The bell above the door tinkled as the new customer entered. “Good afternoon, Mrs. Peabody.” The aroma of freshly baked bread and cinnamon swirled around the cozy space, a comforting hug on a chilly December day. “Lovely day, isn’t it?” “It is, Clara. Couldn’t ask for better weather for the annual cookie exchange.” A sigh escaped her lips. “Just hope I don’t get stuck with another batch of those awful peanut butter cookies again.” A mischievous glint twinkled in the baker’s eyes. “Oh, you mean the ones that leave you feeling like you need to brush your teeth with sandpaper?” “Exactly!” The older woman snorted. “Mrs. Henderson’s a lovely woman, but her baking skills leave something to be desired.” “Maybe you should offer to bake something for her this year,” the baker suggested, a playful twinkle in her eyes as she gestured towards the display of beautifully decorated cookies. “Something that’ll knock her socks off.”