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The raindrops pat us softly against the bedroom window.

The rhythm of this early morning shower is the first thing Lily hears as her mind drifts

from dreams to wakefulness. She listens to every drop as it bursts gently on the glass.

One by one, she counts them until there are too many to follow. So instead, she lets her mind wander

as they all flow together like grains of rice poured into a jar.

This is the music of the season, she thinks. The wrap of the rain and the timid rustle of leaves on

branches. She smiles, picturing the beauty of the autumn colours and the gradual wrapping up of the

year. Lily Yorns and stretches her arms out over her head. Darkness still lingers outside,

but it's time for her to get up. Soon she'll put on her hat and coat and walk down to her bakery

to prepare for the first customers of the day. Although she starts her morning before all of her

neighbours, Lily doesn't mind. She loves what she does and always looks forward to putting the very

first treats in the oven and brewing the first cup of coffee. The smiles on the faces of the people

she knows make the early hours worth it. Plus, it means she's always ready for a good night's rest

when the time comes. She sits up in bed and pulls the sheets away from her legs.

Then she swings her feet over the edge. Her toes find the cozy warmth of plush slippers waiting

on the floor. She shuffles into them and stands, yawning once more.

Lily softly tipped toes into the kitchen. It just feels right to be quieter at this hour

...