Thursday – Early Morning – Midtown Bakery
The smell of sugar and dough was warm. Comforting. Familiar.
But Amaya's apron smelled faintly like cinnamon and soap—and a little like sadness that had been baked in too long.
She placed the tray down; each bun shaped into a little smiling face.
Not one of them matched hers.
She hummed softly to herself. No melody. Just a habit.
Her father peeked in once and smiled.
"Another early batch, huh?"
She nodded.
"Just testing a new mix."
"That's the fifth test this week."
She said nothing. He didn't push.
Parents knew more than they said. But also knew when not to ask.
Morning – Class 1-A
By the time she arrived at school, the box of buns was tucked in her arms like a peace offering.
"Treats from Nicole's bakery!" Noah announced as soon as he opened it. "Let me guess—emotions baked into carbohydrates again?"
"They're just sweet," Amaya mumbled.
"Like you," Tyler said, popping one into his mouth.
Sofia took two and winked.
"Trying to bribe your way into everyone's heart? It's working."
Emma didn't say anything. She just gave a polite nod.
Amaya's eyes flicked to Jay's seat.
Still empty.
Still quiet.
Still… waiting.
Between Classes
Emma caught up to her after second period.
"You, okay?"
"Of course," Amaya smiled. "You?"
Emma gave a half-laugh.
"Do I look okay?"
"No," Amaya said quietly. "But you're trying really hard."
They walked in silence for a while.
Then, Emma asked—
"Do you miss him?"
Amaya froze.
Not "How are you?"
Not "Are you okay?"
Just: Do you miss him?
And somehow, that broke something.
"I do," Amaya said softly. "I miss… knowing where he is. Even if it's just the back of the classroom."
Emma looked over.
"You were always close."
"Since we were kids," Amaya nodded. "He used to steal my cookies and blame it on the dog."
"You never corrected him."
"I never wanted him to stop."
There was a long pause.
Then she added:
"I think I…"
Emma's gaze sharpened.
Amaya bit her lip.
"I think I should stop talking."
"Why?"
"Because if I say it, it'll be real. And I don't know if I'm brave enough for that."
Emma's face softened just a little.
"You're braver than you think."
They didn't speak again until they reached the stairwell.
After School – Bakery Back Room
Amaya sat alone by the window, doodling icing patterns into her notebook.
She drew stars. Then a pair of shoes. Then… nothing.
She stared at the page.
Jay had once told her cinnamon buns were the best in the world.
She still made them.
But they didn't taste the same anymore.
That Night
In her room, Amaya placed a wrapped cookie into a little pink box. Closed the lid. Set it on the shelf beside her bed.
"For when he comes back," she whispered.
She smiled to herself.
But it didn't reach her eyes.