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When I round the corner, I find the culprit: a small bakery that is absolutely calling my name.
Heavenly Sweets - Ada’s Tastiest Treats is painted over a set of wooden boards, which swing in opposite rhythms from one another. Below them, a large pane window offers a glimpse of the many delights within.
The door opens when I approach, welcoming me in as though the old wood knew I was headed its way.
Dust-covered books lie in stacks against the walls. Their hard covers appear old, some even webbed from spiders. A few small tables fill the open space, and fewer chairs. If not for the shelves of pastries on display at the front, I might think this place was abandoned.
“My, my. Is that a visitor I hear?” a soft voice calls from a room at the back. “I wondered when I would be seeing you, dear.” The woman comes into view, eyes light and smiling.
She was expecting to see me?
“Sit,” I’m told as she walks to the display case, taking something out before making her way in front of me. “Have a biscuit.” The woman, Ada, I assume, places a flakey roll in my hand. My mind flashes to that children’s story, the one where the witch lures the kids with her candy house.
“Wow, this is delicious,” I hum through a mouthful, barely swallowing before I go in for another bite.
“Of course it is. I make the best treats around.” She smiles softly at me. “But you’re not here for treats, are you?”
Setting down the biscuit, I give my entire focus to her. There’s something oddly calming about this woman, despite the fact that she seems to be reading my mind. I came in here because it smelled like paradise in the form of sugary goodness, but outside of that, no, that’s not what I’m here for.
“I’m trying to get home,” I finally answer.
“Not liking the beauty of Aldure?”
“Aldure?”
“The world you’re in, dear.”
Biting my lip, I shake my head. How can any of this be real? I was in my own bed. Why did I have to get up? Why did I go into the forest?
“There is a pull of sadness washing through you. Tell me, why is that?” Ada asks, a genuine curiousness to her voice.
Isn’t it obvious though? “I don’t belong here.” My voice cracks when I say it. As much as I’m trying not to show it, I’m scared. I’m confused. Maybe I’m delirious.
She raises a brow, tender eyes searching mine. “Did you belong in your world?”
Her words have something catching in my throat. It’s a simple question, but I can’t seem to respond, because the answer is no.
When I remain silent, she steps closer, her fingers gently gripping my chin as she peers deeply into my eyes. Normally, I would have pulled away, but something in her gaze holds me captive.
“You see the world as gray, for it has been such an unhappy place. But there is beauty amongst the rubble. You, dear, are proof of that.” Ada smiles, returning once again to her display of sweets. “Home comes in many forms. Sometimes it is a place, yes. For you, it will come in a way quite unexpected.”
“What do you mean?”
And then she’s behind me, from one end of the room to the other without a single movement, and I gasp.
“If it is truly your wish, I can help you get back to your world, though what you will lose is far greater than you know. You were brought here for a reason. Time alone will help you realize it.”
Heart racing, I scrunch my brows. “I’m not following. You know why I was brought here?” I ask, rushed. “Why? How?”
“Realms are thin, sweet girl. There are many ways to cross.” She lifts my hand near her face, examining it. “So very interesting.”
“What?” The word barely comes out.
Her warm eyes land on mine. “When pain meets hate, a spark is born. It has already begun. And if you let it, those small embers still burning inside you will set fire to this dark and unforgiving world. You only need the fuel to ignite it.”
Before I’m able to respond, the front door swings open and a girl with long red hair steps in.
“Puh-lease tell me you still have some Crème Broom-lée. I am starving and literally nothing sounds better.” She looks from the display case to us, then smiles. “Oh, hi. Didn’t mean to interrupt.”
