Morning Treat

By R.J. Byrd

The burst of fresh air that wafted over me when I stepped outside was invigorating. I couldn’t help the smile that spread across my face as I took in the autumn scene. Trees were now bright orange, yellow, and red, and the blue sky featured a gentle sun. I started my walk toward Donut Magic, a popular donut shop a few minutes from our apartment.

Not many people were out yet, and I enjoyed the quiet walk, taking in the bird song and crunchy leaves. A crisp wind made me shiver as I approached the bakery, making me want donuts and coffee more.

I stepped into the warm bakery and closed my eyes for a second. The wonderful smell of donuts and coffee gave me a cozy feeling that made me wish I could live here. A few people were waiting, so I got in line and went over my order in my head. Even when I knew what I wanted, I always ended up getting a few extra treats because everything looked amazing.

Once I got to the counter, Sophia smiled at me.

“What’ll it be today, Olivia?” She knew me by name at this point. I made it to her family’s bakery about once a week.

I rubbed my hands together while looking at the delicious display. My eyes roamed over the fluffy donuts with fall leaf sprinkles, orange, red, and yellow icing, and piped pumpkins. The fall-themed menu was one of their best. Soon, they would have Halloween decorations everywhere, and I would buy a Witches Brew hot chocolate, which was a green hot chocolate with a large cat marshmallow on top, to go with my donuts. I was also very fond of their eggnog donuts during Christmas time.

“I’d like one apple cider donut, one pumpkin spice donut, an apple fritter, and…” I stared at the display case, wishing I could buy them all “a maple bar.” Sophia started to bag the donuts. “I’d like two pumpkin spice lattes as well.” The donut shop made surprisingly good pumpkin spice lattes.

I stood off to the side to wait for my order. The shop had great fall decorations. Outside, there was a friendly scarecrow atop artfully arranged hay bales and pumpkins, and inside, fake leaves were abundant in all colors, along with sunflowers, chrysanthemums, and zinnias. It all made for a cozy atmosphere.

When my name was called, I picked up my order, slid the brown bag of donuts into my purse, and started the short walk back home. I couldn’t resist taking a sip of the latte. Not too hot, and the taste of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg mingled perfectly with the milk and espresso. I noticed a group of dark clouds on the horizon and knew we were in for some rain.

Once inside the apartment, I felt my nose and ears tingle as my body warmed up. I put the donuts on a plate and placed the two coffees on the counter.  A perfect start to a beautiful fall day.