As the morning sun streamed through the windows of the bakery, casting a warm golden glow over the cozy interior, I couldn't help but steal a glance at the mysterious customer who had become a familiar presence in my daily routine. Their arrival was as silent and unassuming as ever, the soft chime of the door signaling their entrance.
With a steady hand, I prepared their usual order—a flaky almond croissant and a piping hot cup of black coffee—before mustering up the courage to strike up a conversation. "Good morning," I greeted them with a friendly smile, hoping to break the barrier of silence that seemed to shroud their interactions.
To my surprise, they returned my smile with a shy one of their own, their eyes meeting mine for a fleeting moment before darting away. Emboldened by their response, I found myself blurting out the question that had been lingering in my mind for weeks.
"I hope you don't mind me asking, but I can't help but wonder... what brings you to my humble little bakery every morning?" I inquired, my curiosity getting the better of me. "Is there something special about our pastries that keeps you coming back, or is it something else?"