Original story
Water splashed across Leila’s blue maternity apron. Monica accused her of spilling the order. Leila took one step back, holding the tray level. The dishes Monica had ordered were still on it.
When Samir came over, Monica pointed at Leila and called her careless. Leila looked instead at the side of the table where the water glass had stood. Monica’s handbag lay beside her chair. As Samir explained, the bag had knocked the glass over before Leila reached her. Leila had been trying to catch it.
Extension
Monica reached down for the bag. As she lifted it, the long strap caught the edge of her place mat and dragged it an inch toward her. She stopped. She could finally picture what Leila had seen from the aisle.
“You were trying to save my glass,” she said.
“Yes.” Leila shifted the tray to her other hand. “And your lunch is getting cold. May I put it down?”
Monica cleared the whole place setting herself. “Please. And I’m sorry I called you careless.”
When Samir returned with fresh water, he found the handbag tucked beneath Monica’s chair, its strap wrapped around the handles. Leila was setting down the final dish. For once, Monica waited until both of Leila’s hands were free before asking her for anything else.
