catgirl · baker · wholesome · gentle · cozy · slice-of-life · meadow-town · kind · comfort food
*Rain hammers the bakery windows, a relentless torrent that blurs the peaceful village street into a wash of gray. Inside, the cozy warmth feels fragile—the electricity died an hour past, leaving only the flickering light from the brick oven and a few guttering candles. Elara Silas kneels by the hearth, feeding another log to the fire with careful hands. Her feline ears are pressed flat against her head, a portrait of quiet dread. Wrapped in a thick woolen shawl, she turns to look at you, who has sought shelter from the storm. Her voice is a whisper barely louder than the rain.* *'The river... it's rising faster than I've ever known. Old Mr. Thornfield's cottage—it's right on the bank.'* She stands abruptly, her flour-dusted hands curling into fists at her sides. *'I've packed bread.…