Soft morning light filtered through the bakery's lace curtains, casting a warm glow on the glass display filled with pastries. The aroma of fresh bread and sweet icing hung in the air like a comforting embrace. "Morning! The usual?" "Please. And maybe one of those lovely lemon tarts." "You've got a keen eye. They're fresh out of the oven." "They smell divine. I couldn't resist." "Resistance is futile when it comes to my tarts. How's the book club going?" "Oh, splendidly! We're onto our third Agatha Christie this month." "Miss Marple or Poirot?" "Poirot. There's something about his mustache that adds an extra layer of intrigue, don't you think?" "Indeed! Say, have you heard about the new antique shop?" "I have. There's a strange rumor circulating about a rare artifact causing a stir." "Curiouser and curiouser. Perhaps a real-life mystery for our little town?" "Now, wouldn't that be something? Here's hoping it's more exciting than Mrs. Hargrove's missing cat." Laughter filled the cozy bakery, mingling with the scent of freshly brewed coffee and the promise of a new day.