Run: 2026-10-27-01M5YHYMEGNNBVH7RTMNYZXHGM

The bell over the bakery door gave a sleepy jingle, though no one had come in. Outside, a wind worried the striped awning. Inside, cinnamon and fresh bread warmed the air. “The mayor’s cake is gone.” “Perhaps it walked off. Your fruitcake nearly did last Christmas.” “This was a sponge, and it was sitting right here.” A pale circle marked the flour-dusted counter. Beside it lay a single violet petal. “The mayor wanted sugared violets.” “Those aren’t sugared. They’re from the window box.” “Which is outside.” “An excellent place for a window box.” The oven clicked as it cooled. Beyond the glass, the square was empty except for a bicycle leaning against the post office. “Look at the flour on the sill.” “Someone climbed through?” “Not unless they were six inches tall and had exceptionally tidy shoes.” A muffled thump came from beneath the counter. “Did your fruitcake make that noise too?” The cupboard door eased open. A whiskered nose appeared, followed by the mayor’s terrier, wearing an elaborate crown of violets. Behind him sat the cake, intact except for a lick of frosting. “The mayor will never notice.” “He’ll notice the dog.” “Then we’d better put the cake in a box.” “And the dog?” “Give him a biscuit. He’s earned it.” “For stealing a cake?” “For leaving the recipe alone.”