Angry Baker's Arc

Chapter 5 of 13

Monday brought more customers. Allan watched them walk through the door one by one, ordering bread and pastries like they'd never left. By Wednesday, the morning rush filled the bakery again, voices overlapping as people waited in line. Allan built a wooden shelf and set it outside the door Thursday morning. He loaded the top row with fresh loaves, golden crusts catching the sunlight. Below that, he arranged rolls and baguettes, still warm from the oven. People slowed when they passed, drawn in by the smell. A folding sign leaned against the wall beside it: WELCOME BACK SALE. 30% OFF. Allan hadn't planned the discount, but he needed them to keep coming. He needed proof that this wasn't temporary. By Friday afternoon, orders covered the board behind the counter. Allan had nailed them there himself, one slip of paper at a time. Birthday cakes. Dinner rolls for a family gathering. Three dozen croissants for Saturday morning. He counted them twice. Fourteen orders. More than he'd had in weeks. His hands moved steady as he mixed dough, shaped loaves, checked temperatures. Each batch came out right. No freezing. No anger. Just work. Allan locked the door at closing and stood in the quiet bakery. The cash register held more money than it had since the other shop opened. The order board was full. Customers were back. But the wedding date was still May, not February, and Melissa still walked the trail alone each evening. He'd rebuilt his business, but he hadn't earned back the time he'd lost waiting. Success wasn't the same as moving forward. It just meant he could finally afford to try.