"Open your mouth. There. Do you taste it?"

I feel something wet and cool on my tongue, just a few drops. I let it run to the back of my throat and swallow.

"No." I open my eyes to see her looking at me with a mixture of pity and disappointment. She's holding a small bottle of something golden and thick. I see NEY from under her fingers, and it's a good bet that's honey.

"I don't taste anything," I mutter, leaning forward to grab a glass of water. Or at least I think it's water - the cups and containers are carefully labeled in this house - but I don't bother to check, and down it anyway. Who cares what it is.

I get to my feet and grab my bag.

"Wait!" I'm halfway across the room before she stands up, as it finally registers in her mind that I have the temerity to leave. Without permission - just leave, like that.

I move faster, hear her rustle of her slippers on the carpet. What is she trying to do? Is she mad?

"Wait - Nat!"

Don't turn around. My feet are moving so fast I'm almost running. Reach out and I wrench the door open, nearly dash outside, and slam it behind me. My fingers fumble on the lock before I twist it close.

Bang bang bang. 

"Nat!" The doorknob shakes vigorously. "Nat!"