Butterflies

 

“I fixed a cup of tea that was never really broken.”

 

       The actor stood backstage rehearsing his opening line.  He was nervous but didn’t want to start pacing back and forth, for he had measured exactly where his mark was, and he needed to walk straight there when the curtain went up.

 

       “I fixed a cup of tea that was never really broken.”

 

       He could hear the audience filling the theatre, people talking, occasional coughs, and stagehands muttering about missing props.

 

       Suddenly panicked – “Missing props?  What’s missing?  It isn’t the teacup is it?”  His voice cracked with terror. “That teacup is the focal point of the entire play,  Don’t tell me the thing is missing.”

 

       He felt someone touch his arm.  He opened his eyes to see the flight attendant leaning over him.

 

       “Sir, this is an emergency row, will you be willing to open the emergency door and assist other travelers in the event of an emergency?”

 

       “Yes, no problem.  Could I get a cup of tea, when you get a chance?  I think a cup of tea would help me relax.  I’m not a real good flier.”

 

       “Sir, perhaps a different seat would be better.”