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

Afterglow

Oh, I will hold on to the afterglow

By Ed Sheran

Camille sat in the waiting room of the doctor's practice where Clara worked, waiting for an appointment with one of colleagues. The room was as soothing as always. Andrew was beside him, visibly excited, but leafing through a magazine. As they waited, a family entered the room.

- Mr. O'Neil!' exclaimed the father as he approached them. One of Andrew's parents, she guessed.

Andrew looked up, a warm smile lighting up his face as he recognised them in turn.

- Mr. and Mrs. Roux! Good to see you again. How's Gabriel?' he asked, bending down to greet the seven-year-old boy.

- I'm doing fine. Gabriel nodded enthusiastically.

Camille smiled, Andrew in his element.

- Congratulations,' said the family mother.

- Thank you. Camille smiled honestly.

Her name was called. Andrew said goodbye to the parents and Gabriel, wishing him well.

Camille and Andrew then entered the examination room. The doctor greeted them with a warm, professional smile and invited them to sit down. Camille lay down on the examination table, feeling a slight surge of excitement. She couldn't wait to find out the sex of their baby.

The examination went off without a hitch. As soon as the monitor switched on and the image of the fetus appeared on the screen, Camille immediately recognised the distinct shape - a girl.

She smiled, unable to contain joy. A boy would have pleased , but she still preferred a girl. Andrew, his eyes fixed on the screen, frowned adorably.

- What's that? I'm the only one who can't read this,' he said, a little lost.

- It's a girl, confirmed the doctor, smiling.

Andrew sat up slightly, a dazzling smile lighting up his face.

- A girl!' he repeated, the excitement in his voice impossible to hide. Is she all right ?

- Yes, she's perfectly fine.

The examination ended, and Camille sat up, still very much moved. They left the consulting room, their hearts light and their spirits high. Andrew, still buzzing with excitement, turned to him with a gleam of enthusiasm in his eyes.

- You know, now that we know... I feel like doing some shopping,' he said, with a mischievous smile on his lips. We could look for some clothes, or maybe something for the baby's room at your place?

Camille laughed, now excited by the idea.

- I've got two hours before I have to go back to the hospital,' she laughed, amused by his infectious eagerness.

They headed for the shops, their steps light. In the shops, they browsed the shelves, choosing adorable little clothes and toys together. Each item they chose seemed to make their reality even more palpable. Camille felt light, this simple act of preparation for the arrival of their child. A girl... She wanted to tell everyone. She thought of her mother, who still didn't know, didn't have the courage to tell . Now was not the time to think about that. Back to the baby clothes.

They laughed together, sharing moments of complicity, discussing colours and styles, already imagining their daughter wearing the clothes they had carefully selected. These moments spent together were precious, imbued with a softness and shared joy that made the wait even more beautiful. They went outside, loaded down with bags. She still had a little time and needed to eat. She suggested a quick restaurant, the hospital was ten minutes away.