Bloom

33: The Uninvited Guest

"But I'm sure he will turn up!" Pepper smiles. "The room is filled with probably all of the death deities that exist in this world!"

Tulip blinks. They have to be optimistic, too. So they nod with a slight smile. But deep down, a paranoia festers the wounds in their mind: There's no way. He has to be tiptoeing around the mouse traps. Pepper trots up beside them.

"Do you need any help?"

Tulip flinches. They look down at their hands, which struggle to tie a sachet. They want to swallow the shame. Pepper grabs a spare one from below.

"Here," they say. "Watch what I do."

Pepper starts with the string held out flat on their palm. They then wrap it around the opening of the sachet and tie it tight. Tulip imitates the movements. The knot ties tight, but starts to loosen.

"Don't worry," Pepper says, "it's supposed to be a bit loose. That's why you take the extra string and tie the other side."

With every bit of instruction, Tulip watches and follows. Eventually the sachet is wrapped up tight enough for its contents to not fall out. Tulip puffs out a confident smile. Pepper walks over to the cauldron. Upon looking back at Tulip, they start to giggle, then tap their own cheek.

"You have some lemongrass there."

All the confidence flushes away to an embarrassed expression. Their fingers follow to where Pepper points and pats off the bit of lemongrass. As soon as they see Pepper smile and laugh, though, the smile returns. They watch as the giggling teamaker stirs the water in the cauldron.

"I haven't really... taught anyone how to make tea."

Tulip's stares at them. Pepper's smile widens to a giddy grin as they turn to face them.

"So, thank you for letting me teach you."

A warm flush rises from their neck to their cheeks. It causes them to look away, and as they do, they notice their hands have changed colour. Pink blotches, the same as when they were sick from a while back. What's strange to them is they don't itch. No pain. Then the pink fades back to their original skin colour. Tulip blinks.

"Something wrong?"

They turn to see Pepper peered over.

"Oh..." it almost caught them by surprise. They make an excuse. "I dropped some rosemary."

Pepper's gaze shifts to the floor. "No worries," they beam. "We'll clean it up later!"

Tulip nods, feeling a bit relieved that the blotchiness on their hands only lasted for a few seconds. However, there is still a lingering gut feeling that twists a knot in their stomach. It feels like this day turned out well. Perhaps too well...

----------

"Last one!"

Pepper proudly lifts up the final platter of tea above their head. Tulip raises their arms protectively with worried eyes, to which Pepper opens theirs and realizes what they're doing.

"Oh, right!" They lower the platter to their chest. Then they turn their head to Tulip. "Do you want to deliver it?"

Tulip swallows and rubs the top of their hand. They stare at the steaming tea.

"Um..."

Suddenly, Mortelline enters the room with arms stretched out and brimming ruby lips.

"Is Tulip present?" She asks.

Tulip meets her eyes. Did she say my name? They've never seen her look this happy since the time she lectured them on the meaning of death. Tentatively they raise their hand with a nod.