The People of Table Ferdowsi versus The Bill
Table 1 “Ferdowsi” · 14 November · 6:45 PM
Statement of the Case
On the evening in question, four families — close friends, and therefore the most dangerous kind of co-defendants — did knowingly, willingly and with great enthusiasm consume a dinner. A bill of was subsequently produced.
Nobody disputes the kebab. The kebab was magnificent. The only question before this Court is who owes what, and the Court intends to answer it to the cent.
The short version
For those who trust the Court: stop here. For those who do not: the Court respects that, and has prepared the math.
The Receipt
Entered into evidence without objection, and with a small grease stain.
The Law of the Table
The split follows four articles, applied without fear, favour or second helpings.
- Article I · The Kebab Doctrine
- You ordered it, you own it. A dish does not become communal property merely because it looked good from across the table.
- Article II · The Doogh Accord
- The jugs of doogh were for the table, so they are split four ways: per family. Doogh recognises no individual ownership.
- Article III · The Tea Share Act
- The tea was poured in shares and is charged by the share, at each. The Court did not expect to do fractions after dinner, and yet.
- Article IV · Court Fees
- The service charge follows the food: eat more, contribute more to the upkeep of justice.
Findings Against Each Family
Every count itemised. All defendants found guilty of having a lovely time.
The Split, Illustrated
For members of the jury who prefer pictures.
Exhibit B · Share of the bill
Who is responsible for how much of the total.
Exhibit C · Anatomy of each bill
What each family’s total is made of. Tap a segment for details.
The Arithmetic, Under Oath
No number on this page was estimated, rounded for convenience, or “called even”.
How it was split. You pay for what you ordered. The doogh was for the table, so it is split four ways. The tea was poured in five shares and is charged by the share.
Final Judgment
It is hereby ordered that the defendants shall pay:
- Settle up with whoever’s card took the hit. Sentences are to be served by bank transfer, promptly, with an emoji of your choosing.
- Tea shares stand as poured. No retroactive trading of tea shares will be entertained.
- The heaviest sentence fell on the longest order. The Court considers this the system working exactly as intended.
- No appeals. Objections may be raised in person, over the next dinner, which the Court orders to take place soon.
This Court has no legal authority whatsoever. Its arithmetic, however, is binding.