Baby...that kills people

Soft folk music drifted across the small room from the old record player on the counter. The beat thrummed in time with the splattering of the rain outside. It streaked down the baby blue and teal striped awning that framed the large, open double doors. These specific doors were decorated with the same square panes of glass that the windows to the sides of it held. They were old and a little worn, but they were clean and kept in sparkling condition. The owner of the little bakery loved her windows, loved her doors, loved the natural light that filled her shop and gave it life.

Winters were the worst, in Aurae's opinion. That was the only time of the year her doors had to be closed, for the sake of her customers and her floor. But winter was officially over with the coming of spring. Two days past had been a lovely equinox, changing the seasons from an exceptionally harsh snow into a storm-showered wonderland. Thunder rattled her precious window panes but it didn't cause her to fret. She just smiled and finished gathering her long, vibrant red hair at the back of her neck and tied it in a loose bun. After she made sure it was completely out of the way, she resumed humming along with her records and spreading icing across a batch of cupcakes that had just cooled off. They were due to be delivered to a library a couple streets over for a small charity event. Multicolored almond cupcakes with different fruit filling and whipped cream cheese icing. Every single one would have a different combination of edible decorations. It wasn't a particularly difficult order to conjure, but the baker liked to get creative and procure the most amazing product, no matter the specifics.

Two small groups of teenagers munched on various snacks and tea at wrought iron tables set up inside the shop while an old couple shared a piece of apple pie on a bench underneath the awning outside. Placing the last frosted cupcake on the counter in front of her, she turned to look through her expansive collection of different sprinkles and toppings. As she rummaged through the cabinets, she heard a new set of footsteps clacking across the spotless tiled floor of her store. "I'll be with you in a second," she called out to the newcomer, grabbing a set of tiny sugar flowers and edible pearls.

"Miss Deeread," she could hear a small voice from behind the other side of the counter calling for her. Turning around she smiled down at the small, middle aged black woman.

"Mrs. Deireadh," she corrected the lady. "How can I help you ma'am?" Her green eyes glittered and her smile was flawless, completely hiding her frustration with the simple mispronunciation.

"That is a strange name," the woman muttered, causing Aurae to chuckle and smile even wider.

"Yes, well that's what I get for marrying a friggin' Irishman," she joked lightly, hoping to make her new customer more comfortable. She reached down and pulled the small picture from underneath the register. The woman moved forward towards the counter to look as Aurae showed her.

"A handsome Irishman," the woman smiled. "You're a lucky one."

Aurae's smile softened as she looked at the picture herself before putting it securely back in place. "Don't I know it," her voice was filled with adoration. "He's a police officer..." Their voices tinkled, mingling with the record player and pattering rain and shaking window panes. Aurae chattered on and on about her husband and the woman's son who plays golf and the afternoon drifted on.