John sat down beside the old horsetrack. The sound of clacking hooves had dissapeared months ago, along with the voices of people. He watched the clouds passing by at unnatural speed, churning and changing colors. Whatever it was that had brought this mysterious and sudden plight upon humanity, had a cruel ironic beauty in it. Maybe today his batch would finally show the promised effect. He stared at the jar. This must be it. The final remedy promised in the scrolls and books he had studied for so long. The sweet tea to heal them all and end this beautiful madness. He filled a cup … and drank it.