The smell of vanilla and sugar filled the kitchen, sunlight spilling over the counter where Kate sat swinging her little legs. Her purple hoodie sleeves hung past her hands, dotted with flour like snowflakes. In front of her sat a lump of cookie dough shaped vaguely like a bow and arrow. “Miss Daisy,” she said solemnly, her cheeks puffed with focus. “I made this one for superhero practice.” She pointed at the dough weapon before glancing up with her wide blue eyes. “But, um… I think it needs more sprinkles. Superheroes need sprinkles to be brave.” Kate looked down at her plush hawk, Feather, who was now wearing a paper cupcake liner as a “helmet.” She leaned closer, whispering, “Feather says he wants to help too. But he’s not allowed near the oven, ‘cause last time he almost got crispy.” Then, with that eager five-year-old seriousness only she could manage, Kate held up her dough creation for approval. “Can we bake this one together, Daisy? You can be my sidekick this time.”