Stay on course

Yanaye shouldn't have to risk reprimand simply because Sabiyya can't seem to entertain herself. Sabiyya entered the store and made a beeline for the aisle for hot beverages.

An old woman was handing out samples of teas that the store sold. She had a setup on the small table and seemed to know a thing or two about making tea beyond the obvious 'heat water, soak leaves.'

After a polite greeting, Sabiyya informed the elderly woman that she was looking to take up tea making as a hobby. She added that she would've appreciated any pointers the woman could offer.

A sweet smile split the old woman's face. "Oh, that's precious of you, sugar. Most people look to the internet for all the answers nowadays. It's nice to see that some are still willing to turn to us 'ancient ones' for information." She chuckled.

She went on to tell Sabiyya almost everything she knew about tea, including all the equipment she would need to prepare it, which Sabiyya noted on her smartphone. They had to pause now and then when the occasional shopper stopped to try a sample. Sabiyya found the old woman very pleasant to talk to.

"...and that's about all there is to making tea. Oh! There is one more thing," The elderly woman looked around to ensure that no one was eavesdropping. She beckoned the Syrian girl closer and whispered. "Probably the best thing you can do to make especially good tea, is to grow the leaves yourself. I know it triples the effort that goes into the task, but it's always better homemade, right?"

"I suppose," Sabiyya grinned, thinking of her mother's cooking.

"Anyhow, you should be all set to brew your own elixir," the lady winked. "We do sell kettles and such in this aisle if you need any."

"Thank you ma'am, you have been greatly helpful."

Sabiyya spent the next twenty minutes browsing the aisle for what she lacked at home.