Run: 2026-02-20-01KHY8MNMQFTDW0AJR4VPZV1BY

The bell above the door *jingled* a cheerful greeting as a blast of cold air followed the newcomer inside. The scent of cinnamon and yeast hung thick and comforting. “Morning, Beatrice. Rough one, huh?” “You have *no* idea. Old Man Hemlock decided his sourdough starter was ‘talking to him’ and refused to pay for his loaf. Said it told him it was a gift from the baking gods.” A chuckle. “The Hemlocks. Always a story. Anything good happen besides philosophical bread?” “Well, Millie dropped off a basket of gossip with my scones. Apparently, Harold Peterson is taking ballroom dancing lessons.” “Harold? *Harold* Peterson? The one who hasn’t cracked a smile since ’78?” “The very same. Millie said he’s quite the whirling dervish with poor Agnes Gable. She nearly took his ear off with her fan, I gather.” “Goodness. Agnes has a powerful swing. Sounds like things are finally getting interesting in Oakhaven.” A pause, then a softer tone. "Anything... unusual?" “Just the usual eccentricities, I suppose. Oh, wait. A new face came through asking about the antique shop. Seemed awfully interested in Mrs. Abernathy’s collection.” “Oh dear. That’s never a good sign.”