Dear Journal,

It's rare that I have much free time to myself, but when I do I seize the opportunity. Bounding up to the rooftops I wonder what I should do first. I decide to check in on Grandpa Rolland, maybe surprise him with a coffee? Whistling as I walk into Leo's Cheese Shop, Leo looks up and grins. "Why, hello, Cat Noir!" I grin back widely. "Meow-ello!" "What are you up to this fabulous morning?" "I'd thought I'd surprise Grandpa Rolland with a coffee. He's all by himself all day long. He says he enjoys it, but sometimes I wonder."

I know all about being alone, and once you get used to it, its not so hard if you keep busy. Still, it's good to get out and talk to people once in awhile. I grab a package of scone mix and a jar of strawberry jam. "Could I add these with two mocha frappes?" Leo nods.

When I get to Grandpa's, the yard is even more overgrown then it was last time. Sometimes Grandpa gets back aches, otherwise I'm sure the yard would be as neat as a pin. I know its my day off, but my fingers are itching to clean up the small yard. "Cat Noir, come back for another visit, eh?" "I thought we could make scones together, have you made breakfast yet?" Grandpa looks surprised. "No, but that sounds lovely."

I cough covering my mouth with my hand. The dust is thick. "I haven't been well the last few days so housekeeping has been lax," Grandpa explains. "I have all day. I help clean up around here." "Surely, you have better things-" "No, let me help you," I turn to him, my green eyes serious. "Very well."

"How is your Marinette doing? I trust my granddaughter is well?" We celebrated Tom and Sabine's anniversary of the bakery opening recently, and I'm sure everyone caught Marinette and I holding hands. I smile. "She's as busy as ever, making clothes and stuffed animals. She'll be a great designer one day."

"Unless she takes over her father's bakery instead," Grandpa says. "She's good at making anything puts her mind to." "I wouldn't put past her," I give a wet scone mix a final stir then scoop up the dough onto the tray. "I'm not sure what I want to do. My father has always made decisions for me."

We sit down at the table, drinking our coffee as we wait for the scones. "And what is your heart telling you?" "I want to help others. Maybe be a therapist. Everyone I talk to tells me I'm a good listener." Grandpa nods. "I can see you in that profession. Even when you have the freedom to do what you want, you choose to help others."

"I always wanted to open my own bakery like my son and daughter-in-law are doing now, but I was to stuck in my ways. And now its to late." "It may not be. Sure, maybe you won't open a bakery, but the farmer's market is always looking for new vendors."

The market is open on Saturdays, and as long as I have time, its one of the special things I like do with Marinette. The scone timer dings, and I bring the tray out of the oven. "I'll dust until they cool," I say.

I like to see progress and it even smells better when I finish wiping the final surface. Grandpa's house is small, so it doesn't take long.

The scones are delicious and Grandpa thanks me for them, but then he needs to leave for some errands so I don't get to clean the yard.

Marinette's place isn't that far away, so I walk into the bakery. "Morning, sleepy!" Marinette teases me from behind the counter. "How long did you lie in the sun this morning?" "Very funny," I grin at her, kissing her cheek. "I was at Grandpa's." "I bet he liked that. I wish I could visit more often." I nod. "You need help with anything?"

She thinks for a moment. "Well, since its pretty quiet why don't we tackle the dishes? Dad was so tired from yesterday he didn't get to them."

I wasn't expecting a mountain of dishes when I walked through the kitchen doors. I whistle. "Right, let's make your dad happy by getting these done," I say, starting to stack the plates. We do a bit of organizing then run soapy water.

I like doing the dishes, and especially where is a lot of bubbles. "So, how's the sewing coming?" I work at a particularity tough spot. "I have more orders then I do what to do with and its your fault!" I turn to her. "My fault?" "Yeah, ever since I posted that I make Ladybug and Cat Noir dolls my website has been full of orders. What?" "I know what I'm doing tonight." "I'll have to put you on the waiting list, Kitty."

"I know some basic sewing skills. Mind if I lend a paw?" "Sure, if we ever get through these dishes!"

The dishes take most of morning, and unless Marinette needs help out front I work on the pile. Finally, at lunchtime we get them done. Mama Cheng walks through the doors just as we're putting the last ones away. "You did all the dishes?" she asks, her voice surprised and pleased. "Thank you!"

Mama Cheng hugs both of us together, and I think its the best way of saying thank you. "What to do you two want for lunch? After that big job, I'll make you anything." I look at Marinette and grin. "Noodles!" we both say at the same time. "I knew you say that! Noodles it is!"

It nice to lend a helping hand even if you could be doing something for yourself. I choose to help others. Its been a quiet day, but a good day.

I'll write in you soon, Journal.

Adrien Agreste

-Cat Noir