Gloved hands dusted flour from a fresh tray of muffins as the bell above the door tingled cheerfully. Sunlight streamed through the bakery windows, bathing the quaint little shop in golden hues. "Morning, Martha! The usual?" The voice sounded warm like the coffee shop around them. The barista behind the counter smiled. "Of course, Jamie. One smoked salmon bagel with cream cheese, extra capers for today." Jamie chuckled, his eyes twinkling. "Martha knows me better than my mother does. Keep up the good work." Martha winked, inspecting the bagel with a practiced eye. "Only the best for my favorite customer. The usual payment method today?" Jamie reached into his pocket, his hand brushing a battered leather wallet. "For the last time, Martha, call it even. You're a keeper of secrets and life's simple pleasures. That's worth more than change." As he stretched to retrieve the bagel, a napkin fluttered to the ground. "Oh!" Martha gasped, kneeling to gather it up. "You've got yourself a customer!"