My day usually starts with me just opening the bakery, alone. I have some time to myself where I can do the things I need to do and not be interrupted. I can start the oven, set out the ingredients, and just start whatever dessert or bread that I wanted to make that particular morning. It was quiet, and I could stay completely relaxed as the sun started to rise. It was nice.

Then she started showing up.

Yes, I gave Lily a Spew Puff every morning, but I was trying to be nice. I had stormed off the first time we meet, and even though she was trying to get a reaction out of me, I didn’t think she was horrible. She may be rude, annoying, and seemingly short-tempered, but she’s a decent person. I gave her that second puff since she works early and seemed to be having a bad day. I just felt like doing it the following two weeks, but I never expected anything to come out of it.

I learned that the unexpected becomes common when Lily is involved.

“Here,” I turned to see Lily standing in front of the counter, a bag dangling from her outstretched hand.

I set down the bread that had just finished cooling. I had no idea what was happening. “What’s that?”

Lily glared daggers at me as she shook the bag. “It’s a thank you gift, dumbass,” She barked. “For the puffs you’ve been giving me even though your uncle didn’t tell you to. And…” Her eyebrow twitched and her knuckles paled. “... It’s an apology for the way I acted a couple of weeks ago.”

A gift? Why is she doing this? Is this a prank? Then again, I don’t know her this well. This may be something she does, but why would she give a stranger a gift? Should I take, or leave it? I don’t really know… Take it or refuse? Refuse? Accept! I don’t know!

Calm down…

I don’t know what to do.

Whatever you want… Tell her to leave or accept the gift… it’s a one-time thing that won’t matter tomorrow…

Right.

Do whatever you want…

Okay.

Lily’s eyes narrowed as she continued to hold out the bag. Reluctantly, I took the bag from her and looked inside. A face stared back at me. I blinked, confused. Then, I realized it was cloth. Lily had given me a fabric doll of a little Luc-Luc.

It’s an actual gift. It’s not a prank. She actually got me a gift.

I didn’t know how to react. My chest felt light, my throat twisted into a knot.

Run away!

Hug her!

Say you don’t want it!

It’s just a doll…

My throat loosened. I set the bag on the counter and said the first thing that came to mind. “That seemed like it was painful to say.”

Lily looked me over, her eyes widening a little bit. She grunted before saying, “It was. It felt like shit on my tongue. I’m done now.” She turned and made her way over to the door.

I looked at the bag, my chest still feeling light. I didn’t think she would do something like that. The only time I’ve ever gotten presents was from my family, and that hadn’t been meaningful like this. A tingling ran up my face. I… I couldn’t help it. It felt… nice.

“Thank you.”

It just came out. Without any thought, without any preplanning, I said it.

Lily stopped and faced me. Her expression was weird; I couldn't place what her look meant. Then, she smiled. “You’re welcome.” She shook her head and left.

I took the doll out of the bag and sat it upright against the bread basket. The detail on it was well done: stitches crossing together, running from the knuckles up its arm making scales. The maker did the same thing on the legs and partially up the neck. On the underside of the arms and legs, grayish material stood out against the green-blue scales. The horns, instead of pointing up or inwards, turned outwards and dipped and rose two times to make a wavy shape. It wore a generic shirt and pants, and its hair was short and dark brown. Big, red eyes and a smile stared back at me.

It’s adorable!

I picked up the doll and rubbed it against my cheek. It’s so soft! Where did she get this? I love it! I just want to put it on my shelf! Well, after pushing something else off. I can’t believe Lily got this for me! It’s great!

I suddenly became very aware of the windows in the storefront. I placed the doll back in the bag and placed it behind the counter. That light feeling was still in my chest.

It’s just a doll…

“Yeah, it is. But I really like it. And it makes me happy that she gave it to me. Thanks, Lily.”