The Last Croissant: The Final Croissant
One morning at the town bakery, a small commotion breaks out over the last croissant.
One morning at 'The Daily Crumb' bakery, two early bird customers, Eleanor and Arthur, simultaneously spot and claim the very last croissant. A small but heated commotion ensues as they both try to assert their right to the coveted pastry, prompting the baker, Mrs. Gable, to intervene and suggest a peaceful, if somewhat awkward, resolution.
Characters
Mrs. Gable
supporting
A kind-faced Caucasian woman in her late 50s, with warm, crinkled blue eyes and a friendly smile. Her salt-and-pepper hair is neatly tied back in a bun, with a few wisps escaping. She has a fair complexion. She wears a clean white baker's apron dusted with flour over a simple, comfortable light blue blouse and practical dark trousers. She embodies a classic, welcoming bakery owner.
Eleanor
supporting
A sophisticated Black woman in her late 30s with an air of elegant exhaustion. She has striking almond-shaped dark brown eyes and smooth, dark brown skin. Her sleek, straightened black hair is styled in a chic bob. She wears a tailored charcoal grey pantsuit, a silk blouse, and carries a stylish, structured black leather handbag. She looks professional but weary from a long day.
Arthur
supporting
A determined East Asian man in his late 30s, dressed sharply for work. He has short, neatly combed dark hair and sharp, intelligent brown eyes. His skin is light olive. He wears a crisp navy blue business suit, a light blue dress shirt, and a red tie, with a practical wristwatch on his left wrist. He carries a sleek black leather briefcase. He appears focused and slightly rushed.
Page 1
Panel 1: An inviting exterior shot of 'The Daily Crumb' bakery, bathed in the soft glow of early morning sunlight. The 'Open' sign hangs in the window, and a few birds peck at crumbs on the sidewalk. Steam gently rises from a vent.
Panel 2: Inside the cozy bakery, Mrs. Gable, a kind-faced woman with flour dusted on her apron, is meticulously arranging a fresh tray of muffins. The shelves behind her are mostly full, but one particular display tray has only a single pastry left.
Panel 3: The bell above the door jingles as Eleanor, a woman in her late 30s with an air of sophisticated exhaustion, steps inside. She carries a stylish handbag and scans the pastry displays, a hopeful glint in her eye.
Panel 4: Eleanor's eyes narrow slightly, focusing on the lone, perfectly golden croissant on a tray. A small, triumphant smile begins to form on her lips.
Panel 5: Just as Eleanor takes a step forward, the door jingles again. Arthur, a man of similar age, dressed sharply for work and carrying a briefcase, enters. He looks equally determined and tired.
Panel 6: Close-up on the last croissant, gleaming under the bakery lights. It looks utterly perfect and irresistible.
Page 2
Panel 1: Eleanor and Arthur both lunge forward simultaneously. Their hands, one manicured, one with a watch, reach for the croissant at the exact same moment, brushing against each other.
Panel 2: Their eyes meet over the croissant, a flicker of surprise quickly replaced by competitive resolve. Neither gives way.
Panel 3: Mrs. Gable looks up from her muffin arrangement, sensing the sudden tension at the counter. A slight frown of concern crosses her face.
Panel 4: Eleanor pulls her hand back slightly, but her voice is firm, staking her claim.
“Excuse me, I believe I had my eye on that.”
Panel 5: Arthur, equally unyielding, points a finger at the croissant, asserting his right.
“Impossible. My hand was practically on it. First come, first served!”
Panel 6: A low-angle shot showing Eleanor and Arthur standing rigidly on either side of the counter, their hands hovering near the croissant like gunslingers. The croissant is perfectly centered between them, an object of intense desire.
Page 3
Panel 1: A close-up on Eleanor's face, her brow furrowed in annoyance, while Arthur's jaw is clenched, an equally stubborn expression. The croissant is just out of frame, emphasizing their focus on each other.
Panel 2: The argument continues, both refusing to back down, their voices rising slightly. Mrs. Gable is now fully attentive, leaning over the counter.
“I saw it first! You just barged in!”
Panel 3: Arthur retorts, gesturing emphatically.
“Seeing isn't taking! And I'm in a hurry, I need that for my commute!”
Panel 4: Mrs. Gable gently clears her throat, stepping between them with a calming gesture. Her expression is empathetic but firm.
“Now, now, folks. No need for a pastry-based crisis.”
Panel 5: Eleanor and Arthur both turn to Mrs. Gable, their arguments momentarily paused, looking slightly embarrassed.
“But Mrs. Gable, it's the last one!”
Panel 6: Mrs. Gable holds up a small, sharp knife, a thoughtful expression on her face as she looks from the croissant to her two eager customers.
“And it's a perfectly good, sizable croissant for sharing, wouldn't you say?”
Page 4
Panel 1: Eleanor and Arthur exchange a hesitant glance, then look back at Mrs. Gable, a reluctant agreement dawning on their faces.
“Sharing?”
Panel 2: Mrs. Gable, with a knowing smile, expertly slices the croissant down the middle, creating two perfectly equal halves.
Panel 3: She places one half on a small napkin for Eleanor and the other for Arthur. Both take their portion, still a little stiff but the tension has visibly eased.
Panel 4: Eleanor and Arthur both take a bite of their respective croissant halves. Their eyes close in blissful satisfaction at the buttery, flaky taste.
Panel 5: Their eyes meet again, this time with a small, awkward smile and a nod of mutual understanding. The shared experience of the delicious pastry has broken the ice.
Panel 6: Eleanor and Arthur exit the bakery separately but simultaneously, each carrying their coffee and looking more relaxed. They offer each other a small, polite nod as they head in opposite directions down the sunlit street.
