[May evoke unpleasant associations. Read with caution while eating.]
In a dim, enclosed sitting room measuring only about twenty square meters, a long, dark walnut dining table stood in the center.
An off-white linen tablecloth covered its lacquered surface, and a Copper Badge belonging to the House of Loving Kindness was inlaid along its edge.
Luxurious jade green wallpaper covered the surrounding walls, with oak paneling below.
On the soft sofa to the left of the dining table, Marlow's innocent eyes were filled with shock and terror.
The brass wall sconces on either side cast a soft, warm yellow glow through their milky glass shades, and beneath that glow...
Four gentlemen sat at the dining table, utterly absorbed in enjoying the food before them.
All four wore respectable three-piece suits, with neatly trimmed hair at the sides and tidy little mustaches.
The pocket watches tucked into their waistcoat pockets and the pins at their collars suggested that these gentlemen possessed considerable status and wealth.
Their eyes were closed, and they used no forks.
They simply grabbed the food with both hands and smeared it over their faces and chests.
After roughly tracing a shape with seven hands, they dragged their fingers through the dark brown substance and put it into their mouths.
"Urgh!"
Marlow instinctively clapped a hand over his mouth, his eyes brimming with tears as he retched violently.
As the four began eating, an indescribable, fermented stench filled the room.
Just then, two smiling young men approached, bare-chested except for black-and-white bow ties and wearing black leather trousers.
They flanked Marlow, their faces brimming with warmth and generosity.
"We're delighted you've decided to join our members-only restaurant, Mr. James!"
"Now, please make yourself at home. Let us open our souls together and resonate beautifully with the great Father