*Tok Tok Tok*
Three successive knocks sounded from behind his bedroom door.
"Are you awake, Dalus?" asked a soft, feminine voice. Daedalus recognized his mother, who had undoubtedly come to wake him for breakfast.
"Yes, Mommy, I've just woken up," he replied, looking at the door as it slowly opened.
Aryaste entered the room. In her left hand, she held a cup filled with a green liquid. The right one ended in a stump at the forearm. She'd lost it a long time ago, ripped off by a shark. She was spearfishing that day. She was wearing a light bluish dress. Her golden hair was tied back in a ponytail. The image of Daedalus sitting on his bed was reflected in her blue eyes.
"Here! I've made you some keliba. I guess you must have caught a cold?"
"Uhhh.... Hehehe...." Daedalus scratched the back of his neck in embarrassment.
"*sigh* You should be careful playing with your friends." replied Aryaste, handing Daedalus the cup.
"Thank you. I'll be careful next time Mum!" he replied. He held out his right hand and took the cup.
Aryaste turned and headed for the door.
Just before going out she turned around.
"Oh! If you've finished, go and get me some Riola. I'll make Noral for breakfast. You tell Meysane I'll give her the money by mid-day." she said.
"Yes!" Daedalus replied. Aryaste finally left the room.
....
Daedalus raised the cup to his mouth and took a sip of the medicine.
The warm, sweet liquid poured down his throat. The taste of mint assailed his nostrils, which instantly unclogged. And a mouthful of morning air rushed into his lungs.
Daedalus exhaled through his mouth and relaxed. He almost lied back down, but in the end remained seated.
He closed his eyes for a few seconds, enjoying the refreshing sensation provided by the strong dose of mint.
He opened his eyes again, emptied the cup and placed it on the chest of drawers beside his bed. He stood up and stretched for a long moment, then exhaled with happiness.
"I'm up for the new day!" he exclaimed.
He looked around for his clothes, which he had thrown into one corner of the room the previous night.
_______________________________________________
After washing and dressing.
Daedalus descended the stairs. He entered the kitchen.
His mother was leaning over the clay hearth. She was stirring a metal pot from which a light steam was rising, perfuming the room with a scent that promised a tasty breakfast.
Hearing footsteps, Aryaste lifted her head and looked in Daedalus's direction.
"It's about time. I'm almost finished. Go and get the bread."
"All right, Mama," replied Daedalus.