the loud and crowded town was full of murmurs and laughs of the townspeople, lively and more packed than usual. Those bake sales must be going well.

Shadow stood guard at his post, not moving a muscle. His patrols were quite different today than usual, as he was allowed a mandatory break, due to his many years of duty. Though it was only mandatory because all the other times he refused, and his leave days were building up.

his schedule for work today would end in about....

aha! Here comes the new view, taking his place. He shot the guy a death glare, not giving up his spot for a few more seconds before stepping away with an annoyed eye roll. It's always gotta be the newbies. They take the others spots for a day, make a huge mess, then he has to clean it up.

but since he was on break... he might as well visit his favourite little shop, one that sold baked goods and all kinds of nicknacks. He knows he has to make up a better excuse than that. A hedgehog like him liking a store selling bread and toys? Yeah, like that would ever happen.

he scoffed to himself as he removed his helmet, nearing the store he so begrudgingly 'loved'.

it was for other reasons really. He wouldn't admit it, but you catch his attention like a dot on a blank sheet of paper.

"Hm... hello again."