Little Nell
short story
She offered up the small white plate, encouraged by the smiling face. Must be new. Seize the day — especially now that stony-faced cow is out of earshot. “I don’t want this one, dear.”
“Excuse me?”
“I asked for the other one. I did point it out, but she ignored me. That one there. It has more almonds on top.” Nell tapped her forefinger on the glass.
“Oh, I see — just a minute.” The girl picked out the slice with a pair of tongs and put it on a new plate. Nell placed her rejected bakewell on the counter top, where it made a hollow clattering sound. “Thank you.”
“Do you want anything else?” asked the girl.
She could sense the stony-faced cow scowling at her from behind the till. “Oh yes, I nearly forgot. A pot of tea for one, please.”
Well, that had gone more smoothly than expected. Nell looked round the cafeteria. Just a little busier than usual. There was a nice space by the window — bit of a climb, but she didn’t mind — she’d be out of the way, there. She gripped the sides of the tray and made her way across the tiled floor, keeping an eye on her tea, making sure it didn’t slop.
A balding man in a grey jacket was sitting two tables away, tapping a pen on a folded newspaper. He looked sideways at her as she placed the mug and the…
