Behind them revealed a seemingly empty bakery. I stood by the now-closed doors, “Hello, Mr. Bill?”, no reply. 

I looked around in hopes to find at least one worker. 'Where were they? Was it an off day?' “Nah,” I whispered, dismissing that thought.

“But where did they...OW!”, I felt an instant bump on my forehead. 'Did I walk into a wall?' I looked up and met the eyes of...

“MR. BILL!” I gave a sigh of relief, 

“I found you!”

I stared upwards to meet his face. I found it incredible that even though he was nearly 65, he didn't look a day over 40. With him, you could definitely tell that the phrase "Black don’t crack" was true. That paired with his fatherly qualities, and the fact he owned the only bakery in town, he was someone very close to me and the village.

He seemed a bit startled by my sudden exclamation but snapped out of it in seconds’ time. Did he not notice before walking over here?

“Am I really that short to you?” I blurted out what I was thinking and then blushed, startled when realizing what I said.

“Ah, good morning Lastic, it seems you’re not late this time.” He giggled, dodging my question. He patted my head, squinting gleefully making his face scrunched up and wrinkly. He seemed pleased to see me, I smiled back. He relaxed his face, showing off his pretty brown eyes.

“Yeah, I told Benny to wake me up so I wouldn't be late anymore...” I groaned, I was still angry about the way Benny had woken me up. I stretched my arms, trying to wake up more. I caught him looking down at the floor, his face seemed shocked for a second.

“That was a good idea.” He said suppressing a laugh. 'I guess it took him some time to clearly hear what I said? So was he still half asleep?' I suppose my expression looked puzzled, he seemed to notice, answering with an awkward smile with teeth.

He ruffled his dark green hair, still trying to hold in his giggles.

“Let’s get started. We’ve got a lot on our plate today, Lastic.”, he told me as he smiled softly and walked to the door. 

"Yeah!" I replied merrily.

He pushed them open shouting “We’re open!” cupping his hand around his mouth. From where I was I could see people scurrying up the stairs, holding lists, baskets or their rowdy children's hands. Mr. Bill gave a smile to the people coming in, holding the door open so they could flow in easier. 

He looked around the busy bakery and caught me standing to the side, looking at him. He nodded at me in a way to tell me to "Get to work". I noticed and walked to my hook.