A Church You Could Bear, begins with Lark and the narrator, Rainy, slipping out of the house early in the morning, leaving Kellan upstairs, lost in his own world. Lark, ever thoughtful, gathers an armful of lilacs and a maple bough, creating a beautiful arrangement to accompany their trip to Labrino’s. As the morning light breaks through, Lark reassures Rainy, comforting him with the reminder that listening to a friend, even when burdened with feelings of failure, is an act of true friendship. Together, they adorn the fence with the flowers, a simple yet profound gesture that brings a sense of peace, before turning their attention to a beloved local business, Bread.

Bread, owned by Maudie Antoinette, began as a small bakery with domed peasant loaves that soon became a staple in the community. The secret recipe of these loaves, passed down from a vanished Spanish baker, added an element of mystery and nostalgia to Maudie’s craft. Within a year, Lark had formed a close bond with Maudie, bonding over their shared love of books and striking a barter arrangement with a local distiller. Their friendship blossomed into the creation of a book nook within the bakery, which, over time, grew into a full-fledged bookshelf-lined shop. Bread transformed into more than just a bakery—it became a warm, welcoming place for the community to gather and share stories, where the aroma of fresh-baked bread was paired with the joy of literature.

As Lark and Rainy unpack books on the shelves, the shop begins to fill with the hum of activity. A few regulars stop by, primarily to purchase Maudie’s renowned bread and pastries, but the shop also attracts curious passersby. An old man, drawn in by the scent of bread and the allure of the books, enters, adding an air of delight to the shop’s atmosphere. His eyes scan the shelves with interest before he inquires about the rare book under the counter—Molly Thorn. When Lark hesitantly reveals the book, the old man is clearly moved, his desire to purchase it apparent. However, Lark, protective of its special significance, hesitates, and the man promises to return another day, leaving behind an unspoken sense of anticipation.

As Lark’s birthday approaches, Rainy’s thoughts shift from his earlier grief to a growing sense of anticipation for the upcoming celebration. Kellan, always in his own world, busily organizes decorations while Rainy reaches out to friends to arrange food and drinks. When the night of the celebration arrives, the house fills with laughter, music, and the warmth of community, reminiscent of a gathering without the constraints of formality. The atmosphere is light, with no pressure to meet anyone’s expectations, just an honest celebration of life and friendship. The old man, a guest at the gathering, becomes part of the warm ambiance, sharing whiskey and offering thoughtful reflections on life, his words imbued with wisdom and appreciation for the beauty of the evening.

As the celebration continues, Rainy begins to feel the absence of Kellan, his frustration mounting. He searches for Kellan, who, as always, seems withdrawn, but eventually, they reconnect, and Rainy returns to the lively gathering. The night is filled with shared stories and good cheer, a reminder of the community’s resilience in the face of life’s challenges. As the party winds down, Lark and Rainy find comfort in each other’s presence, the warmth of their embrace offering a quiet solace amidst the chaos. They talk about the night’s merry moments and dream together of a future filled with the children they never had, naming imaginary sons and daughters in a tender exchange. The night slips away, leaving behind a sense of hope, connection, and the soft glow of shared dreams.