The fourth bowl

Phil comes through as usual.

 Brings a bottle of Pepsi with a glass full of ice.

Pitcher of Bass set in the middle of the table.

Manatua gives me a stern look.

Shrug my shoulders.

"It isn't like I am driving."

Neither one seems to appreciate the humor.

Fesili,

showing a touch of initiative,

asks another question.

""Why here?"

I pretend to ignore the question.

Manatua pores herself a glass.

Phil brings in four bowls of chowder.

Each is given their own,

 and one is set before the empty seat.

"Yell if you need anything!"

I like Phil.

 He rolls with the absurd.

Manatua give me a look,

 but she picks up her spoon,

  and smiles.

Fesili hesitates.

Opens a pack of crackers,

 and takes a nibble.

Tries something new,

 and smiles.

After a few spoonfuls,

 she looks at the fourth bowl.

I smile.

"Eve?

  Are you here?"

Soup spoon stirs the chowder,

  and you hear someone taking a sniff.

Cold fingers pat my cheek,

 and I kiss her cold palm.

Manatua turns her head,

 but not before I see the hint of a tear.

Reviews

[Papaya]

love the dialogue and how you effortlessly weave in the humour and sarcasm :)

[Jon Roggie]

These ones have to be in a certain mood. Combined with a nice setting, it becomes easy.