The secrets of the lake

A deep sleep

Five minutes after the appointed time, the man was still not out. Five more passed. Marina was getting nervous, she couldn't stand people who were not punctual, considering this behavior disrespectful. She was disappointed with Alexander's attitude, whom she considered a man of other times. Not even Iris, usually always sitting in front of the fireplace, was present.

- Iris ... pussy cat, where are you?

He looked for her in the kitchen, the cat loved everything that brought warmth and softness. Marina checked all the chairs, each with comfortable cushions. He also looked for her outside, believing it very unlikely, given the temperatures, that Iris had voluntarily pushed through the front door. But to remove all doubts, he looked out the door to call her.

- Iris. Iriiiiiiis ...

The woman's voice, raised to the highest pitch, also reached the room where a man, fully dressed, was lying in bed. 

Property.

At nineteen forty, a little annoyed by the candle that was drastically shrinking, and by the dumplings floating in the broth, she decided to go up to the attic.

He put an ear to the door to hear any noises coming from inside. Iris's unmistakable meow surprised her. He tried to flatten himself even more at the door to be able to better hear what was happening beyond the wooden window. Nothing, no noise apart from the increasingly insistent moans of the cat, probably tired, hungry and with a full bladder. 

At that point, with a certain vehemence, the woman knocked on the door. He waited for a few minutes. Heavy and endless minutes. Iris probably smelled the presence of her mistress enough to force her to scratch the bedroom door vigorously.

Marina began banging her knuckles violently on the door.

- Doctor Alessandrini! Alessandro, my cat is in there, I can feel it. Get her out immediately!

Marina was increasingly nervous and anxious. She ran into the kitchen, opened the cabinet. He swallowed two tablets and quickly climbed the rustic wooden staircase to the upper floor. When she reached the landing she found Iris busy smoothing her fur with her tongue.

- Oh, Iris ... baby, I've been looking everywhere for you, you know you don't have to go into the guest rooms!

The cat sought the cuddles of the mistress who took her in her arms thus calming both the animal and herself.

In evident confusion, with sparse tousled hair and unkempt beard, Alexander revealed himself at the door.

- Miss Marina, I am sorry, I fell asleep and ...

- And my cat, why was she in her room? Didn't he hear me meowing?

- I woke up from the knock on the door ... Before I lay down on the bed, I heard scratching so I opened it and the cat came in, but don't worry, she slept with me. Perhaps this is also the reason why I dozed off so deeply, a cat's purr is so relaxing ...

- Okay, okay but now hurry up and get out that dinner is getting cold. I await you in the dining room.

- Leave me just a moment to tidy myself up ...

- Only one.

To welcome the man, in the pleasant dining room, the flames of the fireplace that created glows giving off a good smell of resin. The smell of the food that came from the adjoining kitchen increased that special atmosphere typical of mountain houses. He admired every detail with satisfaction, even the candle, by now at the end of his journey it had seemed worthy of gratitude. That amiable silence was interrupted by Marina's footsteps who, graciously, placed the steaming plate on the table.

- Enjoy your meal, I hope everything is to your liking ...

- Thanks Marina, I apologize again for the delay ... er, I think it looks great with that dress, it looks great.

- Thanks, but now eat, otherwise I'll have to reheat the dumplings!

Marina went back to the kitchen to prepare the second dish, thus giving the guest the opportunity to dine in peace. 

In this she was very careful: respecting the privacy of customers was a characteristic she wanted to keep regardless of the relationship established. Personal feelings were in no way to compromise his professionalism.

After removing the last plate from the table, Marina asked her host if he would like to have dessert and coffee in front of the fireplace.

- It will be a great pleasure for me to taste his spectacular cake near the fire, but I give up coffee, I never take it in the evening; it has been making me nervous for some time. Ah! How nice to be young, I could drink all the coffee I wanted and still fell asleep like a log!

Shortly thereafter, they found themselves seated again on the velvet armchairs. Iris seemed to be waiting for nothing else. With her feline grace she jumped to the man's knees.

- Iris, don't be cheeky, forget the gentleman!

- Don't worry, I love cats. My wife and I have had many. Unfortunately they are all dead.

So he's married. Story over before it even started.