What if failour invited you in for a meal? Dressed so sly in tux and bowtie. Bows towards his feet, hand cupped, grasping chest. Standing still, you wait until he lifts his head.
Staring contest— who will move first?
Discomfort /  you look away.
He ever so slightly smiles.

You look around you. The building, the tapestry, the shelved books lining the walls highly.
The lighting!—candles, Chandeliers …you feel a brush at your skin, a finger, a touch. It startles you; back to reality… Nothing said, but everything heard. a whisper, a breath: come in.

Entranced, Mesmerized~
Curious!*  Nothing wrong…, just a taste, you rationalize.

No food on the outstretched banquet table. Hmmm, plenty of space…

The butler, stout, carries in the tray, food hidden. What will it be?

Excitement! Nerves ablaze ~~*- – -

Patience…

(silence)

Pitter-patter of feet on the rugged floor.
Perhaps a creak of wood

Snap!   Awake!

(What if…