Sunlight streams through the windows, casting a golden glow through the flour in the air. Mrs. Jackson works hard at the front of the counter, hair pulled up in a neat bun. Her eyes are bright and kind as she hands a box of baked goods to a frazzled mom and her 3 kids.
"Enjoy, the treats, ma'am," she says. Then, lower; "I added an extra cookie in there, just in case." The woman smiles gratefully before leaving. As she steps away, another person approaches the counter. It's Paul Blofis, a grin spread goofily across his face.
"Hello!" says Sally happily, pretending she has no idea who it is, "what can I get for you today, sir?"
"Four blue macaroons, please," says the man, "special order for my beautiful family." Sally smiles even wider, turning and shouting to Percy working in the back of the bakery.
"Make that 6 blue macaroons, Percy!"
Percy, his eyes sparkling with happiness, turned back to the cutting board in front of him. The inside of the bakery was warm, filled with the smell of cooking goods. His dark hair was sprinkled with flour, and the apron over him had streaks of frosting over it. A smudge of cake filling stood out on his cheekbone. A crooked smile was on his face as he worked, stirring the ingredients.
Outside, the everyday hustle and bustle went on. People entered the shop, little bell ringing on the door. Sally and Paul continued to flirt over the counter in between customers. Conversation went on in the background, and a little baby giggled in its stroller, reaching to the glass that held brightly colored pastries.
Percy's hands, that once held bloodied swords, now worked delicately to shape the dessert. His muscled arms, crisscrossed with scars and stretchmarks, were dusted with flour. He wiped his hands on his apron, eyes furrowed in concentration. Still, the faint smile did not fade from his lips.
Another moment in time, in which he was safe.