Free Your Mind 3/4 (Patreon)

The salon was huge. Morning sun blanketed its interior with a soft glow. The staff were attractive, young and all smiles. Clearly they had been briefed on her case because they treated her like royalty. The only minor hitch was that, in order to apply her coupon, she had to download the "FREE YOUR MIND" smartphone app. It was no big deal. A woman led her to a seat as she scrolled through the menus, the "FREE YOUR MIND" messaging pleasantly familiar. She relaxed into their care. Someone slipped a pair of headphones over her ears. They had video content, now. It was perfect.

The salon professionals worked diligently. They painted her toes and nails. They massaged her scalp and shampooed her hair. They dyed it brighter and styled it. Makeup was applied to her face, tastefully covering her wrinkles and highlighting her eyes. When they were done, her jaw dropped. Gone was the depressed slob. She looked young, healthy. Her reflection smiled without a care in the world. It turned her on.

Then she noticed the time. Late afternoon, hours past her appointment! How?! She started shaking. How could she be so stupid? Tears flowed from her eyes. The staff apologized copiously, they hadn't known! No, it was her own fault. She was useless! She looked at her manicured fingers, her face caked with makeup. Why had she thought this was a good idea? It was her only opportunity in three months and she had blown it away for a ridiculous makeover. She pulled at her hair and broke into loud sobs. A stylist gently touched her shoulder. He looked into her eyes and asked: "Who would you be without your negative thoughts?"

A switch was flipped inside her. Her face relaxed and all her worries melted away. The bustle of activity surrounding her went unnoticed. Large machinery was wheeled around. Voices spoke through her headphones, but she couldn't make out the words. Someone led her to a back room. Pretty lights blinked from the walls. She was strapped into a chair, a visor placed over her eyes. It was pure bliss, the next two days flew by.