Celebration Prompt - Cafe Anniversary

Today was the big day! Croi was so excited. He had all the plans laid out, all the decorations were up, all the food prepped or ready to be brought out. This celebration was going to be perfect! The excited chowling tapped on his horns as he pondered what else he might be missing. He glanced over at the beverage counter and knew he had everything in stock...except for chocolate syrup, which everyone expected, since his horns and markings looked like that the most beyond anything else. He was practically a walking bakery!

The small creature laughed to himself and got back to business. No one was actually going to notice. He kept thinking there was something more he was missing. He looked at the party favors, the table cloths, anything else that might need checking. The shop was going to open in an hour so patrons would be arriving any minute now...or would they? Maybe this would be the kind of folks that would arrive late. He looked and saw no one was lining up outside or loitering at the outdoor patio. Maybe he could get the chocolate syrup if he ran fast. It wasn't very good for a barista to not have chocolate syrup...especially since...

Well, this was the chocolate croissant party. Yep, he needed to get that syrup.

Croi put down his apron, put on his hat, and snuck out the back of the store. He ran through the streets on all fours to make good time. He definitely could get to the store and back to the store before anyone noticed he was gone. He left the lights on so they would all assume he was just in back if they started gathering around the cafe.

As Croi dashed through the bustling streets, the anticipation of the chocolate croissant party fueled his swift steps. The early sun brought shadows across the cobblestone paths that paved the way to the store. He weaved through the traffic of people that lined the sidewalk, his agile form attracting curious glances from onlookers who marveled at his horned and marked appearance.

The store was just a few blocks away, and he could practically taste the rich chocolate syrup that would complete his frappe's signature top. As Croi reached the store, he whipped up one of the baskets for browsers before he hurriedly navigated the aisles. He whipped over to the toppings, grabbing a bottle of the finest chocolate syrup available, and then another, and then another. Before Croi knew it, he had shoved the entire stock of it in his basket. The bell above the door chimed as he exited, his heart pounding with the urgency of returning before the first patrons arrived at the cafe.

Back on the familiar streets, Croi sprinted towards his store, the chocolate syrup clutched in his hand. The city sounds faded into the background as he focused on the celebration awaiting him. As he approached the cafe, relief washed over him. The lights were still on, and no one seemed to have gathered yet.

Croi slipped through the back entrance, carefully placing the chocolate syrup behind the beverage counter. He checked the clock—just in time. With a quick glance in the mirror to ensure he hadn't left any traces of his adventure, he straightened his hat and donned his apron once more. He set the door to be unlocked, a unique switch that threaded through the store and connected to the front door, and started his way to the front of the store.

As Croi emerged from the back, he was greeted by the delightful aroma of freshly baked chocolate croissants. The first patrons began to trickle in, their faces lighting up at the sight of the festive decorations. Croi grinned, knowing that the chocolate syrup venture had been a success. The celebration was about to begin, and he couldn't wait to share the joy of chocolate croissants, lattes, cakes, and everything under the sun to mark the celebration of another year with his eager customers.