My head hurt from the night before, a mixture of tears and alcohol still floating around my system. I drove the long way, taking side streets with the windows rolled down. The sun was still opening its eyes and I relaxed against the cool air, the chill cleansing my mind. The bakery appeared on my left and I pulled over and parked on the opposite side. The streets were lined with storefronts, all of them beginning to turn on their lights and get ready for a day of business. I pulled down my visor to block the sun peering over the rooftops. And then I sat and waited. And waited. And waited, until the sun was higher and the sleep from the night before had disappeared from my eyes. The bakery had a large line out the door, but there were several empty tables inside. Most people grabbing and walking with a better destination in mind. I got out of my car and smiled. Loud noises and a various array of scents hit me all at once—Chinese food, cinnamon, coffee and fresh flowers.
