Run: 2026-06-01-01KT1GBYZT5E3EAXQ8Q5MD07H7

The morning light slanted through the flour-dusted windows of Maple & Crumb, catching the glass jars of rainbow sprinkles behind the counter. "You're doing it again, you know." "Doing what?" "Talking to the croissants. I can see your lips moving from across the room." "I was not talking to the croissants. I was... encouraging them." "Mmhmm. And the sourdough? Was it also in need of encouragement yesterday when I caught you whispering to it?" "That's a trade secret. I don't have to explain my methods." A bell chimed above the door, and both voices fell silent. A woman in a gray coat stepped inside, snow dusting the shoulders of her jacket. She didn't order. She didn't look at the menu. She walked straight to the corner booth by the window, sat down, and opened a manila folder. "Now that's interesting," one voice murmured. "What?" "She was in here three days ago. Same booth. Same folder. Asked me if I sold any blueberry scones to a man in a green coat." "What did you tell her?" "The truth. That I don't remember every customer who walks through my door." "And?" "And that green coats aren't exactly rare in January, dear."