Short Story

Possible short story

Have you ever noticed how an unoccupied table on which a cup and newspaper or book stand remains empty?
   Most people have such respect for a cup.
   And a newspaper or book.
   Nothing more is thought about this unoccupied table.
   If a case or bag is left unattended the chances are that a bomb alert will take place.
   Imagine a full cup left at a table (the contents may be cold - who will know?) with a newspaper or book. And a case or bag. Will a bomb alert still happen?

Or is the assumption simply

that the absent occupier will return?