Vivid pinks blended with gold, orange, and red. Deep purple resided along the farthest reaches of the sky where a few stars still winked. I studied this purple and realized that it was the precise shade of Sabastian's sapphire ring. I desired that ring, and sometimes, I thought about swiping it whenever he removed it to make bread in the wee hours of the morning. Living upstairs above the bakery and maintaining a good friendship with its owner has its advantages. Sabastian always has something fascinating to discuss, and watching him knead dough or twist it into braids has a calming effect upon me.

I stood on the sidewalk and gazed up at the purple rimming the last few stars. Total pink soon blazed across the horizon. The sky brightened, and light filled the alley between the decrepit laundromat and Misha's Hair Nook. I wondered what it would feel like if it were possible to swim in such fabulous color. However, deep violet, the mysterious color of dark corners, night skies, and the edges of supernovas had always intrigued me. I guess being an artist makes me eccentric.

"What are you thinking about?"

Startled, I spilled my coffee down the front of my blouse and over my leather loafers.

"Aw, jeez, Marna! I'm sorry!" Sabastian passed me the hand towel he always seemed to have slung over one shoulder.

"You're lucky. It's an old blouse that I use as a bib while I paint. No harm done." I grinned at him and wondered if he found me attractive. I don't have any romantic interest in Sabastian, but I have to say there are times I'm drawn to him, especially if he favors me with his mischievous brown-eyed look.

"Here, I brought you a Break Open Biscuit." He smiled as if he had a secret.

"What's that?"

"One of my own recipes. My grandmother passed it on to me. It's only made for those who are special."

"Oh?"

"Yes, it's a gift for a true friend." He turned toward the front door as a group of men from the box factory hollered at us from across the street. "I better get inside. The guys will be shouting for their three dozen doughnuts." He waved at the men waiting at the door. "Be sure you break open the biscuit before you eat it, Marna. It's a tradition. You make a wish, then break it open."

"Sort of like a wishbone from a turkey, eh?" I glanced at the biscuit wrapped in wax paper. It was as big as my fist, warm, flakey, and smelled of cinnamon and butter. My mouth watered.

"Yes." Sabastian walked away. "I'll talk to you tonight, 'kay?"

"All right."

I decided I would finish my coffee while I sat on the apartment steps and watch the remainder of the sunrise. Sitting down where I had a view of the sunrise, I enjoyed the last traces of magnificent purple paying obeisance to the virgin pink of a new day. I inhaled the heady scent of the biscuit, wished for ultimate happiness for my friend, Sabastian, and broke it open.

Sabastian's beautiful sapphire ring tumbled into my lap.