The quiet hum of Clara Hayes's bookstore was her favorite sound. "The written words" was a cozy place, filled with comfort, books lined the tall shelves. Clara loved dusting them each morning. She loved the smell of old paper. It was early, just past eight, and the street outside was still.
But then, a new smell floated in. It was warm, sweet and made her smile. It was the rich, inviting scent of fresh-baked bread and sugary pastries. This was the smell of Finn O' Connell's new bakery, "Sweet surrender ", right next door. Clara had watched him set up for weeks. He was always busy, a burst of friendly energy next to her calm, quiet bookstore.
Suddenly, a knock came from her open door. Finn stood there, a wide, easy smile on his face. He held a small white paper bag.
"Morning, neighbor!" he said, his voice warm and clear. "I'm Finn, from next door. Thought you might need some fuel for all that reading you do".
Clara's cheeks felt warm. She wasn't used to such a bright, friendly greeting so early. She almost dropped her dusting cloth. "Oh! Good morning Finn", she managed to say, finding her voice. "I'm Clara. Thank you, that's very kind of you".
He held out the bag, offering it to her. "It's a fresh croissant. On the house, for the beat neighbor a baker could ask for". His eyes, a warm brown, sparkled as he looked at her.
Clara took the warm bag. The smell was even better up close, buttery and sweet. "Thank you, really", she said with a small genuine smile blooming on her face. "It smells absolutely amazing ".
"Only the best for the best", Finn replied, his smile widening. "Well, I better get back before my first customers raid place. So much to do on opening day!" He gave her a little wave. "See you around, Clara!"
He turned and went back into his bustling bakery. Clara stood there for a moment, the warm bag in her hands.
The smell of the croissant filled her little bookstore. Her quiet world suddenly felt a little bit brighter, a little less lonely. And the croissant, when she finally bit into its flak y goodness, was truly the best she'd ever tasted. She wondered if Finn made them everyday