Chai with Cardamom Steam in Thunder Bay Tea House

Pale amber liquid fills a ceramic cup resting on a weathered wooden tray. Wisps of steam rise vertically, thinning as they hit the cool north-window light. Autumn leaves in shades of rust and gold blur through the window behind the cup. A small oil lamp glows softly in the far corner, casting a warm pool of light against the shadows. The tray shows scratches and wear from years of use. Flat noon sunlight streams across the table, highlighting the texture of the wood grain and the smooth curve of the ceramic handle. One cardamom pod sits beside the cup, its green husk cracked open to reveal dark seeds.