In high school, my mother was also my teacher.
Fill the kettle with water and flick the switch. Wait for it to boil.
She always singled me out and used my failures as an example.
I preempt the water's boiling point moments before the switch flicks off. I know it's warm rumble by heart.
She marked me lower than the other students. She feared being accused of favouritism.
Pour the boiling water into a large mug and watch the tendrils of steam rise.
She was just doing her job, but I was never good enough for her
I have always drunk the same tea, Dilmah Premium Ceylon Black, extra strong.
So, I worked hard to be better than my classmates to prove my worth.
Add a splash of milk and a teaspoon of honey. Stir to combine.
But every day as we walked home together, I knew I shared something with her my peers never would: the curiously gentle and furious love of a mother and daughter
Drink while hot and enjoy.