THE MOMENT
Within a week of experimenting with his ability, William felt confident he knew how to use it effectively. He first noticed what he could do in a tense, nervous moment. He built up the courage to make a bad joke to Clara, a barista he had a crush on. She was beautiful and, as far as William was concerned, out of his league. But, he managed to harness his nervousness into fake self-confidence. With his pulse pounding and his mind constantly reaffirming, 'I am a king', he made his awkward comment.
He expected instant dismissal, or maybe even an amused smirk. But, Clara's eyes grew wide and she immediately hugged him. He did not know what to do and felt anxious the entire time. But, she seemed eager to agree to anything he said. Over the course of their first conversation, William began to notice her oddly pleasing behavior.
It wasn't until their actual first date the next day that Wiliam learned he was the reason. He showed up to the date full of enthusiasm and confidence; Clara seemed to check out pretty quickly. It wasn't until William's self-esteem flagged that she became agreeable again. Once he tried to trick himself into feeling like a king, Clara seemed to melt at his every word. Once he was able to link the sensation to her mood, he realized he was the key. During the rest of the date, he tried different experiments on Clara and the other diners in the restaurant.
He coasted through the week with a smile on his face. He could manipulate anyone's memories into believing anything he wanted. He had a new home and car within a few days and he no longer had to work. William felt like he was set for life, until one Tuesday morning at the beach.
He sat next to Clara watching the surf while the rest of the city was at work. The beach was barren on both sides of them; but, he was surprised to see a stranger walk up and greet him.
"Hi, I'm Monday," it was a rainbow-haired teenage girl. Like William, she wasn't dressed for the beach either. She wore a crisp white blazer with a red tie. The blazer sported a pair of red scissors on its front and William assumed she was selling something he wasn't interested in. It also rubbed William wrong when she ignored Clara completely.
"You already decided not to waste time on us, remember?" William asked with a smile. It was his go-to line for salespeople. In the week he had to play with his ability, it never occurred to him that someone might be immune to what he could do. But, Monday giggled instead of walking away as the others had.
"Hah, I never felt it before," she said. It seemed like a stray thought and she shook her head to refocus on William. "Actually, I'm here to see you," she said with her eyes focused on him. William was on his feet in an instant. He was trying not to panic but his ability was useless against her and she seemed to know it. He helped Clara to her feet.
"What do you want?" William backed up a few steps before asking. He put himself in front of Clara.
"You've realized what you can do," Monday said. "My boss sent me to introduce you to the multiverse." She held her hand out and offered him a transparent glass card. William eyed it but did not accept it.
"What's that?"
"It's called a node. It works as a smartphone but it lets you communicate with other universes also, among other functions. It's a welcome gift from Ms. Sharp to you." William was used to getting free things already and took the node once she said it was a gift.
As soon as he touched it, the time appeared on the clear display. He believed it was what Monday said and he gestured at Clara.
"What about one for her?" he asked.
"Ms. Sharp only specified one for you. But, they're easy enough to find. Once you start using it, you'll find a tutorial. It'll teach you how to get one for her," Monday replied.
"But, before that I should tell you that the User Agreement is quite binding. I'm obligated to recommend that you read that first."
William's attention was already on the device. He ignored her while he navigated with taps and swipes.
"Found the tutorial!" William said. Then, he realized Monday was talking.
"Wait, I already clicked 'I Agree'. Is that bad?" Monday grinned and shook her head.
"Not for Ms. Sharp," she giggled. A black portal appeared under her feet and she began to sink into it.
".. And really..," Monday added as she waved. "... It's not like you were using your soul anyway."