Chasing Home | Lando Norris

Chapter 3: Tidings of Comfort and Joy

The arrival of Christmas in Milan heralded a transformative shift in the city's atmosphere. Streets adorned with twinkling lights, decorated shop windows exuding warmth, and the faint scent of cinnamon and roasted chestnuts lingered in the crisp winter air. A gentle hush enveloped the bustling city, draped in the embrace of festive cheer and anticipation. Within the snug confines of her apartment, Camille nestled herself amidst the radiant glow of string lights, the soft hum of holiday melodies in the background. Her fingers danced across her phone screen, flipping through a digital album that captured fleeting glimpses of her recent adventures with Pierre. Each photograph encapsulated a narrative— laughter-filled dinners illuminated by candlelight, impromptu explorations that led to even more hidden corners of Milan, candid snapshots that immortalised moments of shared joy and companionship. Pierre would even find her after her shifts, when he could, to accompany her on her walks home, just to spend more time with her. Amidst the snippets of their time together, Camille cherished his companionship, a respite from the solitude she had grown accustomed to. For Camille, navigating the bustling city alone had become routine. The return of Pierre back into her life had breathed a renewed sense of warmth and familiarity, a cherished companionship that she embraced with gratitude.

The faint aroma of takeout pizza mingled with the festive ambiance that permeated the air in her apartment. As she settled into her Christmas Eve alone, the gentle quietude was interrupted by an unexpected knock on her door, gentle taps that pierced the tranquillity of the evening. Startled, Camille made her way to the door, curiosity mingled with surprise etched upon her features. Upon swinging the door open, she was met with the sight of Pierre standing there, a smile on his face, arms adorned with numerous paper bags.

"What are you doing here? You're meant to be in Rouen with your family!" she exclaimed, her voice a blend of shock and concern.

"Well, hello to you too, Cami," he greeted as he shuffled his way into her apartment.

Pierre met her gaze with a warm smile, a glimmer his eyes. "I couldn't bear to let you spend Christmas Eve alone, let alone with that sad-looking pizza," he remarked, a playful nod toward the solitary pizza box resting on her coffee table. He explained that he had an early departure scheduled for the following morning, intending to make it home to Rouen in time for Christmas Day celebrations. Caught between gratitude and a hint of guilt for stealing him away from his family on this holiday, Camille welcomed Pierre into her apartment, the warm glow of holiday lights enveloping them. With an assortment of delectable food in tow, Pierre transformed her solitary evening into a little celebration of their own.

Their feast concluded, the remnants of their impromptu Christmas Eve celebration scattered across the coffee table, as Camille and Pierre found themselves comfortably slouched on the couch. As Camille glanced toward the window, a sight caught her eye— delicate snowflakes drifting gently from the night sky, casting an ethereal sheen upon the city. The first snowfall of the year descended upon Milan, painting the landscape in a pristine veil of white, evoking a sense of wonder akin to a Christmas miracle. Eager to embrace the enchantment of the wintry landscape, Camille and Pierre exchanged glances filled with childlike enthusiasm. They ventured out into the silent streets, where their laughter danced through the air, and playful snow fights echoed amidst the serene quietude of the snowfall.

Pierre's eyes traced Camille's joyous expression, her cheeks flushed with a rosy hue from the wintry chill. Moved by an impulse, he removed his beanie and gently placed it upon her head, his gaze meeting hers in a fleeting moment that held an unspoken warmth.

"You know, some people believe that the person you witness the first snowfall with will stay in your life for a long time," Pierre remarked, his tone carrying a hint of deeper sentiment as he gazed at her. Caught within the whimsy of the moment, Camille returned his smile.

"Well, I thought people believed that if you make a wish during the first snowfall, it was going to become true," she countered playfully, her eyes sparkling under the streetlights.

Engulfed in the pristine beauty of the snowflakes, they both made silent wishes, their desires whispered into the night.

"So, what did you wish for?" Camille inquired softly as she turned to face Pierre.

He chuckled softly at Camille's question, a gentle sparkle in his eyes masking the depth of his thoughts. "Well, if I tell you, then it won't come true, right?", he remarked, playfully tapping her nose.

His response was accompanied by a fleeting hint of contemplation, an unspoken layer beneath his words. As he gazed at Camille, his wish echoed the sentiment he had mentioned earlier about his belief of the first snowfall. But what she didn't know was that he had left out a part of it— sharing this magical moment, this first snowfall, with someone was a quiet hope that true love might blossom between them, fostering a bond that transcended time into something enduring and profound. Yet, he kept these thoughts veiled within the confines of his heart, a silent desire not uttered aloud.

As the clock ticked closer to midnight and the snowflakes continued their ethereal descent, Camille gently nudged Pierre, a gesture laden with concern for his early departure the following morning. With a touch of reluctance, he knew he should return home to rest before his flight. Pierre, however, had one final surprise up his sleeve. He retrieved a beautifully wrapped gift from his coat pocket, presenting it to Camille with a warm smile.

"Merry Christmas, Cami," he wished as he passed her the present.

"Pierre...you didn't have to. I didn't even get you anything!" Camille protested, her eyes reflecting a mix of gratitude and surprise.

He ignored her words, "Open it after I leave, okay?" he requested, before bidding her farewell into the snowy night with a warm hug.

As he walked away, leaving behind imprints in the freshly fallen snow, Pierre's departing figure merged with the wintry scene, a moment preserved in the serene stillness of the night.

Once again alone in the hushed comfort of her apartment, Camille carefully unwrapped Pierre's gift, the anticipation building with each delicate fold of the paper. As the wrapping fell away, it revealed a photo frame. Within it laid a cherished snapshot from their childhood— a captured moment frozen in time. It was a day out in the snow, much like the time they had just spent together today. In the photo, Pierre, taller than her even back then, stood behind Camille, wrapping her in a warm hug, both grinning ear to ear. Their youthful exuberance illuminated their faces, mirroring the joy of the day. Alongside the photo, meticulously intertwined within the frame, rested a weathered friendship bracelet— a relic from their shared past that Pierre had carefully preserved all these years. Gently running her fingers over the aged threads of the bracelet, Camille felt a surge of nostalgia wash over her. Memories flooded her mind— carefree laughter, shared secrets, and the unbreakable bond they forged during their younger years. The sight of this sentimental token touched her deeply, stirring emotions long kept tucked away.

Pierre's thoughtful gesture warmed Camille's heart in a way words couldn't describe. What she thought was going to be another Christmas alone turned out to be a night intertwining festive warmth with moments of happiness, serendipity, and nostalgia.