Lois stepped into the living room the next morning, already eyeing the Advent calendar. Clark had already disappeared into the kitchen, as the scent of freshly brewed coffee mingled with something sweet and citrusy.
“Morning,” she called.
He appeared in the dining room, balancing a tray with two steaming mugs and a plate with crescent shaped pastries and several smaller baked goods. “Ready for today’s tradition?”
She smirked, walking over to the basket, already searching for bag number five. “I’ll bite. What’s in the bag? Judging by the croissant, I’d say France?” she asked as she opened it carefully.
Clark set the tray down and put a mug in front of her. “Nice guess, but no,” he said with a smile.
Lois pulled out a small, intricately carved broom ornament and raised an eyebrow. “A broom? Are you trying to tell me something, Kent?”
Clark laughed. “Not at all. It’s a hint for today’s tradition, one from Italy. Ever heard of La Befana?”
Lois shook her head. “Can’t say I have.”
Clark settled beside her. “She’s an old woman, a kind of Christmas witch, who brings gifts to children on the night before Epiphany. According to legend, the Three Wise Men stopped at her house on their way to see baby Jesus. They invited her to join them, but she declined, saying she was too busy sweeping. Later, she regretted her decision and set out to find them, bringing gifts for the child.”
Lois tilted her head, intrigued. “Let me guess, she never found them?”
Clark nodded. “But she kept going, visiting children and leaving gifts in case one of them was the Christ child. To this day, she’s a symbol of generosity and making amends.”
Lois stared at the little broom in her hand, a faint smile tugging at her lips. “I like that. It’s a bit… imperfect, but meaningful.”
Clark reached for the plate and offered her a pastry. “These are befanini - traditional Italian cookies made for La Befana. I got them at a small bakery in Tuscany, even if it’s a bit early. And these,” he pointed to the pastries, “are Italian cornetti, like croissants, but with a twist. I thought chocolate filling would be perfect for breakfast.”
Lois took a cookie, noticing the bright sprinkles and citrusy aroma. She bit into it, the delicate crunch followed by a burst of orange zest. “They are delicious.”
Clark shrugged, his eyes warm. “Today, I thought we could follow La Befana’s example. The Superman foundation has prepared packages for several of Metropolis’ orphanages but with all the stress around Christmas they are a few helpers short.” He winked. “Maybe we can deliver them together after work?”
She nodded, while biting into the cornetto Clark had given her. During breakfast they spoke about delivering the packages and decided to make sure the kids would get some befanini next month, on the night before epiphany.
Then she tilted her head back and gave him a sly smile. “So, let me get this straight - you want me to be a witch today?”
Clark chuckled, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “Not just any witch. A good witch. A wise and generous one who spreads joy and hope to those in need. Sound like anyone you know?”
Lois narrowed her eyes playfully. “What, like Samantha Stevens from Bewitched?” After a short pause she added “But just so we’re clear, I am not wearing a pointy hat or flying around on a broomstick.”
“Well,” Clark teased, his tone light, “you don’t need a broomstick when you’ve got me. And the hat’s optional - though I think you’d look pretty cute in one.”
She smacked his chest lightly, laughing. “You’re lucky you’re charming. But seriously, Clark… you amaze me. Not because of the flying or the cape, but because of how much heart you put into everything you do. You’re the real deal. A true hero.”
Clark’s teasing smile softened as he pulled her closer, pressing a kiss to her temple. “It’s not just me, Lois. You remind me every day why it’s worth it. You’re my partner, my anchor. My good witch.”
She rolled her eyes but couldn’t suppress her smile. “We’re a pretty good team, aren’t we?”
“The best,” he replied, his voice full of warmth.
---
As they delivered the packages to the orphanages, Lois felt a quiet warmth growing in her chest. The sight of all the happy faces tugged at her heart. Though it stirred memories of what she and Clark longed for, she pushed those thoughts aside, focusing on the joy they could share with others.
On their way home, she glanced at Clark. “You know,” Lois said softly, glancing at Clark, “maybe La Befana had the right idea. Sometimes, you have to sweep out the past to make room for something better.”
Clark’s smile was gentle. “Exactly.”
---
Back at their house, they curled up on the couch, sharing the last of the cookies. The soft glow of the Christmas lights danced in Clark’s eyes as he pulled Lois closer. She rested her head on his chest, letting the quiet warmth of the moment settle over her.
Her gaze drifted to the Advent calendar. Tomorrow’s bag waited patiently, promising another surprise, another tradition. Lois found herself wondering what it might be, not with her usual skepticism, but with a faint spark of curiosity.
“You know,” she murmured, running her fingers lightly over his hand, “I think I might be starting to get the hang of this whole Christmas thing.”
Clark kissed her forehead, his voice a soft whisper. “One small act of kindness at a time.”
Lois closed her eyes, the steady rhythm of his heartbeat lulling her into a peaceful calm. For the first time in a long while, she felt like the season’s magic was within reach.
