She crushes the crisp porcelain and gives me a present. The porcelain is crushed in the mortar between her bare feet before she pours it into water. What’s it all about? I’ve never experienced anything quite like this before and still it feels familiar and safe, as if Mother Earth is calling me through all her mediums and I feel completely at ease – more than ever since childhood. A feeling of peace of mind and body settles in and I get a sensation of happiness that I’ve been missing.

The sand in the hourglass is running out and she blows out the candle. I get up and walk out. The taste of cardamom lingers on the tongue.