2025CalendarGirl
Natalie Duncan โ

23
The line outside Bradyโs Pies stretches around the block, the scent of cinnamon and caramelized sugar drifting through the crisp March air. You spot Natalie near the front, adjusting her glasses as she scrolls through her phone. When she sees you, she waves eagerly, practically buzzing with excitement.
โTook you long enough,โ she teases. โIโve been dreaming about this all week.โ
You smirk. โItโs just pie, Natalie.โ
She scoffs, shaking her head. โNo, no, no. Itโs not just pie. Itโs Pi Day pie. Which makes it special.โ
As the line inches forward, she scans the menu posted in the window. Rows of classic flavors stare backโapple, cherry, lemon meringue, chocolate silkโbut her eyes land on something different. Maple pecan.
Her expression softens, just for a second. โYou know, my grandma used to make the best pecan pie,โ she murmurs, almost to herself. โExcept she used maple syrup instead of corn syrup. Said it made all the difference.โ She lets out a small laugh. โI havenโt had it since forever.โ
The line moves forward again, and she glances at you, her usual teasing smirk returning. โAnd youโre probably gonna go for apple, arenโt you?โ
You shrug. โMaybe.โ
She grins. โI know. I know. It reminds you of the old McDonaldโs fried apple pies. Before they ruined them by baking them, right?โ
You canโt help but laugh. She remembered. โThey were soooo perfect. Crispy, golden, scalding hotโnow theyโre just sad.โ
She nudges you playfully. โYouโre ridiculous.โ
You shrug. โYouโre the one who treats pie like a sacred experience.โ
โBecause it is,โ she says, grinning.
The line moves again, and as you step inside, you realize that maybe itโs not really about the pie. Itโs about the tradition, the memories, and the company. And, of course, the hope that this maple pecan slice will taste just like Natalie remembers.