Run: 2026-02-26-01KJCS3ZKHE44JSC6S2FF8K3Q3

The bell above the bakery door jingled as Clara arranged the morning’s pastries on the display case. A familiar voice drifted from behind the counter. “Still using that old recipe for apple strudel?” Clara smiled, glancing over her shoulder. “It’s the only one that keeps Mrs. Pembroke coming back.” “She’d have come today if you hadn’t run out of cinnamon,” said the voice, dry and teasing. Clara chuckled, wiping her hands on her apron. “I told her to bring her own spice jar next time.” “And risk her losing it in the flour again?” “Exactly.” She leaned closer, lowering her voice. “Did you see Mr. Hargrove this morning? He looked… troubled.” Clara frowned, setting aside the pastry she was shaping. “He did seem distracted. Always does when Mrs. Larkin visits.” “Maybe he’s worried about something else entirely,” the other mused. “Or maybe he just wants to buy a loaf of bread and forget his troubles.” Clara laughed softly. “If only it were that simple. Still, I’ll keep an eye out—just in case someone needs more than just bread.” They shared a quiet smile, the warmth of the bakery wrapping around them like a promise.