“So, what is it?” Jahna cringed looking at the soup that had been served.

Her partner for the night, Kal, sat across from her, and a grin bloomed that showed the deep dimples in his cheeks.

“It’s uh,” he tilted his head as he spoke, floppy braids tilting with him, “it’s Cthulhu tenties…” Kal stopped short at the sight of Jahna staring down the bowl. He could see she was horrified, disgusted, and intrigued all at once. And as the silence continued for another moment, Kal saw that she couldn’t take her eyes off it.

“So, because Cthulhu is undying, we roast it in the eternal flames of the 19th official Hell for millennia. The stew base is a blend: two parts the endless oblivion, one part the very waters of the infinite in which Cthulhu dwells, and a squeeze of squid ink… Jahna, are you okay?”

Jahna was fiercely focused on the bowl, drooling. Her eyes darted up at him and quickly back to the stew.

“Yeah, I’m good. Keep going, keep going.”

Kal couldn’t help but point out the spittle on her chin.

“You’re dro—“

Jahna cut him off and wiped her drool shamelessly.

“Yeah, yeah. Go on.”

Kal chuckled and continued.

“The hellroasted Cthulhu tenties and the stew base go in a witch’s cauldron and over a low dragon flame. We add fresh garden tomatoes and onions, and stir until a mortal born the moment you started stirring dies from old age. We top with a peppering of stardust and unicorn horn shavings, add lime to taste.” Kal giggled.

“Are unicorn horn shavings edible?” Jahna questioned, her eyes still locked on the bowl, her spoon held like a weapon.

“Oh yes,” Kal quipped back, “they taste like rainbows and anger!” Kal laughed, but Jahna didn’t notice. She was seconds away. Seconds.

“Can we start?” Jahna’s pupils were wide, her senses heightened.

“Yes—“ before he could finished, she already had a spoonful down her mouth, the quickest she had ever moved. “But, just make sure to finish the bowl, otherwise the infinite permutations of all perspectives of all parts of every universe you will envision will kill you. You need the whole serving to regulate and compartmentalize it. Okay? Enjoy!”

Jahna swallowed the first delicious brothy gulp, looked down, and suddenly the bowl appeared endless, like a sea of stars. She grinned from ear to ear, like a child.

The two slurped down the Cthulhu stew, shared visions of all things that have been and have yet to be, and when they were finished, Jahna wondered if there was anymore.