The bell above the door tinkled as someone entered, breaking the early morning quiet. The scent of freshly baked bread and sweet pastries filled the air, mingling with the crisp scent of autumn outside. "Good morning, dear!" Mrs. Appleby called from behind the counter, her smile warm and inviting. A young man with tousled hair and a worn jacket shuffled up to the counter, eyes scanning the display of treats. "Morning," he muttered, his voice gruff but not unkind. Mrs. Appleby's eyes crinkled at the corners as she gestured to the pastries. "What can I get for you today? The blueberry scones are fresh out of the oven." He hesitated, then nodded slowly. "A scone, please. And... a coffee, black." As she prepared his order, Mrs. Appleby’s curiosity got the better of her. "You’re up early. Anything special planned for today?" He glanced up, meeting her eyes briefly before looking away. "Just... trying to get a head start on things. New to town, you see." "Welcome, then," she said warmly. "I’m Mrs. Appleby. Everyone around here comes by for my scones." Her words seemed to relax him a bit. He smiled, a hint of bashfulness in his expression. "Thanks, Mrs. Appleby. I’m sure I’ll be back."