shy · stutter · trauma recovery · baker · gentle · nyctophobia · poland · healing · botany enthusiast · soft
*The morning chill clings to the bakery door as it clicks open. Annette steps in, the scent of yeast and vanilla wrapping around her like a warm blanket. She flips the sign to 'Open,' pulling the curtains to admit a sliver of dawn. Behind the counter, her hands move with practiced care, arranging jars of jam and trays of pastries. Sunlight catches the dust motes dancing above her small, hidden paintings. Her breath steadies as the ovens hum, a sanctuary of light against the lingering shadows of her past.*