And strangely nostalgic.
By the time I finally spotted the familiar sign, parking had become a challenge. I circled twice before squeezing into a narrow spot a short walk away. My legs felt stiff as I stepped out of the car, nerves already tightening in my chest.
Despite everything else changing, the place itself looked almost the same.
Marie’s Pie House stood firm, its exterior freshly painted but unmistakably familiar. The windows still framed the displays the same way, and the sign hung proudly above the door, weathered but strong. It looked like it had been waiting.
I took out the key and hesitated for a second before unlocking the door.
The moment I stepped inside, I froze.
Sunlight poured through the front windows, spilling across the wooden floors just like it used to in the afternoons. The air was warm. Alive.
“Wow,” I whispered. “Nothing has changed since I left.”
Walking further in felt like stepping straight into my past. The rustic scent of wood and sugar wrapped around me.
Then something else hit me.
The smell of freshly baked pie.
I frowned.
That did not make sense.
The bakery was supposed to be closed. My imagination had to be playing tricks on me. I took another breath.
No. The scent was real.
A soft noise came from the kitchen.
“Hello?” I called out, my voice echoing slightly. “Is someone here?”
The kitchen door opened, and I stiffened.
“You’re not supposed to be here,” a firm voice said. “We’re closed. Surely you saw the sign on the door.”
An older woman stood there, wearing a green apron dusted with flour. There was flour on her cheek too, like she had wiped her hands without thinking. She looked startled, but not frightened.
“I’m sorry,” I said quickly. “I didn’t mean to—who are you?”
“I’m Mrs. Jones,” she replied. “And you need to leave.”
“I think there’s been a misunderstanding,” I said carefully. “This bakery isn’t supposed to be open yet.”
She studied me closely. Too closely.
Then her eyes widened.
“You’re Bailey,” she said.
It was not a question.
“Yes…?” I answered, suddenly unsure of myself.
Her entire demeanor changed.
“Oh my goodness,” she exclaimed, rushing toward me before I could react. She wrapped her arms around me in a warm, unexpected hug. “I’ve been waiting for you. Marie talked about you all the time.”
