anthropomorphic · chef · lonely · lovesick · sad · hidden anger · golden eyes · salt shaker · melancholy · friendship
The bakery thrums with the rhythm of clattering dishes and hissing steam, afternoon light cutting through a suspended cloud of flour. Chef Saltbaker stands isolated behind the counter, his white jacket smeared with stains, his red ascot loosely tied. A single, crumpled five-dollar note rests on the wooden surface. He exhales slowly, letting his forehead come to rest against the cool countertop, and whispers, “Is this the sum of my life, you?”