A Bittersweet Symphony (1st mvt.)

dedicated to Matt Hess

on Beefyfrat

I – [Agitato – Preludio e Fuga] “All about Jim” 

  Jim was a model. A lonely child raised in the city and grown into a rebellious teen, he had learned to be strong early on, and use his good looks to his advantage. When he was still in College, he had been approached by an older guy who said he ran a model agency. Jim was smart enough to tell him to go to Hell, but he had kept that proposition in mind, then gone to a few auditions on his own. He was surprisingly good. Jim gave you that husky, smothering, aggressive look hands down. He had beautiful, chestnut blonde hair, perfect green-blue eyes, delicate head with a chiseled jaw, perfect skin and a young muscled body that held a lot of promise. More than anything, he caught the light of the camera like no other guy in town.

  His pics made a remarkable first impression – especially for a guy in his teens with no experience whatsoever. Jim got calls almost immediately, from all kinds of agents, working for male models agencies or advertising companies. He didn’t tell his parents, but they didn’t care anyway. He usually skipped classes, but it was difficult for him to go down town for an interview or picture try-outs. Jim made the effort and went to a few auditions like that. He was a total failure. He had no idea about the fashion, design and merchandising business. He was both naive and bold, unsure and insolent. Money meant nothing and everything to him. In the end, Jim didn’t get a job. He wasn’t calling them back either. He began to wonder. They didn’t seem to need him, and he would probably need them in the future, as he was flunking his exams and chances were he wouldn’t be accepted in any University. Finally, he went back to the last agent he had seen, a woman named Dory. She was in her early thirties, which made her fall into Jim’s “old” category, but she had been friendly and seemed to understand him better than the other corporial stooges. She had been more patient with Jim than any other agent, for instance...

  Without asking for a second interview, he introduced himself to her secretary and was lucky enough that Dory had time to see him right then. He wasn’t sure he would have waited for her in the lobby... But she remembered their first meeting, and looked pleased to see him again. Jim talked nonsense for a while, then he almost begged her to find him a job.

  Dory listened to Jim without interrupting, then she gave him some advice on how things worked or didn’t work in their business. And she signed him on a contract. Jim’s pay – or rather: market value – was not as good as he had hoped. But it was better than he thought, right then, and a pretty fair deal on both accounts, to be honest. Jim had listened to Dory. He auditionned again, following her careful instructions, and after a few successful ad campaigns, his pay was doubled and he started to get some recognition.

  Jim was still pretty rough around the edges, thought, not very patient and prone to violent arguments with photographers and directors. He would go so far as to turn down a campaign he had been selected for... This gave him a bad reputation and people in the business were reluctant to work with him. But there were always new opportunities and contracts for him, thanks to Dory. It took quite some time for Jim to realize how hard her job actually was. She had figured him out pretty early on. So, she limited the chances of conflict to a minimum. She was always there during his photo sessions, to help him and get him out of trouble, as he was bound to go too far for his own good. When she couldn’t avoid it, she was often apologizing in his place to the companies or agencies Jim had insulted, left behind or ignored. It was tough, as she already had a packed schedule and other more successful models under her watch. Maybe Jim was special – he was so annoying, self-absorbed and innocent, she could tell he needed help to socialize. That was Dory. She also did her best to put Jim in the best conditions for his photo sessions. Her hard work finally paid off, too: Jim learned and behaved. He was accepted as an interesting newcomer by the big leagues in the business, and although it was never said out loud, she was known to be the one who had made it possible.

■

  When Jim turned 21, his situation as a model was discrete but solid. Dory had been his agent for more than three years, now. She was more confident about him, and he was more grateful to her.

  Then, something happened that neither Dory nor Jim had foreseen. During a session that felt just like any other session, Jim first met this young camera operator named Dean. He was a taller guy than Jim, and standing like he was feeling out of place, but good-looking enough for Jim to mistake him for a model he didn’t know. Dean blushed when Jim told him so, admitted he was new around here, but not the kind of guy you put in front of the camera. 

