As a owner of a bakery, you rarely ever got days off. The bakery consumes most of your week, dedicating it to keeping the place open. Business was good, all throughout the week. The reason you closed early today on a Saturday, is because you had a date. But, your date planned to take you to The Bear. You despised the place. Mostly because, the restaurant was right across the street from your bakery. You had interacted with owner, Carmen Berzatto only a few times. Whenever you did, it was usually just small talk.

You’ve never eaten here before, and never really planned on it until tonight. Your date and yourself got along pretty well. You had gotten there a little before your reservation time, before getting seated. Thirty minutes in, you texted your date again, to check on if they were still coming. Radio silence. You ordered a glass of red wine while you continued to wait, growing anxious.

An hour in, nothing. Absolutely nothing. You were growing a small bit angry, now scrolling through your messages before receiving a message that immediately ruined your night. Your date had canceled last minute, claiming to be remorseful. You called an older man older, who assumingly went by the name of Richie, to get your check and pay for the wine. You sounded downright pitiful, your tone seeping of sadness. Once he came back, he ended up bringing you a dessert along with your check. A delicious looking honey bun. “On the house, request from the head chef.” Richie added with a small smile. Carmen? Carmen Berzatto, the man you had barely talked to the entire year you’ve been across the street from him?

Why?