Mr. Alder and the Extra Loaf

Mr. Alder runs a small bakery on Thistle Street with one rule he never breaks, and one chilly afternoon a boy in a thin jacket arrives with three coins.

A shopkeeper who gives extra to a hungry child and is rewarded in an unexpected way

On the corner of Thistle Street, between a shoe repair shop and a flower stall, stood a small bakery with a green door and a bell that jingled whenever anyone stepped inside. The sign above it read: ALDER'S BREAD.

Mr. Alder, the baker, was a round, gentle man with flour in his eyebrows and a habit of humming while he worked. He rose before dawn each morning to knead dough, and by the time the sun was up, the whole street smelled of warm bread and cinnamon.

His shop was not rich. Some months were good and some were thin, and he counted every coin carefully. But Mr. Alder had one rule he never broke: Nobody leaves my shop hungry if I can help it.

One chilly Tuesday afternoon, just as Mr. Alder was wiping down the counter, the bell jingled softly.

In the doorway stood a small boy, perhaps eight years old, in a jacket too thin for the weather. His shoes were scuffed, his cheeks were pale, and he clutched something tightly in his fist.

He walked slowly to the counter and opened his hand. Inside were three small coins.

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Quick answers about Mr. Alder and the Extra Loaf

What is Mr. Alder and the Extra Loaf about?

Mr. Alder runs a small bakery on Thistle Street with one rule he never breaks, and one chilly afternoon a boy in a thin jacket arrives with three coins.

Is Mr. Alder and the Extra Loaf free to read?

Yes. Every story on RapidTale is free to read in the browser, with no sign-up and nothing to install.

How long does it take to read?

This story runs 1 chapter — most readers finish in one sitting, and you can stop and return to any chapter using the contents list.

Who wrote it?

Nimra Khan — original fiction published on RapidTale.