A Dinner for Sandra

The doorbell rings at the Stoner-Mitchell residence ...

"Graham, dear. Can you get the front door for me? Thank you, my love."

Per the doctor's orders, Sandra was resting on her recliner, feet up wearing her bunny slippers, and a hot cup of Lady Grey tea by her side.

"Sure thing, sweetie-puss. I'd be happy too." said Graham, like a good husband taking care of his better-half.

Graham opens the door to a stranger standing on his stoop. "Hello. Can I help you?"

"Hi. You must be Graham. My name is John and I'm pleased to meet you sir," said John holding out his hand. 

Graham had a puzzled look on his face, but extended his hand to greet him, as the stranger didn't seem dangerous, (Huh, how about that? Me dangerous?). "How can I help you?" 

" My apologies, sir. My name is John. Oops, sorry I already told you that. I'm from the states, as in the United States. And I've been sent here by all Sandra's worldwide friends from FanStory."

Whispering, Graham said, "Sandra isn't aware of this is she? She's never mentioned anyone coming to visit."

"No sir. Once she announced she was taking a hiatus on our site, per her doctor's orders, her dear friends on FanStory took up a collection to send me here." 

"Okay. Umm, to do... what per se?"

"Oh. Well this surprise visit is because her dear friends, wanted me to prepare for her, a very special meal. You know, to show everyone's affection for our "rock star" writer."

"Rock star, huh?"

"Yes sir, Graham. I dubbed her that distinction quite some time ago. She simply amazes me with her poetry and stories. Her mind is active and so engaging to all of us!"

"I'm so sorry, John, come in and let me introduce you to my dear wife."

Entering the parlor walking behind Graham, I saw Sandra fast asleep in her recliner, resting. Yes, she listened to her doctor.

"Please don't wake her. Just point me towards the kitchen and I'll get started with her FanStory Friends Meal. Quietly if I may add. And let her rest!"

"John, I cannot thank you enough for ..."

"Graham, let me stop you right there! Sandra is so beloved by everyone on FanStory. She's touched everyone's heart by either her writing or her interaction with each and every writer on the site. She's one of a kind. Truly an amazing person! But you already knew that when you asked her to marry." I said with a wink wink.

"Thank you, John. Well, here's our modest kitchen. Probably not what you're used to?"

"Graham, my friend, I'm just an untrained, home, wanna-be chef. Your kitchen suits me perfectly. Let me get started.."

"Very well, John. I'll let you be. If there is anything you need, just ask."

"Thank you, Graham. Yes there is one thing I'll need by the way."

"Absolutely. What'll it be? Blender? Air-fryer? Cutting boards? ..."

"No, no, no. The first step on a culinary journey ...  do you have any rum?" 

"Oh yes. For one of your recipes?"

"Heck no! It's for my two-finger pour! Care to join me?"

"Absolutely. Let me grab the bottle. Is Barbancourt Rum from Haiti to your liking?

"Let me reiterate what you just said, absolutely!"

Graham and I sat in the kitchen for the next hour. We enjoyed multiple, two-finger pours as I listened to countless stories about his amazing wife, soul mate and friend to everyone on our writing site!

         ******************

Sandra, you take whatever time you need to get yourself being you once again. When that day arrives, we will be here with open arms.