Ruby

Ruby's Nectar Tasting Station opens at 7:12am. Arrival: 7:12am. Approach: flawless. Today's flower: Turk's Cap. Ruby has been to this flower before. It does not matter. Every visit is the first visit if you are truly present for it.

The rating system is posted on the chalkboard. One sip: interesting. Two sips: significant. Three sips: transcendent. Four sips: life-changing. Five or more sips: write home to everyone. Ruby is on sip two. She has paused.

"This," she said, one wing pressed to her chest, eyes closed, "is going to be significant."

It was significant. The notes confirm this: flower — stunning, nectar — iconic, vibes — impeccable, overall — 11/10, would drama again.

Tink has pointed out that she says this every time. Ruby does not see how that is relevant. The sign on the wall says DRAMA ISN'T EXTRA. IT'S NECESSARY. Another sign says SIP SLOW. FEEL DEEP. EXAGGERATE. REPEAT. These are not jokes. These are values. Ruby offers them freely, to every flower, every morning, without reservation or apology.