Mind bondage-2

“You can drink as much of this as you like, but you should drink at least one cup every two hours in order to stay completely awake,” Pamela explained as Mr. Mendoza stood back and sipped at his own cup.

“Now, for introductions. My name is Hector Mendoza, and I must insist that you all call me Hector,” he said as Pamela finished pouring. “I have a degree in naturopathic medicine with an emphasis in sleep studies. I have been holding these retreats for five years now, and I haven’t had to issue a refund yet,” he continued with a smile. “You all have different reasons for being here, and we will get into them tonight, but for now please just state your first names. Let’s start over here,” he pointed at the woman on the other end from me.

As the women to my right stated their names I found myself zoning out. I realized I needed to start drinking the tea, and managed to get the cup to my lips just as it was my turn to state my name. I gulped, sputtered, turned red in the face and spoke my name three times before it came out clearly.