Chapter 1 - the first date

Whilst scanning a dating app, Emily was impressed with Charlie’s profile and didn’t hesitate to match with him due to his good looks and physique. Neither of them waisted any time in arranging to meet up. The night of their first date and Charlie, who was excited yet anxious, had gotten himself well-dressed and prepared. He booked a table at La Mangeoire (The Feeding Trough), a French restaurant which recently opened in town; its food, was said to be enchanting, perfect for a first impression.

Charlie arrived at La Mangeoire early and was taken to an idyllic private booth of the restaurant by the host, he sat and ordered a bottle of prosecco for the table. As Charlie settled and scanned his surroundings, he became aware of some unusual commonalities. The décor of the restaurant was set to an impressively high standard, however the framed pictures all contained farmyard pigs either rolling in mud, sleeping or eating from troughs. He concluded that the restaurant’s menu must consist primarily of pork.

Emily arrived somewhat late but was dressed to impress. She checked in with the host and was taken over to the booth where Charlie sat, however Emily was confused and shell-shocked at what she saw. Sat in front of her was indeed Charlie, the good-looking guy she matched with, but she wasn’t expecting him to be so much fatter than in his profile pictures. He was surprised at how attractive she was and nervously got up, belly slightly brushing the table, and gave her a welcoming hug. Poring her a glass of prosecco Charlie asked the host for some menus and began attempting to break the ice. Meanwhile, Emily was speechless and disappointed so she stood and said she’ll be back as she needs to go to the toilet. In La Mangeoire, this was called the Chambre Dorée (Gilt Room), whilst the male toilet was called the Salle de Sanglier (Boar Room).

Forty minutes passed and that’s when the waitress saw Charlie. She saw the slim, pretty blond-headed girl with him earlier but noticed that she hadn’t returned. She read the situation easily as this wasn’t the first time she had seen it happen whilst working at La Mangeoire. His glass was empty and the menu had been read three times, he sat there upset and distraught realising that Emily had left him, yet embarrassed to move from the booth and the restaurant. Just then, when the restaurant seemed its quietest and his belly protested its hunger for all to hear, the waitress appeared.