Run: 2026-10-27-01M5YFCPAJ0H60Q1NPCNR14G2N

The bell above the bakery door gave its usual cheerful jangle, though the morning had little else to recommend it. Rain tapped the windows, and an empty space yawned beneath the glass cake dome. “The mayor’s birthday cake was here when I locked up.” “Are you certain?” “I remember because I nearly ate one of the sugar roses.” A wet umbrella dripped beside the counter. From the kitchen came the comforting scent of cinnamon, entirely at odds with the missing cake. “The door wasn’t forced.” “And the windows were latched.” “Perhaps the cake walked away.” “Then it left footprints.” A dusting of flour led from the counter to the back door. In the center of each print was a tiny star. “Those look familiar.” “The soles of the mayor’s gardening boots. She showed them off at the flower show.” “But why steal her own cake?” On the counter lay a folded note, half hidden beneath the order book. *Dear Elsie, I couldn’t bear another surprise party. I’ve taken the cake to my sister’s. Please come for tea, and bring the candles. I forgot those.* “Well, that solves the mystery.” “Not quite.” “What’s left?” “Why she carried a cake through the rain without a box.” A pause. Then the back door opened, and there sat the empty cake box, carefully sheltered under the awning.