Saturday Story 2025 #17 (Nervous)
Something new on my Patreon. Synopsis below:
Nadine is worried about a big presentation at work and there’s only one thing that can calm her down: hypnosis. A lighthearted, gentle piece.
This was a special request/suggestion by nalak, a patron of mine. It wasn’t going to be this week’s tale initially, but patrons ideas get priority. If you wish me to write a story for you, reach out and then we can discuss the fine print.
To read this story before anyone else, head over to my Patreon page and become Spell… B-O-U-N-D, too. The minimum pledge for this type of early access is $5 per month.
An excerpt is available below:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/127532726
Nadine fidgeted with the hem of her jacket, her eyes darting between the three faces in her office.
Samantha leaned back in her chair, legs crossed, watching her friend with an unreadable expression. She had the best poker face in the company and was a menace to all the new hires that crossed her path. Brent, ever the joker, was trying – and failing! – to stifle a grin. Gil, the resident tech genius, was busy setting up a backup laptop, his fingers moving across the keyboard.
“You’ve got this, Nadine,” Samantha said, breaking the silence. Her voice was smooth and reassuring.
“Yeah, you’re gonna crush it,” Brent added. “But try not to trip on your way to the podium, okay?”
Nadine forced a laugh, though it came out shaky. “Thanks, Brent. That’s super helpful.”
Gil, who hadn’t said a word until then, stepped forward. “I think what Brent’s trying to say is that confidence goes a long way. You’ve prepared for this. You’ve rehearsed the presentation a dozen times. Just be yourself, and you’ll do fine.”
Nadine appreciated Gil’s attempt to be encouraging, but it didn’t ease the knot in her stomach. This was her chance to shine, to prove herself as a leader, and she couldn’t afford to falter. What if she froze? What if she stumbled over her words? What if—
“Hey,” Samantha said, standing up and walking over to Nadine. You’ve done the research. You know this material inside and out. Just remember to breathe, okay?”
Nadine nodded, though her mind was still in turmoil. She was usually good with pressure, but the expectations were through the roof that day. She also couldn’t help but wonder if they were just humoring her. Did they think she was ready, or were they all doubting her in secret?
Gil placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. “We’ll be right out there with you. You’re not alone in this.”
Samantha nodded in agreement. “And if worse comes to worst, just pretend you’re talking to us. You’ve done that a million times.”
“I need a moment to myself. I’ll be right back,” Nadine muttered. She hurled out of the office and made her way to the nearest restroom, closing herself in a stall.(…)
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