A Strange Tea
STORYLINE 📖 🔥 🚌
"Where am I?" You wonder, coming out of a deep slumber that could only be described as a euphoric comatose.
Reaching around the blankets for your Zippo lighter, you recall:
"What a magical dream that was"
*flick, flick, flick
A flame ignites, revealing that what occurred that night was no dream at all.
12 hours earlier...
In the midst of life's relentless hustle, you longed for a moment of peace, a chance to immerse yourself in nature's soothing embrace. Drawn by the allure of a forest renowned for its calming rain and serene atmosphere, you set out in search of tranquility. The moment is here, the time is now. Your presence had never been so intense, as if you could feel every inch of your body at once, every sounds, every subtle gust of wind.
As you ventured into the forest, the canopy of trees parted ways to reveal a sky heavy with clouds, promising the gentle symphony of rainfall. The first drops began to fall, each one a melody, creating a harmonious blend of sounds that resonated with your weary soul. The forest transformed under the rain, its leaves whispering secrets of old, the air filled with the earthy scent of petrichor.
However, as night approached, the forest's paths became indecipherable, and you found yourself wandering aimlessly, lost in the vast wilderness. Just as anxiety began to creep in, a soft light glowed in the distance, guiding you to an unexpected sanctuary.
“What’s that?” you wonder to yourself.
As you pace cautiously nearer, you make out the distinct shape of a quaint, vintage van parked beneath an ancient oak tree.
“What’s that?” you wonder to yourself.
As you pace cautiously nearer, you make out the distinct shape of a quaint, vintage van parked beneath an ancient oak tree.
As you carefully approach the van, staying discreet as to not disturb anyone; to your surprise the van's door opened.
“Come inside, it’s not safe out there” a gentle voice beckoned.
You approach the van without a second thought, and a young woman reaches out her hand to pull you in. You dry your eyes to reveal a warm, inviting interior, lit by candles and filled with the soothing sounds of rain tapping on the roof. Inside the young woman, whose presence exuded a calm and comforting energy.
“I’m Ava” she said. “Who are you?” she added.
“I was just out for the evening, looking for….”
“Oh nevermind what you were doing. You must be freezing. Take this and dry off” she says handing you a towel.
As the rain intensified, Ava put on a kettle. The van was considerably spacious yet small at the same time.
“What are you doing here?” you ask.
“Same as everyone, trying to find myself, I guess…” she answered confidently.
“Do you, live here?” you ask
“Something like that” she replied.
“I don’t really stay in one place.” She added
While losing yourself in the relaxing atmosphere, Ava poured a cup of tea and handed it to you. The drink wasn’t too hot, just right. In fact, it was magical in flavour, unlike anything you have had before.
Ava poured a cup of tea and handed it to you. The drink wasn’t too hot, just right. In fact, it was magical in flavour, unlike anything you have had before.
"What is this?" you asked.
"It's my own special blend" she responded with a grin.
“Aren’t you going to have some?” you ask
“Maybe later. Drink up, you’ll feel better” she advocated.
The tea went down quickly and easily. The warmth going straight to your bones.
You felt your body relax deeper as the minutes rolled on. Minutes? Seconds? it was getting hard to tell.
Your vision grew soft as you continued falling into a euphoric relaxation. Almost otherworldly.
And then, darkness.
A cloud fell over you like a warm shot of morphine as your sense of self shifted from reality into a dream.
"Where am I?" You wonder, coming out of a deep slumber that could only be described as a euphoric comatose.
Reaching around the blankets for your Zippo lighter, you recall:
"What a magical dream that was"
*flick, flick, flick
A flame ignites, revealing that what occurred that night was no dream at all.
Ava stared mystically into your eyes, as if peering into your soul. This brought only comfort, and a warm tingling sensation floods your body once again.
You now feel only the warm embrace of a soft, coral blanket against your skin.
“Shh” said the young, radiant woman, pressing her finger to your lips.
This time, you taste the same flavour of that strange tea… But it’s stronger than the last time.
Mere moments pass before once again euphoria overtakes you.
“Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn't go away.”
~ Philip K. Dick