The Impossible Banquet

John Fowler poured milk into his upturned Trilby seized a spoon and excavated a spoonful of muesli before stuffing into his mouth. Abigail baulked at the thought of sitting next to him yet all seats were taken. She shifted into the furthest end of the remaining chair and prayed her bacon baguette and cup of tea would be joining her soon.

John plunged his spoon in once again, stirred the hat and summoned a ripe tomato covered in salad cream for his digestive system. Abigail dared to try to sneak a look into the capacious cavity which would soon adorn her neighbour’s head. A faint wispy mist stared back and she scratched her ear.

“Ah, you’re Miss Reynolds aren’t you? I think I saw you at the back of class the other day.”

Her baguette arrived. A bit bigger than she expected and her tea as hot as the insides of Mount Krakatoa.

“Er yes Mr. Fowler.” she said as he fished out two chips and a chipolata.

“Thought so, I do hope it got you thinking. The prospect of exploring the infinite and all possibilities, no matter how bizarre is quite something don’t you think?”

He reached into his hat and pulled out a strawberry doughnut swimming in burger sauce.

“I suppose so. Look, I’m sorry Mr. Fowler but why are you eating out of your hat?”

“And why not?” he replied laughing.

“Don’t you think it’s a bit weird? Especially with all those odd combinations you’ve got going on.”

John shook his head.

“My dear Abigail, you clearly didn’t pay attention in class. Do you think I became an arch mage by merely following the rules? Sometimes you have to push boundaries, go beyond limits and observe the absurd. Every now and then you find the bonkers far more preferable to the conventional.”

He made a quiet incantation. He brought forward a silver pen with Abigail’s name etched in Sans Serif font and handed it to her.

“Wow, that’s amazing and thank you.” She said with a mouthful of bread and meat.

He checked his watch, sighed and placed the trilby on his head. No milk or matter teemed down his temples. Instead he rose and bade her farewell.

“Remember Abigail, all things are possible, even if they may appear somewhat strange. Once you accept this you can do anything.”

He departed. Abigail looked at her purse. A blue tit flew out from the interior and landed on her wrist and stared straight into her eyes.

“All things are possible,” she whispered whilst sipping from her cup.