19th August – Rain and Scones

The rain came sideways today, rattling the windows like a child with a tin. Just as I was resigning myself to endless damp tea, Maureen appeared with a basket of scones, warm enough that the butter melted into little golden streams. She didn’t stay—just left them on the table, rain dripping from her sleeves. I ate one by the window, watching the ivy lash and flap.

There’s something about food carried through a storm that tastes braver, almost heroic. I thought of how friendships seem to arrive quietly, and I saw the note “Can’t wait to see what you have to trade”, I do wonder where this trading will end up.