THAT ALL-IMPORTANT FIRST CUP

By Carol A. Cole

“Is it coffee yet?”  A high-pitched voice broke the silence in the kitchen.

“No, Sam, the timer hasn’t even gone off yet.”

“Will you two be quiet!  Remember the last time you woke her up early?”  A deep voice whispered.

“But it’s light outside, Toby, and I want to go out and play,” Sam whined.

“Be patient,” Toby snapped.

Suddenly, from the far side of the room, there was a distinctive click.  “Did you hear that?  It’s the timer,” Sam’s voice grew louder with excitement.

Water could be heard dripping softly as they drew closer to the counter.  Soon a rich, deep aroma permeated the air.

“That smells wonderful.  I can almost taste it.  I think it’s that new blend she bought last week, Jamaican Mocha,” Toby sighed.

“Now, Toby, you know you can’t have chocolate.”

Brinng!!  They glanced toward the stairs.  “It is now 6:45 am,” the robotic voice announced from the second floor.

“That’s the alarm clock.  She’ll be coming downstairs soon,” squeaked Sam.

“We know that.  Now, have some patience,” Toby said.

A pair of fuzzy, blue slippers appeared on the landing and proceeded across the kitchen floor.  All was still and the soft clink of a china mug being set down on the counter was the only sound.  They collectively held their breath as the hot liquid splashed into the mug.  The tinkle of a spoon against the side was heard as the brew was stirred.  Then silence.

“Mmm.  This is the only way to start the morning,” the sleepy voice stated.

A hand reached down to stroke the dark brown head and scratch under the chin of the blonde as the calico wove between the fuzzy, blue slippers.

”Good morning, guys.  It’s going to be a great day.”

Two loud purrs and a soft growl replied in agreement.

THE END

Won Second Place in flash fiction contest

At http://www.grizzlybookz.com/index1.html– July 2004

Published in The Storyteller magazine

June 2005