Chocolate Chip Cookies

Hutch is recuperating after the plague.

Two little scenes.

Hutch didn’t know where the chocolate chip cookies had appeared from. One of his many visitors must have left them for him, hoping to tempt him to eat something. Although he usually avoided sweet treats, chocolate chip cookies were something he occasionally couldn’t resist. But right now, he didn’t have the energy to open the packet and he wasn’t hungry anyway.

A day or two later, he noticed Starsky had opened the packet and put them in a tin that was within hands reach, hoping his partner might be tempted and if he was then getting at them would be easier. He pried the tin open and sniffed. His stomach churned and he pushed the lid back down, unaware that worried eyes were watching him.

Another day passed and he felt as if a tiny bit of energy had returned. He managed to eat all of the breakfast placed in front of him and to stay awake for a couple of hours afterwards. He ate half a sandwich and managed to stay awake for a whole TV show. It wasn’t much but it was progress, he thought, as he settled down for yet another nap.

When he woke, Starsky appeared with two coffees and sat on the couch beside him. As Hutch sipped his coffee, his eyes fell on the tin. He put his mug down and reached for it. He opened it and pulled out a cookie and took a bite. It tasted sweet.

Hutch slowly finished eating the cookie and then lifted the tin to offer one to his partner. Eyes, bright with moisture, beamed at him as the offer of a cookie was accepted.

Concerned, Hutch asked, “Hey, are you okay?”

Starsky chuckled softly as he said, “I am now. Been waiting for a cookie for days. It was torture.”

And Hutch, who was able to read between the lines, smiled and silently took another chocolate chip cookie and then offered the tin to his partner.

* * *

Hutch dressed slowly, relieved that he didn’t have to rest at each stage of the operation. This was progress, he told himself again. Part of him was horrified at how low he had been brought by his brush with the plague that had nearly ravaged Bay City. Part of him was extremely grateful that he was still here and getting better each day. He tried not to moan about the slowness of his recovery, reminding himself he was lucky to be alive.

He walked through to the lounge, where Starsky was waiting patiently.

“Hey, looking good today,” his partner observed.

“Feeling pretty good,” Hutch said, with a smile.

“Ready?”

“Oh yes! I can’t wait to get outside!”

“Going a bit stir crazy, huh?” Starsky asked, as he stood up, keys dangling from one finger.

“More than a bit,” Hutch confirmed.

“Even with my scintillating company to amuse you?” Starsky teased, as they headed down to street level and Starsky’s car.

“Even with.”

They headed away from Venice Place towards the nearest beach. Once there, Hutch just stood and breathed in the air as if his lungs had been starved of its life-giving quality.

Remembering how Hutch had been starved of air, Starsky had to look away for a moment. He wiped at his eyes quickly then turned to his partner with a smile on his lips.

“Got the energy for a short walk?”

Hutch nodded.

The two of them strolled along the beach, with Starsky letting Hutch set the pace. When he could feel himself tiring, Hutch turned back and Starsky followed.

When they reached the car, Hutch said, “Thanks. I needed that.”

Starsky nodded.

“Before we go back, could we stop at the store on Drury?”

“Sure.”

Starsky drove them to the store and parked outside.

“What can I get for ya?”

Hutch opened his door as he said, “I’d like to go in by myself. I’ll only be a minute.”

“Okay.”

Starsky bit back any warnings to be careful and not overdo it—Hutch had had enough of those for a lifetime—instead he nodded encouragingly.

Hutch slowly walked into the store and came out a few minutes later carrying a small paper bag. Once he was safely settled in his seat, Starsky drove the two blocks back to Hutch’s apartment. Before they went inside, Hutch handed over the paper bag.

“Sorry I scared you, buddy, and thanks for being here.”

Starsky opened the bag to find a packet of chocolate chip cookies inside. He couldn’t think of anything to say so he just squeezed Hutch’s shoulder. Hutch nodded and then got out of the car and began the climb up the stairs. Starsky followed his friend, giving thanks as he took each step.