Looking Out To Sea

It had been a quiet month for my companion and I. I had plenty to do at my work but, as ever, she was feeling unchallenged. In periods such as these, when problems were scarce, she would lose herself in the oblivion of the opium dens that exist near the dock yards. I would often go for days without hearing from my fellow lodger — or even seeing sign that she had visited.

It was in these darkest periods that she needed a challenge more than anything else, or I feared I might lose my companion for good. When she visited she would sit and stare into space, or idly check for new messages, then disappear outside again for days.

It was during the darkest stage that she and I were sitting indoors. I sat next to the fire, reading some papers for work. She stood at the window, hands clasped behind back, staring at the grim steel-grey sky. Suddenly there came a clatter, as of something heavy landing in the mailbox. She jumped into action (I suppose looking for any distraction, no matter how trivial). She returned from the mailbox with a large parcel, about the size of a hardback book, addressed in her name.

Inside was a book, and a slim, handwritten letter written in washed-out grey ink.

Dear Miss — —,

I have just received the challenge you have set me. It is unusual but I promise to attempt it to the best of my ability.

In return, you should find a complete book of recipes enclosed. My challenge to you is:

Make every recipe in this book at least once before the end of 2008.

Yours etc.

My companion read through the letter, and smiled slightly to herself. She turned over the enclosed book, to reveal the front cover: Nigella Express.

• Apologies to Arthur Conan Doyle, fans of the Sherlock Holmes stories, and anyone who can write. :-)
• The full challenge is available on the challenger’s website.
• Photo by user Kaptain Kobold on Flickr

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