The first snow of the season fell over the Old Town Quarter on the day the winter market opened.
It was light, and the flakes melted into a thin sheen of water as soon as they touched the cobblestones.
A group of children crowded around the entrance to the shoe repair shop.
The exchange rack at the used bookstore was filled with handwritten cards.
The owner of the pasta shop was too busy to look up, but he still found time to wave at me.
"Ms. Parker, we've had more foot traffic today than we do at Christmas!"
A coworker handed me a report with the latest figures.
4 hours after opening, the participating businesses' average sales were already more than triple their usual level.
My supervisor decided on the spot to extend the event for 2 more weekends.
That evening, the bonuses and