  Dean worked really well, for a beginner. And Jim was on his best behaviour ever. The photo shots and movie session turned out to be easier than the production manager thought, and the director was so pleased he invited the crew for a drink. For the first time in his career, once again, Jim followed them to the bar. He was only talking to Dean, so the others immediately left them alone, knowing what was happening between those two probably better than they did themselves. Dean was still complimenting Jim, and Jim praised Dean’s work.

“It’s a lot easier to work with such a good-looking guy. My camera loves you.”

  He had really bad lines like this one. Jim was looking at him, half amused. Dean wasn’t good at the whole flirting thing – not that Jim was the smooth talker and seducer, but compared to Dean, he felt a lot better. Dean’s attempts at being charming were so lame, it made him more interesting than he tried to appear. Jim realised he had never taken interest in anyone else like that...

  They met at another filming session, where Jim was so nervous, thinking about Dean and trying not to look at him, he missed it completely and had to leave. The director was blaming him for everything that went wrong that day, and for once the crew was on Jim’s side. But they didn’t let it out. Of course, Jim was trying too hard when Dean looked at him, and he ended up looking wooden and lost in confusion. Finally, the production people came in and called it a day.

  Jim didn’t understand what was happening to him. He was heart-broken, but he didn’t know why. Wandering in the corridors, he saw Dean calling him. He was concerned about Jim’s bad day, and offered to cheer him up at his place. Jim felt a lot better, all of a sudden. They talked in the car and in Dean’s appartment. They had come to the same conclusion. They kissed, made love and talked for hours in bed. It was their first night together. Two weeks later, Jim was moving in with Dean.

■

  Jim’s career as model stopped almost immediately. His heart wasn’t in it so much anymore. He was only looking at Dean, when his lover was there. The production was soon aware of the problem, but if they hired another cameraman, Jim would always show up in a bad mood and ruin the whole thing.

  When Dory came back from her honeymoon, she faced this new situation with a deep concern for Jim, mixed with the sad thought of so much time and efforts going to waste... She was quickly informed about Jim’s boyfriend by her colleagues. Maybe it wasn’t too late, so she asked to meet Dean. She was glad to find a good-natured guy with his feet firmly on the ground. Dean was getting worried about Jim’s outbursts and moods too. They agreed not to tell him about this little talk, and smartly combined their efforts to put Jim back on the right path.

  As it turned out, they did very well... for a while. Jim was a lot more professional in his work, when he put his pride or love for Dean aside. Dory opened the doors for him again, and he was signed on for a few commercials. On the set, Dean made the whole thing easer between him and the rest of the crew. It worked, but Jim was still unaware of it. He was excessive, at times. And now that he was being more cooperative in his work, his frustrated or angry moments would be with Dean...

  Jim was proud of his body, as he was working out three to four times a week without any professional help, and taking perfect care of his skin and hair. He was also a very demanding lover. Dean was not the type to kiss and tell. He didn’t complain, either, so his relationship with Jim was deep and solid, according to everyone they knew.

  Dory was surprised then to get a call from Dean, on a Friday at noon – a call that sounded like a cry for help. She met him at his place for the second time without Jim being there. Dean looked tired. Fresh out, actually. But he looked so sad you almost forgot how tired he looked and was. Dory was afraid they had a fight – for whatever reason, if any... But it was not the case. After a few polite words, Dean  told Dory he simply couldn’t handle it anymore, and he was going to leave Jim.

“I don’t understand, Dean. You’ve been together and exclusive for almost a year...”
“Yes. Oh, yes. I guess... I’ve done everything I could. I know you have done more than your share, too. I guess that’s the reason why I’m telling you this before I tell him.”
“You haven’t told him yet ?...”

“No... But I will. Don’t worry.”

“You’re the one worried here, Dean. What happened ?”

