Spicy Hot
She arranges the dishes on the low table near the fireplace, lights the fire prepared in advance, nods, and withdraws.
The smell reaches us: a clear consommé, fresh bread, fish in white sauce, tender vegetables. Strawberries. Chocolate. Light, soothing things. Things for invalids, or for lovers.
— Come.
I help her up, guide her to the large armchair by the fire. I sit first, then settle her on my lap, sideways, like a child or a mistress. The robe falls open over her legs. She instinctively nestles against me, seeking warmth.
I take the silver tureen. The consommé steams, golden.