you'll have to excuse me if they are stupid questions
Nah, they're alright questions, don't you fear.
wisps of smoke
wisps of steam indeed. it's the tea. I'll change it.
What do the stones in his bag represent?
The guilt of the girls he's cheated on her with. Some flower symbolism has the violet down for faithfulness - hence she refuses to accept them, as they are a lie. Another hint is that each stone bears a 'pretty name'. Too opaque? If so, I'd gladly rewrite it.
Otherwise I thought it was fantastic, bitter yet delicious.
Thanks a lot.