Run: 2026-10-07-01M4AV2ZZDHRGXV33W7ZP4FZ6H

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." "Fair point. But I heard Mrs. Peabody swears by them." "Mrs. Peabody swears by oxygen, and look how that’s going for her." A laugh, warm and easy. "You’re terrible." "Just honest. Here, try this." A plate slid across the counter, golden pastry flaking at the edges. "Mmm. Worth the hype." "Told you. Though I suspect she only comes in for the gossip." "Who doesn’t? Speaking of, did you hear about the flower shop?" "Which part? The break-in or the missing roses?" "Both. Strange, isn’t it?" "Strange? In Maplewood? That’s just Tuesday." The bell jingled again, but neither turned to look. "Another croissant?" "Definitely."