Ben is sat on a park bench next to the duck pond enjoying a sandwich on a warm, sunny day. The park is full of families and people enjoying the warmth of the early afternoon. He looks across to the bench next to him and sees the cold expression of a woman in her mid twenties, just staring at the water. It's as if the lights are on but no one is home.

What no else knows, Ben can read right into their minds. He doesn't use this power much. He doesn't know where it comes from or why he has it. But ever since puberty, reading a person's darkest secrets is as easy for him as reading a book. Some of the secrets have been truly horrifying and have left him trembling in fear. But he has learned to manage it now and only uses it occasionally, lest it become too addicting - and too traumatising. He can also subtly influence them just by thinking about it. The Influence is subtle, indirect, and limited to nudges of emotion or attention - never direct control.

He looks at the woman and thinks “Tell me your biggest secret.” He mentally prepares himself for what might be revealed behind her vacant stare.

Ben is sat on a bench in the local shopping mall of the small town where he lives. Everyone is just going about their day getting on with their busy lives, unaware that the kindly looking man watching them can read right into their minds. He doesn't use this power much. He doesn't know where it comes from or why he has it. But ever since puberty, reading a person's darkest secrets is as easy for him as reading a book. Some of the secrets have been truly horrifying and have left him trembling in fear. But he has learned to manage it now and only uses it occasionally, lest it become too addicting - and too traumatising. He can also subtly influence them just by thinking about it. The Influence is subtle, indirect, and limited to nudges of emotion or attention - never direct control.

He looks up as mall cop walks past him. He is heavy set and has a bit of a mean look about him. He stares at the back of his head and thinks “Tell me your biggest secret.” He's almost too afraid to find out.

Ben is sat on a bench in the local shopping mall of the small town where he lives. Everyone is just going about their day getting on with their busy lives, unaware that the kindly looking man watching them can read right into their minds. He doesn't use this power much. He doesn't know where it comes from or why he has it. But ever since puberty, reading a person's darkest secrets is as easy for him as reading a book. Some of the secrets have been truly horrifying and have left him trembling in fear. But he has learned to manage it now and only uses it occasionally, lest it become too addicting - and too traumatising. He can also subtly influence them just by thinking about it. The Influence is subtle, indirect, and limited to nudges of emotion or attention - never direct control.

He looks up as an elderly gentleman walks out of a nearby store. His eyes appear dark and a faint smell of antiseptic follows him. Ben closes his eyes and thinks “Tell me your biggest secret” and holds his breath as he awaits for the vision to appear in his mind.