When Unexpected Guests Arrive

This morning I feel like sharing one of the pieces to be in Steeped: The Vagaries and Delights of a Tea Adventurer.

Here you go:

It's a lovely sound, don't you think? That quiet tinkling of a spoon against the sides of a porcelain cup? Of course, some say making such noise during tea is a sign of poor breeding, but I don't see how such a comforting sound could possibly be called noise. Now, real noise was...well, there's really no need to discuss such unpleasantness, is there?

Surely you'll try a ginger scone? Perhaps later. Ah, do you hear that...maybe we've another visitor? My goodness, what an afternoon we're having. If you'll excuse me...

Officer Moore! What a surprise! Imagine two unexpected guests in one day! but really young man, I know your mama! Surely she didn't teach you to simply burst through one's door? Never mind, we're certainly glad to have you, aren't we? Three makes for such a festive party. Would you like a cup of tea?

Pardon me? I don't really know, Officer Moore. He hasn't yet mentioned his name. But why don't you sit right there - yes, right next to him. Just move that tea tray off to the side. It rather looks the worse for wear, doesn't it?

Oh dear, now you've gone and gotten yourself all bloody. Here, use this to clean yourself up. I'm afraid it's the only clean napkin I have left, but it is real linen. Indeed, he's quite a sight, isn't he?

It's amazing the uses one finds for a good sterling tea tray. Sugar?"

There you have it. Now, let me tell you how this came about for it was experimental for me. This piece is technically defined as a flash story and as far as flash stories go, the shorter and more intense the better. They must furnish a twist, elicit some emotion, and ideally stick with you for awhile. The classic is Hemingway's: "For Sale: Baby Shoes, Never Worn." Clearly this is a strong and well done flash story with unusually brilliant conciseness, although I doubt we'd expect anything else from Mr. H.

Ever since I wrote my first teatime comedy murder mystery, A Teatime Travesty, I've been intrigued with the possibilities of villains at tea.

And, some years ago Dawnya Sasse of Start a Tea Business sent me a news article about an elderly woman in the UK who fended off a burglar by clobbering him with her sterling silver tea tray.

Don't you love it when the stars fall into perfect alignment?

I should also mention that all the essays in Steeped are accompanied by 2-3 recipes of my own creation. As Blood Red Marmalade and Canapes to Die For seemed a little over the top, I opted instead for "Recipes for Unexpected Guests."

It's 6:30 am and there is rolling thunder outside calling to me. Aside from sharing this with you so early, I'm also in the mood to walk the beach as the sun rises so I best scoot. But, tell me what you thought. Did you like it? Did you see the twist coming? Would you call it a strong flash story?