words words!

> My favorite creation of hers was something she called Liar's Pie.

Mmm, sounds delicious already for some reason...

> "But Mom," I said very reasonably, "why would you bake this pie for me? I never lie to you."

This kid's reasoning skills are on point, love this guy.

> The words simmered at the tip of my tongue, a million little stories and excuses waiting to be unleashed. Details jumped out at me: I saw my classmates' moods and secrets as clearly as their uniforms or the color of their hair.

I loved this bit, it flowed so well. You did a wonderful job of capturing both the meaning and magic of this pie in this singular passage.

I do just have a few bits and bobs for you though,

> She used to say that she'd seriously considered being a baker, but getting the fresh-baked treats and pastries out in time for ravenous customers to purchase their breakfast meant having to get up in the middle of the night. And she simply wasn't a morning person. Besides, she loved to tinker and come up with new recipes rather than make things in batches.

This bit read a bit odd to me. They're just excuses and reasons for why she didn't become a baker. It's worded well, but detracts quite a bit from the story, and right at the start of the story too. I'd say clip it down some.

Maybe removing the "morning person" bit could help? The bit about how she likes experimenting rather than baking batches adds to the creative magic that this story seems to have, so it fits the theme.

> "Why is it called that?" Dad wanted to know.

Considering that we never get to see the dad's reaction or experience with the pie in the story, leaving him out of this bit and the story as a whole could save you a few words and give you one less character. But up to you really. This could just be a preference thing.

I hope this helps.

Good Words!