Lost in the Multiverse - Short Story Collection

8. Love and Donuts

Genre: Romance, modern

As the clock struck ten, I walked into my bakery, the familiar ringing of the bell above the door signaling the start of a new day. As soon as I entered, a wave of warmth and sweetness enveloped me, the air was filled with the delicious aroma of fresh baked goods. Decorated in cheerful shades of purple and adorned with floral decorations, my store felt like a cozy sanctuary against the cloudy sky outside.

I paused for a moment to take in my surroundings, the colorful displays of pastries and cakes waiting to be enjoyed. Today I was especially excited to create a new batch of treats. With a smile on my face, I rolled up my sleeves and got to work.

First, I gathered the ingredients for a batch of tender macarons. The soft pastels and bright colors of the almond meringue always made me smile.

"Let's see how creative we can get today," I said to myself, taking out flour, sugar and ground almonds.

As I mixed the dry ingredients, I heard the soft patter of rain on the window, a soothing soundtrack that made me feel more energized.

"Perfect baking weather," I thought, imagining the bright colors of the macarons popping against the gray background outside.

Once the dry ingredients were ready, I turned my attention to the egg whites. I started whipping them until they formed soft peaks, the mixer whirring happily.

When the meringue was ready, I carefully added the dry ingredients, feeling the anticipation building within me. As I prepared the pans, I couldn't help but think about all the flavors I wanted to create.

"Lavender and honey, maybe? Or classic raspberry?" I thought, writing down several ideas in a notebook.

After placing the dough on the baking sheets, I gently tapped them on the counter to release any air bubbles.

" Now we'll give you a little rest," I said, setting them aside before putting them in the oven. While they baked, I took some time to tidy up my workspace, humming to myself.

I then moved on to a batch of chocolate truffles. The thought of velvety chocolate melted and mixed with cream made my mouth water. I melted the chocolate, letting it become a silky puddle of decadence.

" There's nothing like chocolate to brighten the day," I said and smiled, stirring in a splash of vanilla extract.

As I shaped the truffles, rolling them in cocoa powder and crushed nuts, I couldn't help but feel proud of my craft. Each little ball was a labor of love, meant to bring joy to someone's day.

" They will definitely make someone smile," I said, imagining the happy faces of my clients.

While the pasta and truffles were cooling, I decided to quickly whip up a batch of scones. The thought of warm, buttery buns straight from the oven made my heart flutter. I added some dried cranberries and some orange zest, the bright flavors were the perfect complement to a dreary day outside.

While the buns were baking, I took a moment to take advantage of the cozy atmosphere of my shop. The rain continued to fall, but inside I felt warm and content, surrounded by the sweet aromas of my creations.

" Today will be a good day," I said out loud, smiling at the thought of what treats I would share with my clients.

When everything came together, I felt a rush of excitement for what was to come.

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As the morning turned into afternoon, the steady rhythm of raindrops outside the window continued, creating a cozy backdrop for my bustling little bakery. I was just finishing the last batch of pasta when the door slammed open and a group of policemen came inside, dusting off their umbrellas and raincoats.