A Special Éclair

After Grandma and Grandpa passed away, Mom sold the old house and insisted on opening a pastry shop in town specializing in éclairs.

The shop was tucked away in a quiet part of town, but business was booming. Early in the morning, just as the first light crept across the horizon, a few women radiating with excitement strolled up to the storefront.

"Ma'am, we made it just in time! I'm taking all the éclairs today!"

Mom shook her head firmly and said, "One per customer. No exceptions."

The two women instantly frowned. "Seriously? I dragged myself out of bed this early, and you're telling me you won't sell? Just let me buy them all so you can call it a day!"

Glancing around to make sure no one was watching, they unzipped a large black bag and dropped a stack of cash on the counter. "How about now? I don't believe you'll turn this down!"

Mom glanced at the cash without a word. Instead, she calmly slipped on her gloves and said, "Ladies, long night? By the looks of it, dinner didn't do the job, and you came here to top it off, huh?"

The women froze, and their faces turned bright red. One muttered. "You're not wrong... I didn't even get to scream much before it was over. It was so disappointing."

Mom gave them a knowing smile, packed two éclairs into separate boxes, and handed them over. In a low voice, she whispered, "These éclairs are delicious, but don't overdo it. One each is plenty to hit the spot."

They exchanged glances and said nothing. After counting the money, they walked off with grins plastered on their faces.

A passerby noticed the scene and tried to step closer for a better look. Before they could see anything, Mom shot them a glare and stopped them.

"What? 1,000 dollars each? Lady, that's daylight robbery!" the passerby exclaimed.

Mom was unfazed. She stared at them and said coldly, "Don't like it? Then don't look! Plenty of others will buy!"

As the day went by, more and more customers flocked to the shop. Those lucky enough to snag a éclair beamed with joy.

"Ugh, my useless husband! This éclair does more for me than he ever could. It's so firm... just perfect!" one woman exclaimed as she took a bite, savoring it like pure bliss.

The ones who missed out stood around, envious, shamelessly asking Mom if they could reserve a éclair next time. However, everyone knew her rule—no reservations, only fresh sales.

Just as Mom was getting ready to close for the day, I saw my sister, Tiffany Ashcroft, walking toward the shop from a distance. Tiffany grinned as she said, "Mom, sold out again, huh? You ask for such a ridiculous price every time, and yet they're always gone.

"Could you save me a box next time? I want to bring some to Sean's family."

Sean Fernandez was Tiffany's boyfriend. Ever since they started dating, she barely spent any time at home. It was as if Sean's place was her new address.

Mom shot her a cold look and refused. "You're always running off. Guess this éclair recipe isn't something I'll be passing down to you."

Tiffany pouted, thinking how absurd it was to be so secretive over some éclairs. Mom's recipes were off-limits to everyone, and anyone who dared touch them without her permission risked her wrath—and sometimes, a beating they would not forget.

I watched Tiffany's face darken, and a strange feeling crept into my chest. Something told me trouble was brewing.