One leaf is brought in a small, black box. Sweet and flavorful, it has but one purpose. They are suffering. The leaf is placed in water, the tea is made. Their suffering will be alleviated and they will sleep, painlessly, forever. They knew this when asking for the leaf. Anything was better than the pain.
@internutter/challenge-03704-j051-for-your-protection -- Anon Guest
For those who suffer the most, for those who beg for it, there is the Last Tea. It is made with one leaf, and only the truly deathless can prepare it. Only the truly deathless can handle it, and even then, it makes them ill.
The last doctor this patient needs has prepared to administer the medicine. A very small teapot full of hot water. Cloth over most of their body. And a small box with a hefty lock.
"Smells sweet," said the suffering patient.
"Yes," said the last doctor. They used a special pair of golden tweezers to place a single leaf into the teapot. The tweezers stayed in the box, sealed in with any remaining leaves. "It does smell sweet. I have been told that it tastes sweet, too."
The assistant, safely in a distant corner, turned a sand timer. It would be minutes before the end.
"And it will end my pain?"
"And everything else. I can help you hold the cup, but I cannot help you drink. That would be murder."
"I know. Thank you."
The last doctor held their patient's hand. Nobody else was allowed to be near the lethal tea. "It takes a minute to take effect after you drink it. You will feel an uplifting euphoria, and may wish to leave your bed. You will not have that strength, I am sorry. Shortly after that, you will feel sleepy. After you fall asleep, your final rest will commence. We will remain with you until your heart has stopped."
"I understand. Thank you."
The sand ran out, and the last doctor poured a single cup.
[Photo by David Mao on Unsplash]
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