#1—"When you say nothing at all"

Alice had become quite comfortable with the Mad Hatter recently. Their afternoon teas were no longer chaperoned by the Hare, nor was she forced to "clean cup and move down" before she could take a single sip. Yes, their teas were quite different now. And, as Alice discovered, quite pleasant.

Alice and Reggie sat down together to enjoy a cup of tea one wonderful afternoon in Wonderland. The table was cluttered with the usual array of tea cups and pots, some steaming, others not. They happily chatted as each prepared his or her cup: milk, sugar, honey. They reached for the single spoon resting between them. There was a quick brush of fingertips and both hands vanished from the table. Reggie indicated the spoon with a sweep of his hand. "Ladies first."
"Thank you," Alice replied sheepishly. She quietly stirred her tea, then replaced the spoon. Reggie followed suit.

They turned to look at each, both about to speak. Alice instead picked up her cup, turning away. Reggie coughed softly to the side.

On the table, their fingers almost met.