9 of 9

Write now Article Tools

There she lay, all white and creamy. She was a new addition to the parlor. I noticed many potential customers walking by and giving her the eye as she stood in her cool surroundings. Their lips would suddenly part slightly and darting pink tongues would come out to moisten the area in a show of latent yearning. She was a real beauty.
I must be quick! It would only be a matter of seconds before someone comes along and snaps her up.

No! I really shouldn't My wife had just warned me to stay away from the likes of her. What will she say if she finds out that I had given in to this latest temptation? My family doctor had also given me an ominous warning about my indulgences.
My heart began to race as I grapple with longing and logic. I could feel myself breaking into a cold sweat and my hands were beginning to tremble as pangs of desirous hunger gripped me. Walk away, old man! Just walk away. I commanded my head to turn away, to avert my eyes from all that sweetness. I took a deep breath and forced my feet to lift and carry me away from the shop.
I was seven steps away from the shop when my legs rebelled and I found myself taking another seven steps backwards and ending up at the very same spot when I first saw her. I simply had to stare at her again, wide-eyed and open-mouthed, drool beginning to form at the corners of my mouth, imagining my lips touching that creaminess what an absolute angel!
The owner of the shop came out and gave me a sly, knowing grin.
"See something you like?" he asked. "Come on in, we have a variety for you to try," added the spider to the fly.
I am simply a weak old fool, I told myself as I took that unforgivable step towards my own undoing, but what can they expect? It is too much to ask me to change overnight and get rid of my bad habits. I had to satisfy my craving.
I sat down at the table, which the owner indicated. He came along with a glass of icy cold water for me. Then he stood and waited. "So what will it be for you today?"
I took a sip of the cold water. Somehow that calmed me down and my mind became clearer. I really shouldn't be doing this, I told myself. My wife and children will be so disappointed in me. I had made quite a good progress for the past few months to fight my addiction and I really should not let my efforts go to waste.
With new resolve, I looked up at the shopkeeper.
"You do serve salads, right? A Caesar salad please with the dressing at the side. Oh, and a Diet Coke as well."
He arched one eyebrow. "Would you like to try one of our desserts? I saw you looking at the Angel cake. It's our latest and possibly our best creation."
"Nah, I'm on a diet."
With that he left, to get me my order. I felt a load lifted off me. In that tea parlor, I had faced my nemesis and I won.

Learn more about this author, K Ong.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Short stories: Self-improvement?
We want to hear your view. Write now!