Hysteria

Alice scans the alleyway. The area she picked to meet the reporter was in a decent neighborhood, but it was late, and the criminal element was high in this city.

“Miss? Er, Hysteria? I’m ready for you.”

Alice nods at Jonathan Smart, the Star’s top reporter. Finally. Apparently, perfect lighting doesn’t exist in alleyways. Who knew! She snorts as she moves to stand against the graffiti splattered brick wall as he focuses his camera phone on her.

“I know you’re busy, so let's get right to it! Love the black cowl and leather jumpsuit. Very mysterious. Do you find this look helps with intimidation tactics?”

“The criminals I round up aren’t usually in a great state of mind to comment on my appearance.”

“Ah, yes. Your powers. Can you elaborate on your capabilities and their origins?

And give away all my secrets? Not likely.

She’d always been sensitive to the chaos of life. The stress her parents felt when they'd miss a bill payment, or the neighbor's anxiety over their lost cat. She’d absorbed these feelings until one day she reached her breaking point. The subsequent ‘blast’ of power freed her, but nearly crippled those nearby.

She’d trained hard to control them. Now, a mere thought from her could send someone into a mild mental fog or a nearly catatonic state… even death. But he didn't need to know that.

“Like most mutants, they came on suddenly. My mental abilities disorient suspects, making it easy to subdue them until the cops arrive.”

“What about Bud Meyers? My sources say he’s still ‘disorientated’ even after five years.”

Crap. Should have known he’d find that out. Gun shots in the distance save her from answering.

“Sorry! Seems we’ll have to continue this another time. Duty calls."