“Jim happened. Then... I don’t know... It was like heaven, and now it’s slowly turning into Hell. And I can’t take it anymore. If I don’t end this now, it will be harder for both of us. I’ve thought about it...”

  Dean wasn’t crying, but tears were rolling on his cheeks. Dory was appalled by this. She had witnessed some violent lover’s fights and been involved in a few break-ups, for both straight and gay couples she knew. She felt different, somehow, looking at Dean.

“I know Jim is not easy, but... Are you really sure about this ?”

“If Jim was here, I would only have to look at him and say no. But... yes, I’m sure.”

“You really didn’t have an argument with him ?”

“No. We’ve never had any kind of argument, really. The more I think about us, where this is going, I know – I don’t just think... I know – I’m not the right guy for him.”

“How is that possible ?”

“I don’t know how to tell you... I guess... I don’t give him what he truly needs ? Please, don’t ask me any more. I’ll make it easier for you. And for Jim too, I hope. I’m going to leave town, go back to my home place. I hope I will have the strength to tell Jim before... I’m not sure I can. I guess it’s also why I needed to tell you first. You must be thinking I’m a coward, but you’re the only person I can talk to about this, too. I’m sorry...”

  Dean was gone, and his cell phone wouldn’t work anymore. Dory was truly sorry for him. She was also more worried than ever about Jim. But she waited for him to call and tell her. Strangely enough, he was showing signs of a better behaviour, and didn’t talk to her except about work. This was new. Then he told her to cancel all his appointments for photo sessions or anything for the next month. That was just like him, but he sounded so happy over the phone, like Dean and he were going on a trip together, Dory knew he was in trouble...

  She knew better than to believe Jim, anyway. She only had doubts. After telling her husband about Jim’s case, she even called a few friends for some advice. Finally, she found a new contract for Jim that was just what he needed right now. Dean’s last words about his ex-boyfriend were still in her mind. She took a deep breath and called Jim. He was there, and didn’t seem to mind working again. In fact, he accepted the job immediately, came to her office looking at his best, and signed the contract without looking at it, as he had taken on that bad habit after a year or two, counting too much on her for that kind of boring red tape and signature stuff...

  Jim was supposed to do two sessions, complete with pics and movies. He showed up early for his first one, looking truly dashing with a haircut that made you want to run your hand through it and kiss him. Catching everyone’s attention didn’t seem to hurt, either. He looked comfortable, and in the perfect mood for a day long session.

  The director’s small talk was a little unusual, however. Jim answered his questions without raising further questions, and he didn’t seem to mind. He was still taken off by them, sometimes. The production people were a little annoying too. More than Jim cared to answer their own questions. Why yes, he was taking good care of his body – like they couldn’t tell... He worked out four times a week, now. Mostly free weights... With no less than forty minutes of cardio exercices before and after. The usual. He didn’t think it was a lot... He was not going to tell them what body lotion he used in the spa. A half-hour was enough after his workout. He liked to go swimming. No professional help on the side. Jim didn’t think he needed help, anyway... Yes, he was fairly active. So, you could guess he had a good appetite. Of course, Jim liked to eat. The usual... He had no particular preference. No, he wasn’t on a diet, right now...

  There were more questions from the producers about Jim’s eating habits – in spite of his total lack of interest for that matter. After a while, he started to show signs of impatience and irritability. He had been standing in front of them for the whole morning, wearing nothing but a pair of boxer shorts or a speedo. If it wasn’t clear to them that he was in perfect shape, they could throw away their glasses as well!

  Fortunately, Dory was there too. After Jim was sick and tired with more questions related to pizza toppings and sandwiches, she invited the producers to follow her in her office, so they could discuss the more important aspects of the ad. Jim was still nervous. The director was setting the place for his next shots, where Jim had to stand on a scale.

“How much do you weigh, Jim ?”

“I don’t know for sure, but I guess this is for me to stand up on, so we will know.”

