[ WP ] With the appearance of magical artifacts hidden throughout the world that grant the bearer a unique superpower , all governments have devolved into chaos , devoting all resources to finding or recreating them first . You stumble upon one by accident .

Paul awoke to the smell of brewing coffee, the taste of hangover lingering in his mouth. He was naked on top of a strange mattress. The sheets and comforter were in disarray on the floor, flung aside in passion. Her scent and the scent of their lovemaking lingered in the sheets. He automatically checked his wrist to make sure it was still there. He breathed a sigh of relief and relished the kindness he felt from Olesia, his latest lover. 
 
 Paul had been working at a regular corporate office job for several years. He would take short nature hikes in the wooded area around his office building, during breaks or before work. The local teens had built hideouts there, improvised squat structures covered in tarps and littered with stolen empty liquor bottles. Curiosity often compelled Paul to check out what the kids had been up to in there. While investigating the newest structure – a large well-planned and secluded clubhouse – he saw a copper bracelet reflecting filtered light from the translucent tarp above. He bent and peered at the out-of-place object. 
 
 On closer inspection, he saw that the band had been engraved with strange alien symbols. As he picked it up to take a closer look, goosebumps rose on his arm. He thought idly whether it might be one of the artifacts that were rumored to exist, but dismissed the idea with a laugh. Still, he liked the look and feel of the piece, and decided it was too nice to leave in the care of young hoodlums. He slipped it on, the skin of his wrist feeling excited. 
 
 Realization only occurred once he got within earshot ( feelshot? ) of the office. He first sensed his boss wondering why he had been gone so long, and how to approach Paul about cutting his walks short. Next he heard – felt? saw? – the friendly woman in payroll picturing him in bed with her. Paul realized he could sense what people were thinking about him! Glancing at the bracelet with wonder and alarm, he realized the rumors were true! 
 
 Over the course of the next few weeks and months, he discovered how to take advantage of this, gaining promotions at work, making new friends, winning arguments, and finding women who were attracted to him. He switched locations almost every night, so did n't have to feel people thinking creepy thoughts about him. At his latest place, he saw Olesia. She was just his type: dark hair in a pageboy cut, plain face, tall and willowy, smallish bust. He sensed her attraction to him at first sight, and he eagerly pursued her. When he sensed her desire to go home with him, he didn ’ t waste any time. She might be a keeper, if last night was any indication of things to come. 
 
 Pulling a pair of boxers on, he walked blearily into the kitchen, kissing the back of Olesia ’ s neck and hugging her gently from behind; she loved it when he did that. Murmuring then tutting, she shooed him away and continued frying western omelletes for them both. They ate and flirted. After they were both done, he couldn ’ t believe she wanted to go again. He rubbed the bracelet, very grateful that he had picked it up that day in the woods, and followed Olesia back into the bedroom. 
 
 Edit: shuffling and flow.
