The Perfect Setting

Testo:

© Grathy
It was late afternoon when the utensil drawer was pulled open. The knife yawned, and hoped that his luck had changed. He sat up and looked at the chef.

“Is the restaurant finally open again?”

The chef nodded, and moved over to the sink.

Looking to his right, he tapped the shoulder of the nearby fork.

"Darling would care like to have dinner with me tonite?” The clean-cut knife was eager, hoping his invitation wouldn’t be rejected.

“Why in fact I would,” the curvaceous fork replied, seductively stretching her long silver fingers.

“I have a special dinner in mind,” he added coyly.

“I can't wait,” she exclaimed breathlessly.

And with that, he waved to the chef, who quickly returned.

“She and I haven't gone out in so long, and I want this to be a memorable meal.”

“What did you have in mind?” the chef inquired.

“I think something French is in order, a meal where we can really utilize our skills. We’ve been stuck inside this dark dank drawer for several months because of the pandemic, and we really want it to be a special evening out.”

“OK, I think I can whip something up for just the two of you before the evening rush begins. Let's say around 5:30?”

“Perfect.”

The knife was pleased as he nodded to his lady friend as they both went back into the drawer to wait.

About 5 o'clock she noticed something special in the air.

“What’s that delicious smell?”

He gave her a wry smile.

“I told you this was a special evening. I know we haven't been out in months, but there has been no business in the restaurant. People have been eating at home. I'm sorry we've been stuck in the drawer, but tonite, I promise you, things will finally be different!”

He wondered what the chef would prepare for their special evening. Would it be Coq au Vin? Maybe Coquille Saint Jacques? He didn't care. He was tired of waiting, breathing in the metallic breath of his fellow utensils, and everyone waiting in the dark for things to return to normal.

About fifteen minutes later, the chef pulled open the drawer and took out the knife and fork and placed them on the counter. The couple looked at one another and smiled. It had been so long since they had been able to share a meal together.

Gingerly, they were put on the linen tablecloth, flanked by a neatly pressed cloth napkin. The wine goblet gazed down on them and smiled, happy to participate in the festivities.

The sourdough bread and butter were placed on the table, the wine glass looking up anxiously until it had received its fill.

The chef brought over a delightful Salad Nicoise and sat down, picking up the utensils. The polished coupled leaned forward and kissed one another before dancing over the blanket of tomatoes, tuna anchovies, olives, capers, and beans.

It was the first kiss they had experienced in several months. For the two of them, their lives had finally begun again.