An Awkward Scene

“What’s this?” Maeve asked, stopping short at the dining table.

A full spread waited for her. It was an English breakfast, pared down and cleaner than the usual heavy version.

There were two poached eggs sitting on a bed of wilted spinach, the yolks glossy but set. Next to them, grilled tomatoes sprinkled with a little salt and pepper, the skins just split.

A small portion of turkey sausage instea