The Window Table

Ruth opens the blind above table six every afternoon, the best seat in the house. Elena notices because distance was always understood, never felt.

Every afternoon at three, Ruth opened the blind above table six.

She did it even in winter, when the glass held the cold and the weak sunlight showed every scratch in the tabletop. She did it on rainy days, when there was nothing outside but wet pavement, telephone wires, and the gray wall of the pharmacy across the road.

“Best seat in the house,” she always said.

Most customers disagreed. In summer, the sun fell directly into their eyes. In winter, a thin draft slipped around the window frame and touched their ankles. But Ruth kept the table clean, refilled the sugar jar, and turned the chipped blue vase so its unbroken side faced the room.

Elena noticed these things because she had learned to notice everything.

For most of her life, the world had seemed flat to her.

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Quick answers about The Window Table

What is The Window Table about?

Ruth opens the blind above table six every afternoon, the best seat in the house. Elena notices because distance was always understood, never felt.

Is The Window Table free to read?

Yes. Every story on RapidTale is free to read in the browser, with no sign-up and nothing to install.

How long does it take to read?

This story runs 1 chapter — most readers finish in one sitting, and you can stop and return to any chapter using the contents list.

Who wrote it?

Nimra Khan — original fiction published on RapidTale.