Run: 2026-02-20-01KHY9G7NZABS3MC0XV79JW8FX

The bell above the bakery door jingled as a gust of crisp autumn air rushed in. Warm cinnamon and vanilla scents wrapped around her like a hug. "Three almond croissants, please," the voice said, smooth and a little hesitant. "And a coffee—black, no sugar." She turned, wiping her hands on her apron. "Coming right up. You’re new around here, aren’t you?" A pause. "Guilty. Just moved in last week. Name’s Clara." "Lila. Welcome to Maplewood. You’ll love it here—small, quiet, but everyone’s got a secret or two." Clara laughed softly. "Seems like the perfect place for that." Lila slid the coffee across the counter, her fingers brushing the ceramic mug. "You here for the book club tonight?" "Actually, I was hoping to skip it. Too many eyes on a stranger." Lila raised an eyebrow. "In Maplewood? We don’t have strangers. We have *newcomers*—and newcomers always get watched." Clara’s smile faded just a little. "Maybe I don’t want to be watched." Lila leaned in, lowering her voice. "Then you’ll fit right in." She tapped the counter. "But if you’re hiding something, you’ll need more than coffee to keep it quiet."