In a stunning turn of economic events, inflation has officially crept up to a thrilling 2.1%, prompting Federal Reserve officials to raise their eyebrows but not their coffee prices—yet. This bold leap from the February levels now has economists at the edge of their seats, particularly after the latest report from the Commerce Department sent shockwaves through the coffee-fueled halls of the Fed. “Finally, something to talk about at the next meeting!” exclaimed one Fed official while polishing his collection of artisanal coffee mugs. “But let’s not get ahead of ourselves—2.1% is still in the ‘just warming up’ zone. One more quarter-point jitterbug, and we might as well throw a party... but bring your own coffee.” The personal consumption expenditures price index—the Fed's favorite inflation metric, largely because it sounds impressive—showed a seasonally adjusted increase of 0.2% for September. Amidst the meticulously calculated chaos, the 12-month inflation rate matched expectations, much to the relief of those who had put money down on “exactly 2.1%” in their office betting pool. Experts agree this inflation spike is akin to seeing your pet turtle suddenly sprinting across the living room—peculiar, but not exactly cause for alarm. “The Fed has a target of 2% inflation, and they love to stay right at that mark—like an indecisive driver stuck at a yellow traffic light,” noted a leading economist. “Two percent is their comfort zone. Go ahead and let it linger at 2.1%, but they aren’t quite ready to put on their 'Raise Rates' hats just yet.” In an effort to keep things light and humorous, insiders joked that the Fed might consider normalizing inflation rates by issuing “inflation-friendly” refreshments at their meetings: “How about 0.2% less cream in the coffee?” chuckled one board member. “It’s not about the price; it’s about moderation!” As economists everywhere toast to the thrill of minimal percentage shifts, average Americans remain perplexed by the notion of so much fuss over such a fractional increase. “I thought inflation was just how much my avocado toast costs these days,” one bewildered millennial stated. “I’m not sure if I should celebrate or just keep eating pasta for dinner.” But for now, with inflation sitting at a tantalizing 2.1%, the Fed will likely continue to monitor its progress as one might observe a well-cooked soufflé—carefully, and with a hint of anxiety. And as for those coffee prices? Perhaps just a bit of whipped cream would suffice—for now.