07.28: Ayala

Bernice liked a nice coffee after and equally nice meal but tea was always her first beverage of choice. Back in her small dormitory office Bernice weighed the kettle before flicking the switch on. Her teapot was clean and empty and she spooned near black leaves into it from a caddy with oriental designs on it.
She knew that having been here a week Ayala had been introduced to the wonders of indoor plumbing, so that was one uncomfortable thing that she did not have to deal with.
She felt a little gentle pity for Ayala, she was so lost but there was an inner strength there. In time she would do well.
The kettle steamed and clicked off, Bernice decanted boiling water into the porcelain pot. As it steeped Bernice found a couple of mugs that were evidently from the same set as the pot, and placed them down.
"I always have milk in mine, I cannot abide lemon or sugar. What would you like Ayala?"