The first time Leezy appeared, I admonished her. Days after, I berated myself for my behavior.
I hadn’t seen Leezy in over 25 years. I’d decided that she’d forgotten me, despite her promises. Until . . .
“There you are!” I exclaimed out loud, sitting alone at the tiny café I frequent. I’m a writer, and although I have a quiet room in my home office, my words don’t come to me there. Instead, I bring pen and paper to Sadie’s Sanctuary (yes, sappy, but Sadie is a sweetie, and she takes us all in like stray pets).
The majority of the patrons at Sadie’s are artists: writers, poets, actors, so we’re used to odd behavior. But I think my outburst while staring at the empty chair in front of me worried a few. I ignored them and confronted the white-haired woman invisible to all but me. Her skin was characteristically pale, her eyes that owlish grey that had mesmerized me for years.
“How could you wait so long?” I continued, vexed more than bewildered. “You died in 1994. I did all the tricks you taught me. I meditated, I called for you in my dreams, I took long walks holding your red scarf, and still, you never contacted me. Why?”
Leezy’s enigmatic smile infuriated me even further.
“I missed you. And you promised,” I continued with a whine. I sounded more like a 10-year-old than a woman past middle age. But Leezy had taken me under her psychic wing when I was 10, knowing of my mystical talents before I did.
“What is time?” she finally answered in her soft, soothing voice. She wore the same red lipstick, stark and startling for an 80-year-old. That’s how she appeared now, in her last physical form before cancer killed her.
“I don’t know!” I nearly shouted. “That’s what you said you’d tell me. From the other side. What is time? What is existence? Is there another side?” I could have continued, but Leezy placed her hand up in front of her. Stop, it commanded.
“In time,” she responded. “All will be revealed in time.”
That nearly did me in. “Are you speaking in puzzles, purposely?” I growled.
Leezy laughed. No, that’s not the correct word. In the 30 years I knew Leezy, she rarely laughed, but she chuckled often.
I sat back and inhaled. She smelled like Leezy – lavender and mint with a touch of her backyard oak tree. I leaned toward her and touched her scaly, wrinkled hand, which sat placidly on the tabletop. “Tea?” I asked. “Your usual?”
“I thought you’d never ask,” she responded, cheeks turning rosier.
A curious Sadie sidled up seconds later, pretending she hadn’t been eavesdropping.
“May we have a cup of English Breakfast, with two slices of lemon on the side?” I asked.
“For one?” Sadie asked. She peered in my face, as if waiting to see if I’d approached crazy, or already reached it.
“For two, obviously,” I replied.
Reblogged this on NEW BLOG HERE >> https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This raised a smile 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well that just makes me feel good, Derrick. Leezy, too! Smiling back at you. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sweet and funny, Pam. I hope Leezy will visit more often now. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m waiting with lots of tea and I always have two lemons at hand. 🍋
LikeLiked by 1 person
I should have known. 💙
LikeLiked by 1 person
Obviously! C’mon, Sadie!
So glad Leezy finally showed herself again. Hope we get to “see” more of her, too 🙂
Lovely!
LikeLiked by 1 person
For the most part I kind of like to keep Leezy for myself. But this blogging group is special, so I shared her with you. To enduring friendship and tea and lemons. 💛
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can understand that and now realise just how generous you have been with us. Thank you so much for entrusting us with her. 🧡
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awww. 🍋💛🍋💛
LikeLiked by 1 person
💞
LikeLike
This was so sweet! Thanks for sharing, Pam.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Jill! Sweet with a dash of lemon. 💛😄
LikeLiked by 1 person
A fun story and smile to start my day. Thanks Pam and Leezy!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well, thank you very much, Brad. If you lived nearby, you could join us for tea. 🙏
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha, ha. I’ll see you in the cyber cafe!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I want to smell like Leezy–of lavender and mint.
