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A new chocolate shop opened in town this week. Old fashioned, with large wooden glass topped tables presenting sections of coffee beans. Dark brown shelves with mirrors reflecting chocolate on each side of the small cafe. The aroma of fresh coffee and chocolate butter wafting from the back. I could hear activity in the back room, a room of wonders where the natural ingredients were being fused together to produce confectionery excellence. As my eyes feasted on what surrounded me, my other senses were aroused by tastes and smells. The display cabinet proferred cherries dipped in kirsch and dark chocolate, lemon and orange slices drenched in milk chocolate and hazelnut chocolate broken into uneven but edible bits.

I couldn’t contain myself. I ordered a small box to which the attractive young girl behind the counter waited to add my order by weight. 2 pairs of cherries in kirsch and chocolate, 2 pieces of hazelnut milk, 1 cognac dark truffle, 1 cognac milk truffle, 1 strawberry parfait and 1 white chocolate lemon parfait. I had reached my limit and paid the girl for the box knowing that this was all for me.

I got home and put the golden box on the front room table. I was alone today, Claire was out with her friends tonight and Alan was working the weekend. I washed my hands and made a cup of my best green sencha tea. While the green leaves swirled and brewed in the cup, I plumped up the sofa cushions and cleared the table of teenage debris. My tea was ready, the delicate green was a perfect accompaniment to the richness of the chocolate I was about to taste. Sitting down excitement tingled in my toes and worked its way into my chest. Smiling, I untied the blue ribbon, bent back each golden flap of the box and suddenly in the midst of white tissue paper, there sat each little delight.

Taking a chocolate covered cherry, I placed it into my mouth and bit down. The kirsch flooded my mouth and spread a warmth through my head, the dark chocolate melted and covered my tongue, then the cherry, full of dark flavour spread its fullness in my mouth. I knew these chocolates were special. Once the taste dissipated, I drank some tea savouring the delicacy, and ready for the next chocolate. I decided on the cognac milk truffle. The warmth of the alcohol hit first and then the creamy chocolate melted in my mouth. Heaven, unlike anything else in the world.

I folded the flaps back and tied the box up with the blue ribbon. I would keep some for a later date. This was my treasure, not for just anybody. Nobody else could appreciate the flavours, textures and feelings that chocolate gave me. As I stood up to hide my treasure, the cat was sitting by the table starring at me, questioning my actions. But she wouldn’t understand and I knew my secret was safe.