“What do you think?” Reesa asked Aldo, the sleepy-eyed tabby cat from next door. He liked to rest on the half-wall that fenced in Casa Sartori’s rooftop. Lately, his preferred spot was near her stool, easel, and paints. “Did I get the bakery right?”

Stretching, her new friend purred.

“Thank you. May I tell you a secret?”

Aldo inched closer and plopped down.

“I can’t wait for the flowers to come back, not only at the bakery ...