Isabella Pham

Welcome to Breadville!

by Belle Pham

April 9, 2023

In the town of Breadville, Tommy Toast lived by one philosophy – simple was always best. Along with his partner, Teddy Toast, the couple lived a peaceful and happy life with their fresh, newborn dough child, Toni. While other households indulged in adding ingredients to their dough babies such as fruit and nuts like the Banana Bread family, or forming them into unique shapes like the Doughnuts and Pretzels, the Toasts believed that plain white dough and a simple, rectangular loaf-shaped bed and was the best option for providing a happy life for their child. 

In response, Toni grew up just like his parents. With a flat square stature, rounded top, and pale interior, Toni was on his way to becoming a fine piece of toast like his parents. 

“It’s good to get lots of sunlight, but remember not to burn Toni,” Teddy reminded as they sent their young child outside to play and bake in the sunlight. 

“It’s important to become perfectly toasted for your health and appearance!” added Tommy as he got ready to leave for work. Waking up in the early hours of the morning to take care of the town’s wheat fields, and finishing at sunset was part of Tommy’s simple daily routine.

“Of course! But, if you wanted me to look good, how come you didn’t make me special when I was dough? I look so plain compared to all the other kids with fun shapes and toppings,” Toni whined, often questioning why his parents didn’t make them unique like everyone else.

A short silence followed, and the parents shared a glance. “Now Toni,” Tommy said in a more serious tone. “You know what I always say?”

“Simple is best,” Toni responded with a sigh.

“That’s it! Just know that this is all for your future. We only want the best for you, and this is the best way to achieve a long, happy life.”

“How is being plain going to make me happier and live longer?”

“Trust us,” Teddy joined in, “Look how happy we are! Don’t you trust your parents?” Toni’s parents smiled in reassurance. “Now let's go get some sun,” Tommy chimed, motioning Toni out the door of their home. 

“Have a good day, you two!” Teddy waved as they left the house. Immediately, Toni was greeted with a mixture of pleasant smells. Many of Breadville’s citizens were out and about, all showing different colors, textures, and shapes. Tommy greeted the Croissants, Buns, and Baguettes along the street toward the wheat fields. “Looking as plain as always,” they remarked, while Tommy replied with laughter. 

“Good morning Tommy,” greeted Don Doughnut, a ring-shaped figure with a perfectly shiny pale glaze, “and little Toni! Why, you look so fresh and healthy. Say, Tommy, don’t you want to add a little something to him? We just added a chocolate glaze and rainbow sprinkles to our little Dani,” Don remarked, earning a fascinated look from Toni.

“Oh no, Teddy and I think Toni looks great as he is!” 

“Well, no one can ever change your ‘simple is best’ mindset. But remember, the Whole-y Grain will accept you once you realize how great it is for the children. Don’t you want little Toni to be special?”

“Toni is special.”
“The church will see differently, and Toni will fail to be chosen by the Baker.”

“Thanks for your concern as always, however, we’ve got to run now. See you at the fields, Don!” Tommy bid farewell.

“Tonight the Baker will come to Breadville! This is your last chance!” Don yelled as Toni was dragged away with a newfound sense of unease and confusion.

“Father, who is the Baker?”

Tommy stopped in his tracks. “Listen to me carefully Toni,” once again in a serious tone. “Tonight, the townspeople and the Whole-y Grain church will be doing something strange. Come right back home at sunset, okay? Everything will make sense later.”

“Okay father,” Toni replied in compliance, but now more curious than ever.

As usual, he was teased by the other kids for being so plain while everyone else had been given even more toppings and ingredients. What was so special about today, Toni wondered.

“You don’t know? Tonight, the church will be recognizing the most special children of the town! They’ll be picking us, for sure,” the kids bragged happily, while Toni pouted. He wanted to be special too! 

When sunset came, Toni knew it was time to head home. But he couldn’t stop his curiosity. Following everyone to the town center, Toni was able to top himself with fresh berries and nuts from the other children. Would he finally be recognized as special, and not plain and simple?

Quickly the townspeople and workers from the church gathered. “Thank you all for convening for this unique occasion,” stated Paul, the High Pr-yeast. “The Baker will be more than pleased to see how lovely you’ve made all of your children. Let us summon the Baker, and witness the fruits of your sacrifice!” The crowd cheered as the children stood tall in expectancy with their families. The sky was becoming dark and stormy as the pr-yeasts began a chant. A dark swirl was forming in the sky, and slowly a rough, large arm emerged from it.

Toni was as amazed as he was confused about the situation. What did being chosen truly mean? Right in front of Toni’s eyes, the children were being grabbed from the ground by the large hand. One by one, the “special” children were pulled into the sky, disappearing into the dark swirl. A terrible feeling overcame Toni as he began to understand what was happening.

Heavy water droplets came pouring down as the Baker continued to sweep away the children. The bright blue sky Toni had always known was unrecognizable, now nothing but an overwhelming void as rain showered the town.

“Behold! The Baker has once again blessed us with rain. The wheat fields of Breadville will continue to thrive for another century!” Paul preached to the cheering citizens. 

“Toni!” a cry called out. Toni turned away from the spectacle before him to see Tommy rushing towards them. “Watch out!” Tommy yelled, as the large hand slowly opened up behind Toni, who was frozen in place. Quickly Tommy pulled him away, the fresh toppings falling to the ground. The two gasped for air as the hand slowly retreated, now headed toward another child. Having nearly escaped death, Toni thanked his father endlessly.

“Remember, Toni.” his father said, resting a hand on his back. “Simple is best.”

The ritual was coming to a close, as the large hand slowly retreated into the void. The sky was clearing, but the rain lingered as the townspeople drank it in, soaking up the cool droplets.

“But father…” Toni spoke, shakily. The image made him sick to his stomach.  “What happens to all the children?”

— 

In the town of Bakersfield, a man was busy setting up his bakery for the day. He whistled a tune as he swept the floors and set all his baked goods, pastries, and confections out on display.

A bell chimed as the first customer entered. “Are you open, sir?”

“Yes!” the Baker called out, putting out a tray of freshly baked bread. 

  “Welcome to Breadville Bakery!”