Tea for Two

By Matthew Shepherd

The damask cloth floated onto the mahogany table and Arnold straightened it meticulously. He polished the cutlery for a final time and set into position the stand of cakes and quartered sandwiches before withdrawing to boil the kettle. On his return, he made a final check, eased onto his seat, and poured from the pot.

Preparation completed, his eyelids fell and Marie shimmered into view. The ruffle of a white dress hung below the heels of her downward pointed feet. She hovered above the waxed floor, swaying in a provocative dance.

Savouring the memory, Arnold sipped from the cup and smiled.