She could be a recurring character in your gallery as far as I’m concerned, Pam! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh how I would like to write an entire book with Leezy as one of the main characters. This fictional piece was written with a good friend in mind; she is no longer with us in body, but always with me in Spirit. 🙏
LikeLiked by 2 people
What a delightful story. I want a Sadie.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, couldn’t we writers all use a Sadie and her sanctuary nearby?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m eager to hear what Leezy has to say, Pam. Don’t keep us in suspense!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think her wisdom would take volumes, Amy. 🤓🙏💕
LikeLiked by 1 person
Leezy loved Marguerites, obviously precious!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aha! I thought you would appreciate those marguerites, Jeanette. Obviously precious indeed. 💛
LikeLike
Very nice story, and maybe we’ll get to see more of Leezy after such a long absence.🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
That is certainly my hope! The tea and lemons are waiting. Thank you so much for your comment and for being here. 🍋
LikeLiked by 1 person
🍋
LikeLiked by 1 person
Big smile on my face, Pam, lovely story.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much Jet. There is a whole Lotta truth to this fictional story. Hope you’re not sweltering too much and staying cool. 🧊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely delightful! Another one I wish were a novel, Pam. You’re so gifted.
LikeLiked by 2 people
You just made my brain swell. 😘Thank you! How I’d love to write a novel with Leezy as one of the main characters!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m laughing. What a kook! … Still laughing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
And you have such a great laugh, Anneli! 😄🍋😄🍋
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m glad Leezy finally arrived, Pamela. Terrific story.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much John. I’m glad she finally arrived also!
LikeLiked by 1 person
😊
LikeLike
I’m smiling here.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah very good. I’ve heard plausible stories of ‘sightings’ before but not with an audience around 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sometime I’d like to write this story from the perspective of another person in the same café drinking tea and watching the goings-on. Perhaps that person DOES see the ghost but choses to remain silent. Hmmmm. Here’s to “sightings” now and then. 🙏
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a sweet story about love and separation. Clever ending!
LikeLiked by 1 person
So glad you enjoy this Patricia. I have a feeling the separation
didn’t seem as long to Leezy as it did to the “me” character in this story. I suppose we all should work on our patience. 😄
LikeLike
Beautifully done, Pam. Hugs on the wing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
From someone with a wild beautiful imagination, YOU, I thank you from my heart Teagan.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love the way you let your imagination soar and produce such lovely stories Pam. Tea for Two is another gem! Loved it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You may have had the same experience as I did as a child, Balroop. Everyone always rolled their eyes and said “ Pammy, that’s just your imagination.” Well guess what? Thank goodness for my imagination! 😁 xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for sharing Leezy with us. Cheers to enduring friendships!
LikeLiked by 2 people
She was and is a special woman in my life. I think she’d be happy to know that so many are enjoying the story of our tea. 💛
LikeLiked by 1 person
This story made me happy, Pam. Can you imagine? Wouldn’t that be wonderful? There are a whole bunch of people I’d love to enjoy a cup of tea with. Hugs. Thanks for the introduction to Leezy. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Sometimes I believe that if I imagine it, it will happen. I hope that will be the case with Leezy. 🙏
LikeLiked by 1 person
“All will be revealed in time.” A great piece because many of us have wondered what the future will hold. Thanks for a marvelous piece, Pam!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so glad you enjoyed the story about ghost time and a cup of tea. Lots of truth in here. I’m just not sure Leezy will really tell me what the future holds, though. But the good news is that of course the Spirit is always alive.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Cute story!! Folks who work in coffee shops have seen it all. I’m sure she wasn’t surprised.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Ha! I suppose you are right Darlene. Maybe even more than a bartender! 😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
😘
LikeLiked by 1 person
A beautifully written tribute to friendship. Question, why did Leezy stay away so long?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I actually know the answer to that, Bernadette. It may be revealed at some point in another story. Let’s just say sometimes a Spirit must find her way forward before coming back. 💜
LikeLiked by 1 person
Waiting all that time . . .
The first time Leezy appeared, I admonished her. Days after, I berated myself for my behavior.
What happened the NEXT time Leezy appeared? 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
There may be a “rest of the story” some other time. I’ve been encouraged to publish a book with my flash fiction stories (different from the one I published with my non-fiction stories- Flashes of Life). Suddenly I thought of the potential book’s title: “And then what happened?” What do you think- should I pursue this idea? 🤔🤓
LikeLike
You’re in the best position to answer that, Pam. You know what else you have on your plate, other competing priorities, etc.