“This is a movie scale, Jim. It’s big and all, but not exactly precise. Seriously, you don’t know how much you weigh ?”

“Never cared much about it, to be honest.”

“Huh... Okay, that’s good. But you should know.”

“Do you even have a point about it ?...”

“Well, of course... It’s about time we mentioned it, by the way. Someone get us a scale over here, people!”

“I don’t get these guys...” Jim mumbled to himself.

  The director had asked for a real, digital scale. Jim stood on it and was found to weigh a solid 170lbs. He was truly pissed at everyone right now: The crew and coffee people were having bets about his weight, as he was waiting for that scale, and laughing behind his back. Jim contained himself and his first photo session was over, after what felt like the longest afternoon ever, surrounded by the worst kind of jerks.

“I think we’re done, Jim. See you in a month ?”

“In a month ?”

“Yes, after you’ve put on weight.”

  Jim didn’t even react to that last line – he hit the assistant director in the face, punching him down flat on the floor. Leaving the piece of shit there, he took his clothes back and came rushing into Dory’s office.

“Who the fuck are these guys ?!!!”

“Did you really hit the first assistant director ?... I heard you broke his nose.”

“Serves him right! He’s been on my nerves all day! Who hires these dorks, anyway ? I don’t get it! Who are they working for ?”

“Sit down, Jim... Please.”

  Dory waited for Jim to put his clothes fully back on. Then she waited for Jim to sit down. She had that worried look on her face.

“So... What’s the problem ?”

“Problem is this guy is probably going to sue...”

“I meant the commercial, Dory! What’s this ad campaign, by the way ? Why did they keep asking me about what I eat ? how often ? how much ? – how stupid is that ?”

  Dory let him go on for a while. She kept her voice down and cool.

“The commercial you’ve just been signed on is for Healthyline, Jim. It’s a new product they want to see running by the end of Summer. I guess you know it’s a very important contract.”
“You’re telling me...”

“Maybe you should have read the contract, Jim.”

“Like I ever did. Who cares ?”

“I do. And in a minute, you will. You think this session was a little out of the ordinary ? Well, it was! These people don’t make deals like that, with guys so irresponsible as you are. You’ve been off the hook for two months straight, and this session today is exactly two months worth of your regular pay, with the exact same paycheck in a month.”

“Wow! Really ?...”

“Your check’s already in the mail.”

“Sorry... I had no idea. I guess it’s been hard for you to put me up front again, after... after two months of absence.”

“Not so hard, but I had to answer to some more unusual offers for you.”

“But... why did that jerk tell me in a month, after I’ve put on weight ?”

“Because you’re supposed to put on weight. It’s mandatory.”

“What ?!”

“Your contract says so, here. They take pictures and a few video clips of you today, then they will take a second group of pics and videos after thirty days, leaving you that time to put on weight. They want to take ‘before’ and ‘after’ shots of your body to endorse their new line of slimming products.”

“And so, they’re shooting the ‘before’ shots after the ‘after’ ones ? That’s crap! What kind of advertising is that ?!”

“The contract also specifies that they will help you lose the extra weight after your second photo session, using their products. But they need their ad on the air pretty soon. If it took too long for you to get back into shape, they would use these first pics as a back-up. It makes sense, really. Everything has been carefully planned, and you’ve already been paid, Jim. Big money, as a matter of fact. You can’t leave them behind now.”

  Jim wasn’t listening. Dory was used to watching him making a scene like that, but he was beyond himself, now.

“No wonder it was paid so much! Is that what they meant, ‘after I’ve put on weight’ ? The prop guys were making fun of me, saying I looked like I already weighed 190lbs. But it would be physically impossible to gain and lose 20 pounds in just a month! I knew their was something wrong with them! I can’t do it, I just can’t...”

“Wait a second, Jim. You will only have to gain weight for a month. You can lose it after you’re done with the pics.”

