“That’s right . . . just watch the pendulum swing back and forth. Back and forth.”

It captivated me, the golden color glinting in the light or sparkling off the silvery chain it was held by.

“Watch it with your eyes, not your head. Back and forth. Back and forth.”

I kept my head still. I could feel my eyes glazing over as the pendulum consumed my focus. It was becoming my world.

“And as you watch the pendulum, you can start to feel your eyes getting heavy. They’re getting so tired now – but you can’t close them yet. You have to keep them open and following the pendulum a little bit longer.”

I fought back the sudden tiredness, my eyelids drooping as I sought to keep them open. 

“In a moment, I’m going to snap my fingers. When I do, your eyes will close and you’ll fall into a deep trance for me. Do you understand?”

I managed to whisper “Yes” as I stared at the pendulum and fought my heavy eyelids. 

There was a snap next to my ear. My eyes closed and I was gone.