Eve felt its weight in her hand.
No bruises. Looked perfect.
So she pulled gently and into her lap it fell. Rested comfortably. Such a rosy glow. She took one bite.
Just one was enough to show. Rotten through, to the core. Damn! But plenty more where that came from!

Sitting astride the shaft, she grasped the rod firmly.
It felt quite limp. Slowly, gently, she moved her hand to and fro. And it stiffened.
Full speed then, counting, until both she and it were exhausted. Make a note in the ship’s log.
Bilges pumped. Fifty-four strokes needed today.

The worm wriggled but could not resist the hook.
Safely skewered, it wiggled and squirmed and tantalised the wildlife that swam beneath the silver strewn surface of the sea. Gulp! Caught, the worm was swallowed whole.
The fisherman, delighted, pulled his line.
Unhooked his catch and threw him back in.

Molly had a reputation. Best sandwich maker in town.
Men queued to watch her butter bread and sprinkle ingredients liberally. She met their eye as she added her special touch. Holding firm, she cut the sandwich, placing the two halves together, side by side.
"Enjoy," she said. And they did!

She stood in the doorway silhouetted against the sky.
He saw her hesitate. Was this really goodbye?
He sucked hard and blew a smoke ring.
She sighed, picked up both cases and, with her right foot, gently pushed the door shut behind her.
Too late, he stubbed out his cigarette.

As he pushed the start button, things began to happen.
He recognised the sequence.
Same as ever.
Slow to begin with but, once the preliminaries had been completed, then it was time for him to do as he wished.
His turn. For as long as he wished. Till close down.

Return please. Economy class.
Fine sir. This way. Leaving in ten. Going down. Hold tight.
Boy, it’s hot!
What did you expect? A warm breeze? Hold on fast. Okay? Cameras ready? We’re here. Not staying though.
Careful not to fry. Time’s up. This trip to hell and back is over.

Kay watched the queue move along.
Chicken drumsticks. Vol-au-vents. A celebratory spread.
A feast for all eyes.
Like the groom with his sylph-like bride in tow.
But Kay’s eyes filled with tears as she ladled a semblance of salad on to her plate. Her dieting effort had come too late.