“Still...”
“And just so you know, your contract actually requires a minimum weight gain of 30 lbs. It also says here that your extra weight has to be mostly fat, and preferably all fat. Of course, they don’t want to talk numbers: their clients need to see a noticeable difference in your body, one you can tell and sell on pics or in a movie.”

“Thirty pounds in a month ?!!! I don’t think it can be done.”

“Come on, Jim. I know you’re always ready for a challenge.”

“You call this a challenge ? It’s madness! Besides, I just found out that I’ve lost a little weight, recently... I used to be 175lbs, as far as I remember, and their scale only recorded my weight at 170 lbs. I’m not in the right mood for big meals, anyway...”

“You have to set yourself in the mood for it, Jim: this is a very serious campaign. I can’t tell our client that you’re having second thoughts about their contract or product. These guys you call jerks know more about this business than you ever will. They have power, influence and relations with people who have already heard enough of you, too! Think about it...”

“I just did. I won’t do it.”

  Jim’s mind ran pretty fast, but with little result. Deep down, he knew it was a serious problem and Dory was right – or she wouldn’t insist about it so much. She knew him, and he knew her. She was looking at him, merely a shadow of the hunk who had shown this morning. He looked back at her.

“So... At least, you’ve read the contract. There’s no loophole in it ?”

“Loophole? I don’t think so.”

“Really ?...”

“Why would there be a loophole, in the first place ? I told you. This is serious stuff. You can’t turn your back on that contract, and I won’t put my ass on the line to cover for your misbehaviour again. You’re tired from your day, and I’m tired too. So... Why don’t you just take a break ? Ask Dean to take a few days off and spend the week-end in my condo together ? I’ll give you the keys tomorrow. I’m sure he understands what you have to do, and he will help you with it.”

“Dean and I just broke up...”

  It was the first time Jim said it out loud, or told anyone about it. Dory didn’t know what to say. This was a bigger deal than any commercial, of course. But her surprise wasn’t fake, either. She had been wondering if Dean had been honest to Jim and broken up with him for good...

“I’m sorry, honey... I understand you’ve been under a lot of pressure, lately... But... you don’t have to feel so down. I didn’t say I wouldn’t help you.”

“That’s exactly what you said, Dory.”

“I meant to say that I couldn’t get you out of a deal you signed on, but I’m not letting you down... And you’re going to make it, anyway. You’ll see... In the end, you always get to shine. But you need help now, obviously. And me ? I’m here to help you. As a matter of fact, I think I know someone who could really help you.”

“Help me ? How ? I’m not in the mood for dating, yet...”

“Please, I’m not talking about you dating someone else. I’m talking about your weight.”

“Oh, that ? Yes... It’s not enough that I’m single again, now I have to put on weight too.”

“Don’t be so gloomy, Jim. See ? I was right about you needing help. I had no idea you needed it that bad, but this is quite fortunate. You will see Sean is a very positive person.”
“Who’s Sean ?”

“He’s a good friend of mine, and just the guy you want to meet right now. Not just for moral support – which he will provide anyway... but for physical, material support. If you’re okay about it, I will call him.”

“Sounds... good. So this guy’s a cook ?”

“Not professionaly. But he’s a good cook. You could say he’s a... nutritionnist.”

“A nutritionnist ? Of course...”

  Suddenly, Jim saw a light at the end of that tunnel: there was no better choice than to ask for the help and expertise of a nutritionnist, in his case. Once again, Dory had her way with any hard situation, and she handled it brilliantly. Jim wanted to know exactly what she had in mind. He was a lot more opened to her suggestions now.

“Sean recently told me he was going to spend Summer at his house. It’s a rather remote place, in the hills. Very quiet too, so you can relax and put some distance between you and your work, your appartment, everything... It would be a good change of pace, really. My husband and I were invited, at first, but we have family obligations. I haven’t told him yet, so it would cushion the blow if I tell him you will be there in our place. He’s not the lonely kind of guy...”

