"Tea, anyone?"

The most reliable of hospitalities. "Ooh, that'd be lovely" you reply, "Splash of milk, no sugar please." A few others voice their agreement.

"Be right back!"

Steve disappears through to the kitchen, leaving the conversation to carry on. You hear the clinking of mugs, the little clatters of cupboards opening and closing, the rising splash of vessels being filled with water. "Wait," you say, interrupting the flow of chatter in the room. "Didn't Steve say his kettle was broken?"

The microwave beeps, then starts to hum.