Run: 2026-02-20-01KHYAYGF9GDW9DTV6BYB904VH

The bell above the door *dinged* merrily as a chill wind swirled in, carrying the scent of pine needles. A warmth radiated from the display case, showcasing gingerbread men and frosted sugar cookies. “Honestly, Old Man Hemlock accusing *me* of sabotaging his prize-winning pumpkin? The nerve!” “Well, you *did* publicly critique its, shall we say, ‘uninspired’ arrangement of gourds at the harvest festival.” “Critique! I offered constructive feedback! It looked like a pumpkin exploded. And he’s been glaring at me ever since. Honestly, a gingerbread man is more threatening right now.” “He's a competitive man, Agnes. Especially when it comes to pumpkins.” A gentle chuckle. “Did you notice he’s been unusually friendly with young Timmy Peterson lately? Timmy’s garden is…remarkable this year.” “Timmy? That boy couldn’t grow a beanstalk! Hemlock must be paying him to…what? Grow the winning pumpkin *for* him?” “It’s a thought. Though I hear Timmy’s grandmother makes a mean pumpkin pie. Perhaps that’s the angle.” “Pumpkin pie bribery? It’s getting scandalous out there, even for Havenwood.”