Run: 2026-09-25-01M3CKEBFZFH2FYFAD5PQ6R2F2

The bell above the door jingled as the scent of cinnamon and fresh bread wrapped around them. "Morning. The usual?" "Please. And maybe one of those new almond croissants—if they’re as good as the rumors say." "Rumors? In this town, everything’s a rumor until it’s a scandal." "True. But I heard these pastries are worth the gossip." "From who? Old Man Higgins? He’d call a burnt biscuit a masterpiece if it was free." "Fair. But I trust your baking more than his opinions." "Smart. Though I can’t promise these won’t sell out before noon. Half the town’s already been in." "Then I’d better grab two. One for now, one for later." "Later? You? That’s a first." "Hey, I can show restraint." "Sure you can. Just like you showed restraint with the last box of donuts." "Those were an exception. A stress-related incident." "Uh-huh. Well, these croissants are delicate. Handle with care—or at least pretend to." "Deal. But if I drop one, you’re making another." "Deal. Now, sugar or no sugar on the usual?" "Extra. It’s been that kind of week."