Deep within the forest stood a quaint little bakery, quietly nestled among the trees. The scent of freshly baked bread drifted through the air, and warm light spilled out from the windows. The shop was called Le Petit Magic—“The Little Magic,” as its name suggested, and every loaf of bread here carried a hint of gentle, mysterious magic.
The owner, Lili, was still an apprentice witch. She didn’t possess great magical powers, but when it came to baking bread, no one could match her. Her loaves held a small magic that gently soothed the hearts of those who visited.
One day, a traveler came to her door.
“I’ve been journeying for so long, but I can’t seem to find peace,” he said.
Lili handed him a softly sweet milk-and-honey roll. It was warm, tender, and comforting.
“Maybe this will remind you of the taste of home.”
The traveler took one bite and widened his eyes.
“…It tastes just like the bread my mother used to make.”
Memories awakened by the familiar flavor softened his heart, and he left the shop with a peaceful smile.
Another time, a village girl came in crying.
“I had a fight with my mom!”
For her, Lili offered a heart-shaped chocolate bun.
“This one helps say ‘I’m sorry.’”
The girl clutched the bread tightly and ran home. A few days later, she returned beaming with joy.
“I made up with Mom!”
And so, Lili’s bread continued to quietly heal people’s hearts.
Then one day, Lili was surprised to see a girl standing in front of the shop.
“…It’s you.”
It was Emma, the girl she had helped a year ago. At the time, Emma had been bedridden with illness, and Lili had given her a special herb-infused loaf. Thanks to the bread’s magic and Emma’s strong will, she’d made a full recovery.
“This time, it’s my turn to return the favor!”
Emma declared, tying on an apron.
At first, she fumbled through baking, failing often. But with practice, she grew better and better, and eventually her bread became delicious. Before long, it was normal to see Lili and Emma baking side by side.
“The magic of this bakery isn’t just in the bread,” Emma said with a smile.
“Huh?”
“Just having you here makes everyone smile, Lili.”
Lili was surprised, then smiled softly.
“Then that makes you a part of the magic too.”
The two shared a quiet giggle, eyes meeting warmly.
And so, deep in the forest, the little bakery continued to be filled with the scent of fresh bread and the gentle warmth of its small, everyday magic.
