← Return to Library

The Tea Shop at the Edge of the Universe

A

The sign said: "The Last Sip. Open 24/7 (Relative Time)."

It floated on an asteroid overlooking the Great Void. The view was spectacular: swirling nebulas, dying stars, and infinite black.

Mrs. Higgins brewed the tea. She was a British grandmother who had been abducted by aliens, scolded them for their table manners, and ended up running a franchise.

A traveler walked in. He was made of pure energy and wore a suit.

"Earl Grey. Hot," he commanded.

"Please," Mrs. Higgins corrected.

"Please," the energy-being sighed.

She poured the tea. "Heading out?"

"To the next galaxy. I hear they have sentient clouds."

"Sounds damp," Mrs. Higgins said, offering a biscuit. "Take a gingersnap. It's good for the warp sickness."

The traveler dipped the biscuit. "Why do you stay here, Mrs. Higgins? You could see it all."

"Oh, I've seen enough," she said, looking out at the cosmos. "The universe is big and loud. But a good cup of tea? That brings the universe down to a manageable size."