The teabag plunges into the bubbling water.

The best red mug we own. Water boiled for exactly 4 and a 1/2 minutes. Strained just in case. Milk from the little carton. 1 and a 1/4 teaspoons of sugar.

The bag makes a splash and drops of water burn my fingers. The tea infuses itself, sends down swirls of the deepest brown into every part of the mug. Slowly it all becomes one - black. Like my blackened heart, or your faith. Back to the tea, I add a little white and it is now the exact same colour of your skin, and mine. Because your skin is mine, and your eyes also. Mix the sugar, let it dissolve, and fuse with the love. A liquid tea kiss, for you. Just the way you like it.

Plus a smile because you've been extra well-behaved lately.

"It's too watery. I don't want it."