Tea at Number Six

Tom had been meaning to get to know Ana, who had recently moved into number nine, opposite his house at number six. On Friday she handed him a card inviting him for tea on Sunday at four. He accepted happily. They had exchanged greetings in the street, but had never spent any time together.

The next day, Tom decided that, as Ana had only just moved in, it might be easier for him to provide the tea. He put a note through her door inviting her to number six instead. Ana was out. When she returned, she left her bag on the floor by the door, covering the note before she noticed it.

On Sunday, Tom baked a small cake and set the table for two. At four, he checked that the tea was ready and began waiting for the doorbell. When nobody came, he wondered whether Ana had forgotten. He did not want to knock on her door and make her feel uncomfortable if she was busy.

Eventually, he stepped outside. Ana was standing at her window across the street with a cup in her hand. “I have a cake!” he called. “So have I!” she answered. That was enough to explain the problem: both had prepared tea and both expected the other to arrive. Their worried expressions turned into smiles.

Ana brought her cake over to number six. Over tea, Tom mentioned his note and Ana realised what must have happened when she put her bag down. Neither had meant to ignore the other. Before she left, they agreed to meet at number nine the following Sunday. Tom wrote it on his calendar, and Ana checked that he had the right number.