The Comfort of Tea and Friendship, A Short Story

I recently wrote a short story that I would like to share today.

Colonial Inn

hydrangea fancyThe Colonial Inn was one of Heather's favorite places to visit.  She was meeting an old friend there today, and she could hardly wait to see her.  She walked into the teahouse and passed by all the lovely treasures in their gift shop.  As she walked into the main dining room, she was pleased that they had reserved the table next to the fireplace.  A fire was lit warming the room.


sc00652822Heather glanced at Lynn who was already seated at the table.  She had her head down reading the menu as Heather approached.  As she got closer to the table, Lynn looked up, and the familiar lock of gray hair fell over Lynn's beautiful piercing blue eyes.

roses


sc00652822Heather smiled, she was just as she had remembered her.  Lynn smiled back with such warmth, and got up to greet her.  Lynn gave Heather a big hug and a kiss and they both sat down.  Heather poured herself a cup of tea from the china pot that was already sitting on their table.  She looked into the teacup and wondered what lie in store for both of them for their future.


sc00652822When Heather had married many years before, Lynn had given her this amazing teacup as a gift.  It was an Antique one and on the inside of the cup was an Asian design of mountains.  Lynn had told Heather that when she had found it, she knew it was for her.


sc00652822Yet, when she had first gotten it home, it had cracked, while she was rinsing it off.  She had glued it back together and her daughter had laughed at her, telling her that you shouldn't give a damaged teacup as a gift.  Somehow she knew that this teacup held a special meaning for Heather.

Tulip Tea

sc00652822Heather hadn't minded that it had been broken, because they shared the love of Antiques, and she thought that the wisdom in Lynn's beautiful eyes might hold a special intuition.  Five years later Heather would be boarding a plane for Asia, where she would spend many years with her family.   Her special teacup would sit on a server in her new home, as a reminder of that intuition.

My creation


sc00652822Today Heather remembered the sweetness that she had once known back then.  Lynn's husband had just  passed away, after suffering with Alzheimer's Disease for many years.  Heather's husband had Early on-set Alzheimer's Disease and she longed for those days from long ago.  Such a bittersweet reunion, but perhaps they could sit and sip their tea and for just a short while walk through memories of a sweeter time.

100_3456

sc00652822That crack in the teacup might just have connected them in an even more profound way than they had ever suspected.  It was the crack in the fiber of their marriages that reunited them now.  They would find comfort and shelter from the pain of such a dreadful disease, even if only for a brief time together.
the comfort of tea and friendship
sc00652822She knew that they had so much catching up to do, and so much to discuss.  She lifted her teacup and said to Lynn, "Let's begin with a toast, let's toast to the comforts of tea and friendship, because this has remained the same after all these years."

hydrangea fancy
Vee said...

Oh I can see this developing into an entire novel with lots of insights about marriage, relationships, and how they grow and change and endure. I almost felt as if I were sitting at the table with Heather and Lynn by the warming fireplace.

I did have tea today. A new flavor for me...ginger and citrus.

Unknown said...

Friendship must be on the minds of so many lately. My post is on friendship too! Of course my friends posted lived too many years ago..(over 130 yrs.)

Long live friendship..

Joyce said...

Oh Karen what a lovely story. You break my heart. I think that we need a Dick Blick day of treats. I have a coupon!

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Oh, Karen, that is just so lovely, and I have great big tears in my eyes reading it. I love your story, and I love you, too. I felt every word as I read it. Very, very moving.

XO,

Sheila

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Oh Karen, this was stunning. I cannot tell you how special your insights are, you experiences and perspectives and your wisdom. May God grant you more ideas and peace to bring them to us in such beauty. THANK YOU! Anita

Snap said...

Wonderful! I can't say it any better than anyone else has. (Yixing tea pots ... !!!!!!)

The French Bear said...

Beautiful story, love that friendship survives above all else.......when you need your friend they are there. I sometimes think that they are fragile like a teacup but when put to the test they are stronger then ever!
Hugs,
Margaret B

Beverly said...

Karen, I know this story filled with love came from your heart. I wish I was there to give you a hug - and love.♥♥♥

Our Hands For Hope said...

Loving the vase of flowers and cup of tea painting...
Have a blessed New year Karen.
Terisa

Cindy said...

This is beautiful, always a delight visiting here. take care.

Kathleen Grace said...

Dear friend I have missed being here as often as I was in the past, I think of you often and catch up when I can. You write beautifully, and yet, this story has an underlying sadness. I will remember you in my prayers and I hope to stop by more often. I have only one class this semester!
Hugs
Kathy

Mary Isabella and Kiley too! said...

Brought tears to my mind. So very beautiful!!!!...hugs...m...

Jayne said...

Oh, what a wonderful story. Funnily enough, today I also posted a story of mine, about a china tea set, but your story really touched my heart x

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