?
I didn't had to agree...
I knew she was right...
That's all that mattered...
She was right and I was happy...
– Jackeline – her calm voice said – Your entire self is now under my control. Things will remain this way until I, and only I, snap my fingers. Your reality is under my control until I, and only I, snap my fingers. Your body, feelings, desires, personality and even your form belong to me and will remain under my control until I, and only I, snap my fingers. You understand, Jackeline?
I couldn't respond...
– Say "I do"
– I do – I said in a calm and high pitched voice.
– And whenever I snap my fingers again, you will return to the state you are right now. If you are not under my control, you return to my control. My fingers are like a switch that can take you out of your current state but also put you back into it. This switch is now part of you. It will remain a part of you for as long as I wish. Every time I snap my fingers, that switch will turn on or off. Say "I understand", Jackeline.
– I understand.
– Let's give it a try now.
I heard a finger snap...

Many things happened at the same time...
First...
I felt the chair...
I felt the floor under my feet...
I heard the voices around me and finally remembered I was in a living room full of people...
I was breathing in a funny way...
I opened my eyes...
I saw everyone looking at me with curiosity...
They were all filled with expectations...
Waiting for me to do something stupid...
Madeline was a few steps in front of me, silently examining me...
But I was out of her spell...
Whatever she did to me, was over...
– How do you feel, Jackeline?
– I'm fine... And it's Jack.
– Would you mind doing a feline meow?
– I would rather not.
Everyone giggled.
She smiled and snapped her fingers...

I mean...
There was no reason to be an asshole...
She was just trying to entertain everyone...
It wouldn't hurt to just meow once...
Madeline was a pretty girl...
I didn't want to embarrass her...
– Would you mind meowing for us, Jackeline?
– Meow!
It was fun...
Everyone laughed, but I didn't care.
Madeline was pleased.
– Do it again, this time trying to sound more like a real cat.
– Mreoww!
That...
Sounded like a real cat...
Cool...
– One more time!
– Meooooow!
I was enjoying that more than I should...
But I couldn't help myself.
– Okay Jackeline, from now on you'll only communicate like a cat. One meow for yes and two for no. Understand?
Yes!
– Meow!
– Tell me your name again.
Jackeline
– Meeeeow...
That's not what I wanted to say...
I want to say "Jackeline"
– Meeeeeeeow!
Close enough...
– Are you trying to say Jack?
No... Who's that?
– Meow meow!
– Jackeline then?
– Meow!
– Now, for the ones that might still not believe, the real show will begin – she grinned and gestured to the floor – On your four, kitty.
Before I had a chance to think, my body obeyed her order. The humans around me laughed even more.
What's so funny?
Madeline opened her hand and said:
– Here is a ball of thread for you. I've heard cats like to play with it – she turned her hand around – You want to play with this small pink ball of thread?
– Meow!!!
She threw it on the ground and I jumped right at it. I hit it with my hands and watched it roll. Then I followed the thread and hit it again. So fun!
I heard the woman snap her fingers...

The ball disappeared...
I was on all fours in the ground...
Like an idiot...
And everyone was making fun of me!
I got up on my feet as fast as possible.
– I think that's eno...
She snapped her fingers again.

– Meeeeeow!!!!!
I fell down on my fours...
It was a lot more comfortable than standing...
Why did I want to stand up?
She clearly wanted me on the ground...
Silly Jackeline, disobedient Jackeline!
Oh!
I saw the ball again and went back to playing with it.
– Wouldn't it be easier to play with the ball if you had paws?
Yes.
– Meow!
– Do you want paws?
Yes, yes ,yes!
– Meow!
– Well then, you are lucky – she gestured to the ball – That ball is a special one, the more you play with it, the more your body turns into a cat. If you keep playing, you'll have paws, fur, an everything else – Madeline caressed my head – Do you want to feel more catty?
– Meow!
Without waiting any longer, I got the ball again, rolling it around the room and following its movement. Each time I hit the ball, my hands puff out a bit. My fingers get rounder and smaller. My nails grow sharp. Comfortable pink paw pads appear. Soon my hands and feet also grow an orange fur.
It feels a lot easier and more natural to play using my paws. But moving around is still difficult. My legs are always bothering me with they way they bend.
I focus on my legs as I run across the room, thinking about how they should look like. How it should bend. It takes little effort to reshape it into proper cat legs.
Finally I am able to run for real!
She snapped her fingers...

I crashed mid run...
Confused as my balance completely shifted in the blink of an eye.
– Hey! What the hell!
Two of my cousins were recording that shit with their phones.
– You two! Stop that or I'll punch you in the face.
They laughed.
– I'm frikking done! I'm out!
– Wait – The hypnotist said – You can't go. I'm holding your tail.
– My what!?
I took another step forward but stopped when I felt something pulling my spine. When I turned around to see, Madeline was holding an orange thing that looked like a furry rope... That rope was connected to... Me!?
She pulled it again and I felt a brief pain.
This can't be real!
I held my own tail and pulled it out of her hands, freeing myself from her grasp...
I can't believe it!
My tail was moving!
I could move it!
What the hell!?
I want it to stop!
What's going on here!?
– Stop the hypnosis! I'm done!
– I can't stop it – she scratched me behind the ears with a trickster's smile on her face – It's all in your mind.
– No, no, no! Stop it right now!
She snapped her fingers...