That said, I’m sure that you would do a stellar job if you decide to go for it. 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Xoxo
LikeLike
Good things come to those who wait……
LikeLiked by 1 person
So true. We must be patient to get these visitations. 🙏
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely story makes me smile through out.. Leezy 😍 Your smile can light up a thousand rooms I wish you were here with me right now
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m glad you saw her wonderful light. Nothing invisible there! Thank you so much for your comment.
LikeLike
I’d love a chat with Leezy to find out more about that other side before I get to experience it personally, if you know what I mean. 😉😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha. Yes, I know what you mean. A little “heads up” would be nice. 😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
Indeed! Or, on second thoughts, maybe not. 😂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I loved this and how brave! What a way to conjure up a good story. The coffee shop sounds wonderful too
LikeLiked by 1 person
Conjuring is a perfect word for this story. Oh, if I can only make it true! 😍
LikeLike
I loved it 🥰 thanks for sharing 💖☺️
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a lovely story, Pam. Leezy made me think of so many family and friends who have passed that I’d love to enjoy a cup of tea with at Sadie’s, no doubt. 🙂 Thanks for the smile. 💞
LikeLiked by 1 person
YES! I figured that if I write about it, maybe it will really happen. 🙏💜
LikeLike
Don’t all writers have tea with strange people whom others can’t see. Maybe an old lady they knew who passed from cancer, maybe a child from their youth, and maybe a complete stranger.
LikeLiked by 1 person
One of the pluses of being a writer! 🤓♥️
LikeLike
Really nice, Pam!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Jennie. Cheers!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome, Pam!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice post and it is very engaging , it is like reading a novel and learning about the two characters here who are Leezy and Sadie. At least both characters shared tea together with a lemon on the side, how much I love tea and biscuits😋☕🍪
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad you enjoyed!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha ha. I’ll join you. Make it 3.
Best Regards,
Nancy
LikeLiked by 1 person
This would be a fun threesome! 🤓
LikeLike
Such a wonderful story! 🙂 I love tea and this was such a delightful teatime.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Clicking my teacup with yours, Linda! 🫖
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dang, I love this. Have you considered compiling these posts into a collection of Super Short Stories?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well, thanks to comments like yours, and others, I’m working on it, Mike. THANKS.
LikeLike
Yay!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You really pulled me in. I enjoyed this, Pam. Thanks for sharing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s what a writer like to hear! Glad you were “pulled in” to my teatime, Laura. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
This made me smile. I definitely want to know more of the story!
LikeLiked by 1 person
As do I …. as do I. :-0 🙂 Many thanks.
LikeLike
Love this. If there were time/space I’d share the full story of the request my girlfriend and I made for service for 3 when we had dinner out to share with my recently lost loved one. The waiter cooperated at each course, cleared the empty dishes, but had his doubts. Even though only two meals were served, we tipped him gratefully and generously.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a wonderful, wonderful story about a dinner that included your friend, who wasn’t “there,” there, but definitely there in Spirit. Many thanks for sharing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Just a p.s. – he was a big food lover, so my GF and I ordered his favorite dishes and described them to him, as I’d been told that one has no sense of taste on the other side. I can only hope it made him happy, or if nothing else, he found us funny. Take care! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
xoxox
LikeLike
What a nice post, it made me lean back in my chair , relax and smile. Thank you Pam for sharing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Gerlinde. So glad to see you here. I love that you “joined” us for tea in a way – leaning back and smiling. Wonderful!
LikeLike
Obviously!! Loved the story and sometimes our “guides” are only apparent to us. I have 3 and one of them is my grandmother. I admit I haven’t talked to them in a while…
I miss my dad terribly some days and I was sure he would visit, but so far I haven’t felt his presence. My daughter has, my husband has… maybe he thinks I’m no ready or he doesn’t have anything to say, yet. We’ll see….
LikeLiked by 1 person
How I love your honesty Kim. I feel my spiritual guides sometimes but I don’t feel them as much as you do. I keep hoping. I go to an Energy Medicine practitioner and she says she talks to hers all the time. And they answer her! Perhaps I should start trying! I miss my dad as you do yours and I haven’t seen him as a spiritual guide but when I ask, he comes in my dreams. You might want to try that! 💙
LikeLiked by 1 person