"The Conditioning of Linda"

Hannah had always been the quiet one. The one who smiled politely, who never raised her voice, who let people walk all over her. And Linda? Linda was the storm—loud, reckless, and cruel. She had made Hannah’s life a waking nightmare: sabotaging her career, stealing her friends, even spreading lies that left Hannah isolated and humiliated.

But Hannah had something Linda didn’t: patience. And a fascination with psychology.

It started innocently enough. Hannah invited Linda over under the guise of reconciliation. The room was softly lit, lavender-scented, and oddly serene. Linda scoffed at the setup, but stayed—curiosity always got the better of her.

Hannah spoke gently, rhythmically, her voice weaving through the air like silk. She’d studied hypnosis for months, mastering the art of suggestion. Linda laughed at first, then blinked slowly, her smirk fading into a blank stare.

That was session one.

Over the next few weeks, Linda returned—drawn by something she couldn’t explain. Each time, Hannah layered in subtle cues: a bell before a compliment, a treat after obedience, a soft pat on the head when Linda responded with docility. Pavlov would’ve been proud.

Soon, Linda began to change. She wore pastel colors. She giggled. She followed Hannah around, eyes wide and eager. The bell became her cue to sit, to smile, to obey. Hannah didn’t need to raise her voice—just a chime, and Linda was hers.

By the end of the month, Linda had stopped speaking in full sentences. She nuzzled Hannah’s hand, curled up at her feet, and wagged her metaphorical tail with pride. The woman who once tore Hannah’s world apart was now her loyal, doting puppy gal.

Hannah didn’t gloat. She simply smiled, stroked Linda’s hair, and whispered, “Good girl.”