Arrival at Paradise

River pressed her nose against the car window as they pulled through the golden gates. The villa sparkled in the afternoon sun like something from a fairy tale.

"We're here!" she squealed, bouncing in her seat.

Her best friend Lila grabbed her arm. "Look at those marble columns! And is that a fountain?"

The driver chuckled. "Four months of luxury, young ladies. Your parents sure know how to spoil you."

River's sky-blue eyes widened as they approached the grand entrance. Silk curtains fluttered from tall windows, and gardens stretched as far as she could see. This was going to be the best vacation ever.

"I'm so hungry from the trip," Lila said, rubbing her stomach. "Should we order room service the second we get inside?"

"Everything on the menu!" River laughed, her copper curls bouncing. "We have four whole months to try every single dish they have."

The car stopped, and both girls practically tumbled out, racing toward their summer paradise.

The Endless Menu

River and Lila burst through the villa's front doors and stopped dead in their tracks. A woman in a crisp white apron stood in the marble foyer, holding the biggest menu they'd ever seen.

"Welcome, young ladies! I'm Chef Marina, your personal baker for the summer," she said with a warm smile. "I've prepared something special."

The menu unfolded like an accordion, stretching across the entire floor. River's eyes grew wide as she read: chocolate volcano cakes, strawberry towers, caramel waterfalls, and dozens more desserts.

"We want everything!" Lila squealed, pointing at random items.

"Everything it is," Chef Marina laughed. "I'll start baking right away."

Within an hour, silver trays covered every surface in the dining room. River grabbed a slice of triple-layer cake while Lila dove into chocolate-covered donuts. They giggled as they ate, frosting smearing their faces.

"This is the best day ever," River mumbled through a mouthful of cookies.

But as the afternoon wore on, their stomachs began to feel strange. The delicious treats suddenly seemed too sweet, too rich.