The Last Table at Harbor Cafe
Chapter 1 - A reservation for one
Every Thursday, Mr. Reed booked the cafe's smallest table for two and ordered one tea. Lena assumed he was waiting for someone who never came. When money grew tight, she considered removing the table to make room for a larger party.
Then Mr. Reed missed a Thursday. His reservation card remained behind the counter, neat as a promise. Lena called the number on it and reached a hospital reception desk.
He was recovering from a fall, the nurse said. He had asked whether someone could cancel his tea.
Lena brought the tea herself, along with the cafe's last slice of lemon cake. Mr. Reed smiled at the familiar cup. "Did you keep the other chair?" he asked.