I was back in the ground where I belonged.
Things are better this way...
More comfortable...
More natural...
Madeline was still scratching me behind the ears.
– Purrrrrrr...
I rolled on my back, letting her pet me as she pleased, murring and purring the whole time.
As her hand trailed down to my belly I tensed a bit... Cats don't like that... but it was fine if she was the one doing it... Besides... Her hands were tickling my whole body, causing fur to grow all over my skin from the tip of my ears to the end of my tail.
To finish it off, Madeline pinched the tip of my nose and pulled. My face followed her movement, forming a small muzzle. As a last touch, she pulled my ears upward and made them pointier and sharper.
– Good girl!
– Meow!
I was a full cat now.
Never felt more complete in my entire life.
I wish it could last forever.
But then... She snapped her fingers again...

Well...
Terrified would be too weak of a word to describe how I was feeling. A new word should exist just to be used in that case...
Against all odds... I was still a cat...
A literal small domestic cat...
Probably also female...
I was tiny, furry, had four paws and everything else.
I tried my best to run away, but one of the humans picked me on her arms like a baby.
Every person in that room wanted to pet me, but I was powerless to stop them.
There was no way it was hypnosis!
It had to be black magic!
People were actually holding me on their arms...
Everyone calling me Jackeline and kitty...
It's like I never existed...
Like they all forgot about me...
I wanted to cry...
It wasn't fair...
Just because I mocked her...
It was too much...
Nobody could see how much I was suffering...
They all wanted to have fun with the kitty...
"I'm sorry!"
– Meeeeeeeeeeeeeeow!

– Jack? – said an ethereal voice – Wake up Jack.
"Wake up?"
– C'mon Jack. Open your eyes slowly now.
The world around me disappeared just as if I had been dreaming all the time. I was couched in the floor, everyone looking at me with a mixture of awe, intrigue, laugher, and everything else.
I had no fur, no paws, no tail...
I was human...
Again...
My body was shaking...
My clothes were drenched in sweat...
I had tears rolling down my cheeks...
I had no idea what happened. What was real or fake. What existed in my mind or existed out of it.
– A round of applause to our volunteer, Jack! – said Madeline.
I was completely humiliated in front of everyone!
I jumped and ran away as fast as I could. Crashing on the furniture and breaking a vase. In no time I was able to jump a window and keep running without a destiny in the streets.

I had no idea where to go.

I was tired...

So I went home, alone to my apartment.

My head was spinning and I couldn't think of anything.
It felt like just a few seconds had passed since I left the party.
I crashed on the sofa...
Unable to sleep...
Unable to think...
Until someone knocked on my door...
– Hey, idiot! – it was my sister – What the hell was all that running for!? People are frikking worried after the way you left!
I gazed at my cellphone... 18 missed calls...
– That woman! She transformed me into a cat in front of everyone!
– That was fun – my sister laughed – Still don't explain your ridiculous running away.
– Funny!? Really!? She made frikking fur and a tail grow on me!
– Oh! A tail!?
– Weren't you there seeing everything?
– A tail? She gave you a tail?
– Yes...
She began to laugh uncontrollably, curling into a ball and lying on the floor.
– What's so funny!?
– You really think you grew a tail?
– I saw it! I touched it!
– Then you owe me fifty buck!
– What?
– Don't you understand what happened?
– Sister... Please... Tell me exactly what you saw tonight...
– She made you relax, then you started meowing with your eyes closed, you walked on all fours meowing and played with some invisible toy. That's all that happened, and it was funny as hell.
– And what about the rest?
– You mean the things you imagined? It's hypnosis, duh! She even explained it to you, silly.
– So... I imagined everything?
– Yes... Now let's go back to the party, I want to see she do it to others, and also on myself. And by the way you reacted, she might be the best hypnotist I've ever seen.
– You go... I'll stay home... I don't want to get close to her...
Just the thought of her snapping her fingers again sent chills down my spine...
– Whatever... At least call Mom saying you are fine...
– Okay...
– Cya tomorrow, idiot.
– Fuck you.
– And the fifty bucks.
I closed the door on her face.

On the next day I receive a message from an unknown phone number, which read:
"Hello Jack.
It's Madeline.
I think we've started with the wrong foot and I'm sorry for that.
Hypnosis is a really fun experience and you got a bad one because of me.
If you ever want to give it another try, just message me and I'll give you a session for free, wherever you want :3"

I thought about blocking her immediately...
But still...
Part of me was interested...
I just don't know it that part was me or the cat...