Hippie Girl responded with a smile and placed her hands on Jioni’s. She then went for the van’s center console, pulled out a teapot and cup, and poured something from the teapot into the cup. The steam rose to the top of the van, warming up the area.
Jioni stared at the cup, bemused—which caused Hippie Girl to push it closer.
“Sunshine, it’s just tea.”
“I’ve heard of it, never tried it.”
“Well, here’s your chance.”
Jioni held it. The cup was warm on her hands. She looked at the drink and then smelled it: the tea had an earthy aroma, and the steam brushed against her face. It also had leaves and dandelions in it. As Jioni sipped it, she could taste the intense, malty flavor—all this time, expecting it to taste like water. It was hot and made her body feel warm; a calm sensation took over; she smiled for the first time in the van and took a larger sip, ultimately burning her tongue—but she didn’t mind.
