The secret ingredient

‘SIT yourself down, Adam,” Maria says, putting a steaming cup on the table. “Hot chocolate. Liam and I always have one on a Friday night, while we watch television.”

I snort. “I’d rather have a coffee. Or a vodka.”

Maria laughs. “No coffee after lunch in this house – and definitely no vodka.” Then she turns away and calls for Liam. Not what I was expecting.

I take a sip. The drink is thick and sweet – delicious. The only hot chocolate I’ve ever had before was like muddy water.

Maria’s looking at me. “Good?”

I shrug. “It’s all right. Tastes different. What d’you put in it?”

She taps the side of her nose – secret.

I’m about to take another sip when a whirlwind crashes through the door straight into the table. The cup wobbles and I splash hot