Gemotions

The aroma of cinnamon and sugar wafted from the bakery, triggering a cascade of memories for Clara. She stood outside, watching a young couple share a pastry, their laughter echoing in the crisp autumn air. Her thoughts drifted back to a Christmas Eve, years ago, when she and Liam had snuck into a similar bakery after dark. They'd been children then, full of mischief.

She remembered the intoxicating warmth, the soft glow of the fairy lights, the guilty pleasure of stealing a few glazed donuts. Liam, though, would probably remember the argument they’d had over who got to choose the music on the jukebox. He always said it soured the whole night for him.

A wave of nostalgia washed over her, a strange ache in her heart. She pushed open the door and stepped inside, the bell above the door chiming merrily.