Three Drinks, The Second

Earl: Albert, I've been thinking about it.

Albert: About what?

Earl: What you said the other day. And guess what? I agree. But I remember something. You didn't answer one of my questions.

Albert: And what would that question be?

Earl: Are you still yourself after all this? Is that cup of coffee just a reminder of the world's cruelty? Or one of the many other things that make up who you are?

Albert: Then what would you want me to answer?

Earl: Nothing much, actually. I got the answer myself.

Albert: Oh? Do say.

Earl: You were right when you said the world changes. You were right when you said we change. But when you said those, you were half wrong.

Albert: So I was correct and wrong at the same time? Go on.

Earl: I shan't touch on that for now. Instead, let me ask you a question, Albert. Try to answer even if you aren't sure if it's correct.

Albert: I'm here to listen.

Earl: If there was a drink out there that truly signified that you have matured, what would it be?

Albert: You're asking me my own question? Do I not have my own answer?

Earl: Indeed you do, and I have heard it. Now you shall hear mine.

Albert: Then what is this drink, Earl?

Earl: This simple cup of tea, Albert. I've done some thinking, and I think I have an answer to your question, but more importantly I have an answer to my question. Look at this little bag. A bunch of small little leaves in this small little bag - gives you a rather insignificant impression of it, doesn't it? Add the hot water, stir and give some time to let it stay in the boiling water - and you have this wonderful cup of tea you see before you.

Albert: And how does this answer our question?

Earl: You said that maturity was recognizing the pain in the world. The bitterness of the coffee testament to that, and the slight bit of sugar that provides it beauty contrast and complements. But what is recognizing? If we just acknowledge the change of the world towards this painful present, what is done? We change with the world and turn into mere beings among beings. Look at this bag, Albert. Just a simple ordinary teabag with little significance to the eye, perhaps even a sore. But add it in hot water and you can see it truly serve its purpose - It has not succumbed in any way, but rather the water has been changed by this small bag into a beauty drink. The water is always hot - what man shines from changing a merely lukewarm world?

Earl: All this in a little cup - and more. Tea, this international drink, has completely different tastes depending on the region, and certainly has no globalized form ready to drink in stores. Be it bitter, sweet, minty, or sour, all tea share one thing in common - they refresh. Perhaps we can only truly be ourselves when we affect the world around us instead of being affected by the world around us? Don't you think so? A far more satisfying answer than mere acknowledgment, is it now?

Albert: I may think so.

Earl: Then, would you like a sip?

Albert: I think a toast suffice.

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Meh, rush ending ftl. It wasn't my intention to write purely one story about this, but I suppose it's only evident in google reader since my blog doesn't show the title of the blogpost (Which says Three Drinks, if any hint). Might rewrite the ending.

Brythain, I hope that kinda answers your question. Thanks for your input anyway, it gave me good fundamental reasoning behind the entire conversation, but I screwed up lol. Meh >_>