The extra place setting

Text: an original contemporary personal-essay-style practice extract.

My aunt had set a sixth place because I had mentioned that a colleague might come. I had said might, twice. At five, she put another potato into the oven. At six, she asked whether my colleague preferred sparkling water. I began composing an apology for an absence that had never become a promise.

When the colleague arrived, my aunt welcomed him warmly and moved the best chair towards the table. He thanked her, then explained that he could stay only an hour. Nobody objected. Nevertheless, each new dish arrived with a small account of the time it had taken to prepare. He praised the food with increasing care. I watched him check his phone beneath the table and return it to his pocket without opening the message.

He left after ninety minutes, carrying a parcel large enough for another dinner. My aunt was pleased that he had eaten well. I was pleased that he had managed to leave. Her kindness had not been false; that would be an easier story. It had been generous, elaborate and difficult to refuse. Next time, I decided, I would ask what an invitation required before answering it for someone else.

In this extract, the writer tries to show that hospitality can place pressure on a guest.

Evaluate how successfully this is achieved. Support your views with detailed reference to the extract.