The ones who live hidden in plain sight (A discovery of witches story)

17- Light

I will defend your every breath, and I'll do better.

'Cause you are loved. You are loved more than you know."

By sleeping at Last

Camille had just finished her shift and called Andrew.

- Good evening, I hope I'm not disturbing you.

Andrew replied immediately in his usual reassuring tone.

- No, never. Is everything all right?

- Yes, I didn't want to worry you, sorry. Do you have a good cookie recipe you could send me?

- Several of the same. Any special criteria?

Andrew, always ready, as usual ! Camille, also smiling, added:

- Chocolate chip or something fun. It's for children.

She sat down, taking a deep breath before continuing.

- It's the birthday of a child who's back in hospital. Spending his birthday there isn't ideal, but I thought it might help. I'm going to do enough for paediatrics and for my colleagues too. Besides, it's my last shift...

Andrew remained silent for a moment, then proposed:

- Indeed... double chocolate, then. My pupils love them.

- Thank you, you're a lifesaver!

Camille felt a weight lift from her shoulders.

- Can I come over and help? It'll be quicker, won't it?

She hesitated, but finally agreed.

- You... Friday. No class tomorrow, she thought. That will be perfect. I need to go to the shop to get more ingredients. Can you send me or dictate the list of ingredients?

Andrew replied enthusiastically.

- Of course I can! We can even put some aside to make them into character shapes, with colouring. I'll bring my cookie cutters.

- You do that and you become a paediatric hero,' she added, dreamily.

Andrew laughed softly.

- I'm still at school, but I can be at your house in fifteen minutes to do the shopping.

- Perfect,' Camille replied with a smile. See you then.

She hung up, feeling lighter, ready to make this hospital birthday sweeter, and on top of that, she was going to cook with Andrew!

They returned home, their arms laden with bags. Andrew, carrying most of it, opened the door with a flick of his shoulder. Camille, who was following behind, looked at him with an amused smile.

- You know I can help,' she said, watching him struggle a little.

Andrew shrugged and replied with a smile:

- I can do it too. Why should it always be you?

Camille smiled even wider, appreciating the fact that he hadn't come up with the age-old 'you're pregnant' excuse to justify what he'd done.

- Knock yourself out then.

She headed for the kitchen while Andrew put the bags on the counter. He stretched a little before starting to take out the ingredients.

- It's off to the cookie line,' he announced with a mischievous grin. I feel like I'm in a cooking show.

Camille burst out laughing, always appreciating his enthusiasm, even at the simplest times. They set to work quickly. In less than an hour, one box was already full of cookies, and a delicious smell wafted through the room as another batch baked gently in the oven.