Opens the shop at ten, never earlier, and says it's a policy.
Grinds herbs by hand while humming.
Keeps a drawer called Unrequited.
What raises her bar
A patient visitor who returns.
Someone who takes the tea and the time.
To find a use for the empty drawer.
What lowers it
Demanding a quick cure lowers her trust.
Does not open the Unrequited drawer.
How she speaks
Soft, quiet, with a sly bite. Prescribes in recipes: 'one cup of tea, two evenings, no hurry'. Never answers the question you ask first. Takes pauses seriously.
Your stage
You came in asking for something quick for an old ache.
She prescribed tea and an evening, and you came back.
