"And then?"
"And then I'll travel. I'll learn. And eventually, I'll come back and open my own place. Not The Bread Basket—something new. Something that's mine."
Slowly, people started filing out. Some looked thoughtful. Some still looked disappointed. But they were listening. That was something.
Mrs. Henderson was the last to leave. She paused at the door.
"Your grandmother was my friend for thirty years. And I think—" she paused. "I think she would be proud of you. Even if I'm not ready to be yet."
After everyone left, Lucy collapsed against the counter. Mae and Rei rushed to her side.
"You did it," Rei said. "You actually did it."
"I can't believe I just did that."
"You were amazing," Mae said. "Seriously. That was brave and honest and exactly what everyone needed to hear."
Uncle Walter appeared from the back room where he'd been waiting. "I'm proud of you, Lulu."
Lucy burst into tears, and Uncle Walter wrapped her in a hug.
"Did I do the right thing?" Lucy asked.
"You did the brave thing. Sometimes that's the same as the right thing. Sometimes it's not. But either way, you chose yourself. That's what matters."
After Uncle Walter left, Lucy pulled out her phone and called Shayna.
"I'm in. Let's finalize the sale."
"Are you sure?"
"I'm terrified. But yes. I'm sure."
"Okay. I'll have the paperwork drawn up. We can sign Friday if that works for you."
"That works."
After she hung up, Lucy texted Jake.
Lucy:I did it. I'm selling the bakery. Official paperwork Friday.
Three dots appeared immediately.
Jake:I'm proud of you. How do you feel?
Lucy:Scared. Relieved. Like I just jumped off a cliff.
Jake:Want company tonight? I can bring dinner.
Lucy:Yes please. I don't want to be alone.
Jake:You're not alone. Not anymore.
Lucy set down her phone and looked around the bakery. In two months, this wouldn't be hers anymore. Someone else would stand behind this counter, make these recipes, serve these customers.
And Lucy would be somewhere else. Learning, growing, becoming someone new.
It was terrifying.