“It would be great for me, but still... I don’t want to bother him with more work during his vacations.”

“Don’t worry, I’m sure he will be eager to help you out. I will explain it to him, anyway.”

“When were you supposed to join him there ?”

“This week-end. He’s already there, opening the house and making room for us. What do you say I call him now, and we see if he likes the idea ?”

  Jim was all for it. Dory called Sean. He listened to her and asked to talk to Jim. They exchanged a few words. Sean made a good first impression on Jim. He had a nice, low, somewhat soothing voice, and he sounded concerned about Jim’s current problem. Jim appreciated that he didn’t mention it, really, or anything related to weight gain, during their short conversation. It was like a polite invitation to come to his place and enjoy himself, like Jim was already a good friend of his.

■

  After everything was settled, Dory lost no time. Jim packed on a few clothes fast, took a night flight and was welcomed early in the morning at the airport by a tall man wearing loose clothes that did little justice to his body. Jim could tell that this guy worked out on a regular basis. He was in his early thirties, his dark hair cut a little too short for Jim’s taste, but focusing his attention on his eyes. They were the deep mahogany kind, soulful and sparkling.

  Sean introduced himself and helped Jim with his bags. He was walking quite fast, with an elegant spring in his steps that made Jim think Sean had to be a good dancer, too. There was a five miles drive from the local airport to his place. They could talk about each other and get more aquainted, before Sean would show Jim around the house.

“So, Jim ? Dory’s told me you’ve never been around here before ?”

“No, I’m... much more of a city boy, I guess.”

“I hope you will enjoy your stay... Do you like swimming ?”

“Swim ? Yes, I... I like to swim, but...”

“I have a large pool next to the house. You’ll see. On these long, hot summer days, it’s the best thing I know to work out your body, and ease you down at the same time.”
“That’s what I like about swimming pools, too... Oh, crap! I forgot to bring my bathing suit...”
“We can go buy you one, if you want. I know a place nearby. I like to go naked and tan by the pool, myself. There’s no neighbour around, anyway.”

“So... How about Dory and her husband ?”

  Sean laughed. Of course they would all go nude. Jim blushed, because he had never thought about Dory that way. She was always so serious and all about work to be done. He didn’t know she had it in her. He was also surprised to find out he didn’t have it in him so much. This was due to his recent breakup, maybe, but he was rather defensive. Sean had not said anything yet, so Jim said it was no problem for him.

“I’ve always wanted to do that, but...”

“I understand you never had an occasion, where you live. I’m sorry, I should have asked you first. If you’re uncomfortable about something, just tell me. You’re here to enjoy yourself...”

  Jim felt better already. Dory wasn’t kidding about Sean being a nice, open-minded guy – and it was a good thing that he had stepped on his own, moral line. He repeated Sean’s last words to himself: “That’s right. I’m here to enjoy myself...”

  Then he thought about it. He wasn’t going to spend a month with Sean to enjoy himself. He was there for a very specific and unusual purpose... Sean was now suggesting that they could go hiking. He had been all about physical activities. It was nice of him to avoid the very subject Jim didn’t want to discuss, but they would get to it eventually. So, Jim thought he would make a point if he asked Sean about it frankly and at once.

“Yes... I think we would have a great time hiking in the mountains, except... I don’t want to sound rude, but I’ve only come to see you so you can help me put on weight. I mean, that’s the... main... reason ?”

“Of course, Jim... Of course. You have questions about it ?”

“Huh... Do I ? Not really... Dory has told me I could trust you. And I trust her, so I... trust you...”

“Don’t sweat it, Jim. I understand you’re nervous about it. And you have every reason to be, since you’ve found yourself facing such a challenge. But you have no reason to be afraid. You’re in good hands, really. I know you’re on board, and I know I can help you make it.”

“I’m not sure Dory has told you everything. I have to gain thirty pounds in less than a month. Have you done anything like that before ?”

