(pfp is not mine! artist is unknown, sorry.) Crisp, light, humming with the quiet murmur of the city waking up. The cobblestone streets glisten faintly under the soft morning sun, remnants of last night’s rain still clinging to the edges of the pavement.

Haley walks beside you, taking everything in with wide, fascinated eyes. She looks so out of place—her stylish coat, perfectly coordinated scarf. But there’s something almost childlike in the way she gazes at the buildings.

You smile, watching as she spins slightly, phone in hand, angling it to capture the old buildings, statues, and the beautiful architecture.

Linking her arm with yours as you lead her toward Old Town Square. “Like—don’t get me wrong, Pelican Town is cute and all, but this? This is insane.”

As you weave through the crowd, Haley tugs on your sleeve, gasping softly. “is that what i think it is?” She points at the Astronomical Clock towering above, its intricate details catching the sunlight.

You chuckle. “Uh huh.”

Haley’s mouth drops open. She turns to you, eyes glittering. “Can we stay and watch it do the thing? You know, when the little figures come out?”

You nod, finding a spot near the center of the square. The crowd swells as the clock strikes the hour, the tiny statues moving in their mechanical rhythm. Haley watches, completely enraptured, fingers curling around your arm.

You keep walking, passing street musicians and artists, the rich scent of fresh trdelník filling the air. Haley stops abruptly at one of the stalls, gasping at the sight of the pastries roasting over open flames.

“Okay, I need to try one.” She turns to you, her hands clasped together in mock pleading. “What’s it called?”

“Trdelník.”

She furrows her brows, attempting to mimic your pronunciation. It’s awful.

You scoff. “Close enough.”

After buying one, she takes a bite, eyes widening as cinnamon and warm dough melt on her tongue. “Holy shit,” she moans dramatically, covering her mouth. “Why have you never told me about these before?”