Steep encounter

The guests were having fun when one of them asked for tea. It didn't end up as expected.

Given that we all want to unwind after five days of nine-to-fiving (or longer), nobody wants to know about mundane stuff on the weekend. So didn't my guest.

"What tea would you like?" I asked opening a tea chest full of every flavour from peppermint to lemongrass.

"Chamomile, please" The guest replied politely.

As they ripped open the sachet and pulled out the tea bag, little did they know it came with strings attached.

It was on the third dip of the bag in the hot water that I said:

"Do you know the science behind the humble tea bag?"

"Uh-huh"

"There's osmosis, of course" It was obvious to me so I of-coursed my statement, "But also diffusion."

The guest smiled and plunged the tea bag in the hot water for the thirteenth time. It made a small splash.

"Hmm." They said.

"See, there are more water molecules outside the bag than inside," I gestured, using one hand as tea bag and the other indicating the water around it, "So the water permeates through the membrane... er the tea bag until an equilibrium is reached. That is osmosis!"

"Wow." Dip number nineteen.

"Then, molecules from the tea leaves start moving out and reach every part of the hot water, basically from an area of high concentration to a lower one. That is diffusion. Who would've thought there's so much science going on, right?"

"True. Who would've thought!" My guest held a dripping tea bag over their cup and I offered a saucer to place it on.

"Thanks," They continued, "For an enlightening cup of tea."

I smiled but didn't miss the look on their face that clearly warned:

'Be glad I didn't fling the hot water at you...'