Tea at Number Six

Tom lived at number six, across the street from his new neighbour, Ana, at number nine. On Friday, she gave him a card inviting him to her house for tea on Sunday at four. Tom was pleased because they had only spoken a few times.

On Saturday, Tom decided to invite Ana to his house instead. He put a note through her door: “Come to number six for tea on Sunday.” Ana was away that day. When she came home, she left her bag by the door, on top of the note, and did not see it.

On Sunday, Tom made a small cake and put two cups on the table. At four, everything was ready, but Ana did not arrive. He waited for a knock at the door. After a few minutes, he began to wonder if she was busy.

Tom went outside and saw Ana at her window across the street. She was holding a cup. “I have a cake!” he called. “So do I!” she replied. They laughed when they realised that each of them was waiting for the other to come over.

Ana carried her cake to number six, and they finally had tea together. Tom told her about the note, and she explained where she had put her bag. “Next Sunday, number nine,” she said. Tom wrote the address and time on his calendar. This time, they both knew the plan.