Run: 2026-09-03-01M1K9NE5GBC1TR3EDW7X8GQWP

The air in Miller’s Bakery was thick with the scent of warm cinnamon and yeast, a comforting blanket against the chill of the autumn morning outside. Sunlight streamed through the front window, illuminating a lazy dance of flour motes above the glass display case. “You really think she just… left? Without a word? It’s not like her.” A damp cloth squeaked against the worn wooden counter. “People keep secrets, that’s all I’m saying. Even in a town like this. Especially in a town like this.” “But her car’s still in the driveway. Her prize-winning petunias are wilting. You don’t just abandon petunias you’ve been babying since April.” “Maybe she didn’t have a choice. Or maybe… maybe she wanted someone to think she didn’t have a choice.” A beat of silence followed, broken only by the hum of the old refrigerator case. “What’s that supposed to mean? You know something, don’t you?” “I just know she bought a dozen of those lemon poppy seed muffins the day before she disappeared. Her usual is a bran muffin. Never deviates. Said the lemon ones were for a ‘going away’ celebration.” The cloth was set aside. “But who was she celebrating with?”