The old man chuckled, a twinkle in his eye. “Ah, that would be the driver from the local market. Every morning, Max delivers a bag of homemade bread and pastries to them. In return, we get our groceries delivered later in the day. It’s a little system we’ve worked out to keep things running smoothly out here.”

The woman was amazed by the ingenuity of it all. “That’s incredible. I’ve never seen anything like it.”

The old man leaned forward, his expression softening. “Living out here, we find ways to make life interesting. Max loves having a purpose, and it keeps me connected to the community, even when I can’t get into town myself.”

She watched as Max settled contentedly at the old man’s feet, the picture of a job well done. The simplicity and beauty of the arrangement touched her heart.