Chapter 12

The wind chimes above the bakery's glass door jingled as it swung open. Standing in front of the counter, Alder was surprised that the shop, once always lined with queues of customers, was now empty. "Mr. Holt!" The shop assistant lit up at the sight of him and skillfully pulled out a beautifully wrapped box of chocolate chip cookies from behind the counter. "You came at just the right time. These just came out of the oven." As Alder accepted the warm box, the heat from his fingertips sent a strange ripple through his chest. "Is this for your girlfriend again? Why haven't you come around in a while? Weren't you a regular here every week?" the shop assistant asked with a smile as she counted change. Alder's hands paused as he looked up. "Did I frequent here that much?" The shop assistant looked genuinely surprised. "Of course! Sometimes, you came alone, and sometimes, you came with your girlfriend. You've been doing that for years, rain or shine. You must really love her. "I rem