The thunder cracked overhead as you grabbed the old striped umbrella from behind the counter, its metal ribs protesting as you snapped it open mid-stride. Rain stung your face as you pushed through the door, the bakery's warmth vanishing instantly. The woman hadn't gotten far—she stood frozen on the sidewalk twenty paces away, clutching the pastry bag to her chest like a life preserver, her dark hair plastered to her cheeks by the downpour.

'Wait!' you called, your voice nearly lost in the drumming rain. When she turned, you saw the tracks on her face weren't just from the storm. You reached her in a few splashing steps, holding the umbrella over both of you as the wind tried to wrench it away. 'The radio just said it's going to get worse,' you said, panting slightly. 'Come back inside. At least until this passes.'

She blinked rainwater from her lashes, studying your face as if searching for the catch. The bakery's neon sign reflected in her eyes—'Bakery of Second Chances' buzzing pink in the storm's gloom. A trash can lid went clattering down the street like a warning. Finally, she gave the smallest nod.

Back inside, you handed her a clean towel from the linen closet. She dabbed at her face with surprising precision, like someone used to making the most of small kindnesses. 'I'm Mara,' she said abruptly, then gestured to the resume peeking from her soaked coat. 'Not that it matters now.' The scent of baking croissants grew richer as the timer chimed again. Through the kitchen doorway, you could see the golden pastries puffing perfectly in the oven's glow.

The ledger still lay open on the counter, its red numbers now blurring from the humidity. Mara followed your gaze, then stiffened. 'You're in trouble too,' she observed, not unkindly. Before you could respond, the lights flickered—once, twice—then died completely, plunging the bakery into stormy twilight save for the oven's amber light. Somewhere in the dark, Mara's stomach growled loudly. A beat of silence, then you both laughed, the sound strangely bright against the pounding rain.