This is the reason:
Before “long day” is the definite article “the”: This makes it clear that the speaker is referring to a particular long day, most likely one that was only experienced by the speaker or within the framework of the story.
Previous to “cup of tea” is the definite article “the”: This alludes to a particular tea, possibly one that was planned or made because of the long day. It makes the sentence more precise and relatable by relating the cup of tea to the experience of the long day.
This is the reason:
Before “long day” is the definite article “the”: This makes it clear that the speaker is referring to a particular long day, most likely one that was only experienced by the speaker or within the framework of the story.
Previous to “cup of tea” is the definite article “the”: This alludes to a particular tea, possibly one that was planned or made because of the long day. It makes the sentence more precise and relatable by relating the cup of tea to the experience of the long day.