"Sure," I forced out, "I'd love some Broccoli Tea."

"Of course you do, Teacup." With a wink, Carlotta patted my hand with the fly swatter. "Carlitta!" she shouted at the top of her lungs. "Get a move on!"

A twin version of Carlotta twirled out from the back of the store. The colorful ribbons in her long, wiry hair fluttered around the black mug she cupped in her hands. A sickly green steam curled from it, but instead of evaporating like regular old steam, it stained the air ...