I smiled like I always did, nodded like I always did, and brought the rim of the cup to my lips like I always did… but instead of swallowing, I let the liquid rest at the tip of my tongue.
Bitter.
Metallic.
Nothing like valerian.
—Drink it slowly —Daniel said, leaning against the doorframe, wearing that calm expression that lately had begun to terrify me—. It will help you.
I performed the entire act: a few fake sips, a sigh, eyelids pretending to grow heavy. Then, when he briefly glanced toward the hallway, I carefully tilted the cup and poured the tea into the dry flower pot in the corner behind the curtain.
—Good night, Dani —I whispered, pulling my voice slightly.
He smiled.
