The Effectiveness Of Tea

The Effectiveness Of Tea

Mr. Gemmy was dusting his shop as he did every morning. As jeweler to the fairy royal family, he was determined to be prepared in case they stopped by unexpectedly. He was just about to take a break for a restorative cup of his special mushroom tea, when he heard the bell above his door jangle.

“I’ll be right with you,” he said pleasantly. Then he looked up. A scaly arm with claws attached was poked through the door. One claw was making the bell ring.

“Give me all your jewelry, now,” roared a dragonish voice.

“Drogone! What are you doing here? You cleaned out my store already!” The arm and claws began scratching as if trying to find purchase to enter the shop.

“You promised you wouldn’t come back! You’ll never fit inside the size you are!”

There was a hiss like escaping steam, the clawed arm shrank and then a small dragon stepped through the door.

“Please Gemmy, I simply must hoard! I can’t help myself! It is a sickness, but I’m hooked and there is no cure!” the dragon pleaded in a desperate, small voice.

“Tea?” Mr. Gemmy offered suddenly.

The dragon licked its lips and stared at the steaming pot. Upon seeing another clean cup, not to mention cucumber sandwiches and cream scones, he took the empty seat at the tea table.

“Excellent tea!” commented Drogone after he’d emptied the pot and the plates. In seconds, Drogone was asleep and snoring.

Mr. Gemmy dragged the sleeping reptile outside. Then he set a large sack of his special tea next to him with a note:

“When next you feel the hoarding urge, brew a cup and it will pass. Come back when you need more.”

Then he scurried inside to resume his cleaning.