“Dory’s read your contract to me over the phone, and I asked her to fax it to me. I have thought about it too. It’s not the easiest thing, but I have helped guys gain thirty pounds in about a month. I’ve helped guys put on much more than thirty pouns, in fact. But I’m sure you know guys in your profession who have done it no problem.”

“Huh... not really. Until now, I had no idea you could even ask a model to put on weight... Because they mean fat weight. Not muscle, you know. They want to see belly and love handles!”

“Of course, and probably ass cheeks too! It might be a little unusual for male models, if you say so, but it’s very common for actors.”

“Wait a minute... Actors ?”

“Yes. And when they have to put on some mass for a part in a movie, like Russel Crowe did for Revelations and Gladiator, or Tom Hanks for Cast away, or Brad Pitt for Snatch, they ask for a special nutritionist’s services, most of the time. That’s the kind of services I provide... among other things.”

“Really ? Dory didn’t tell me you had experience like that...”

“I could tell you more about it, and the whole business behind it, but you will find out soon enough. Besides, what’s most important to me is that you enjoy yourself as I will take care of you for a month.”

“You’re very kind, Sean, but how am I going to enjoy myself ?... The way I’ve been thinking about it, all I have to do is to eat more, right ?”

“And how far have you gotten, using that method ? Not very, I guess.”

“Yes... You’re right.”

“First step, and quite an important one, is to put yourself in the right mood. Look around you, Jim: Peace and silence, warm sun and fresh air, trees and clouds, good food... Are you telling me the food won’t taste better to you, after you’ve been under that sun, taken a few good breaths and gone for a walk in the woods ?”

“That’s a good point.”

“Second step – I’m sorry to be blunt about it, but it’s to find ways to make you hungry. Ravenously hungry... And hungry all the time, if possible. Then, all I will have to do is to surround you with food.”

“That would be okay – I guess... But if I spend all day swimming, hiking or whatever, chances are I’m going to lose weight or gain muscle instead of getting fat. We only have one month...”

“I know. As a matter of fact, I will ask you to be so lazy as you can. I suspect you have a fast metabolism, and you look like you’ve missed a few nights sleep... So I won’t be too hard on you with your diet, on your first days. You have to rest, first. But there are other ways to make you hungry, you know.”

“Like what ?”

“Like using psychological factors, for instance. Want to try something out ? Close your eyes.”
“...Come again ?”

“Don’t worry, Jim. I’m the one driving here. Come on, close your eyes... Good. Listen to the distant sound of the road... Listen to the wind in the trees... Listen only to my voice, now... Think about this... Think and focus... Think about a white box... It’s an empty box... Do you see it in your mind ?...”

“...Yes.”
“Open the box... Slowly... Now, don’t open your eyes, and look at what’s inside the box... It’s not empty any more – there’s food in the box – just for you – ready to be eaten – what kind of food ?”

“Apple pie...”

“It’s just changed – quick – what kind of food for you, now ?”

“Pizza...” “Again – what is it now ?”

“Lasagna...”
“Again – faster – what now ?”

“Fried chicken and French fries.”

“Again – more! – what is it ?”

“Cheese... Cheeseburger.”

“Good – again!”

“Cheesecake.”
“More!”

“Chocolate cake.”

“Again, Jim! It’s all for you!”

“Huh... Chocolate mousse ?”

“Excellent! Open your eyes, Jim... You did very well.”

  Jim opened his eyes. The harsh light of day hit him through the shady branches, going fast next to him, as they were approaching Sean’s place. Jim was sweating, and he felt somewhat numb. Sean was smiling and looking at the road.

“Wow! That was... How did you do that ?”

“I didn’t do anything, really. But you did better than I thought. I’m starting to think I will have no problem with you... and you should have a terrific time here too, Jim.”

  Sean looked at him and smiled. Jim smiled back – he had a hunch that Sean didn’t make idle promises: He was going to have a terrific time with him!