A Birthday at the Café

Mr Hill came into the café with his mother at one o’clock. The other six guests arrived just after them. Mia took their coats, and Leo showed them the table. “Happy birthday, Mrs Hill,” Rosa said. “I’m sorry about the rain.” Mrs Hill smiled. “It’s warm and lovely in here.”

Mia brought the carrot soup and fresh bread to the table. At first, she carried only two bowls at a time. Soon everyone was eating and talking. Mrs Hill looked at the kitchen door. “I worked here when I was eighteen,” she said. “The kitchen looks smaller now!”

After lunch, Mr Hill gave Mia the candles. She put them on the apple cake, and Rosa carried it to the table. Everyone sang. Mrs Hill tried a piece and smiled. “My favourite fruit!” she said. Mia and Leo looked at each other and laughed.

Then Mrs Hill took an old photograph out of her bag. It showed a young woman outside the café with a tray of cups. “That’s me,” she said to Rosa. “This photo is for you.” Rosa put it on the shelf beside the recipe book.

The guests left at half past three. Mia and Leo returned the two chairs before the book club started at four. Back at the café, Rosa made them some tea. “Can you help next Saturday?” she asked. Mia opened the booking book. “Yes,” she said. “Who’s coming for lunch?”