Gemotions

Eliza practically bounced as she walked into the bakery. Her stomach fluttered with anticipation. She had practiced her new bread recipe for a week, and today, she would finally get Madame Dubois's blessing. She'd envisioned the praise, the shared laughter, the secrets of the perfect crust that the old woman would undoubtedly impart. The bell above the door chimed, and Eliza pushed open the door, inhaling the sugary scent.

The bakery, however, was empty. No Madame Dubois, no warm ovens, no comforting aroma. Only a small, handwritten note taped to the counter: "Eliza, my dear. I'm off on an adventure. Your recipe is perfect. Go forth and bake the world happy. Au revoir. - M.D." A grin stretched across Eliza’s face. She rubbed her hands together, a sudden, almost uncontrollable energy bubbling within her. She was ready.