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

19- Isn't she lovely ?

Isn't she lovely ?

Isn't she wonderfull?

Isn't she precious ?

By Stevie Wonder

Camille, her body exhausted but her mind fully awake, felt a wave of emotion wash over her as a cry pierced the air. Celeste. A fragile, perfect little person, wrapped in a soft blanket, was delicately placed in her arms.

Camille looked at her baby for the first time, her eyes brimming with tears. The world around her suddenly seemed to fade away, as if the medical team, the noises, everything around them, had become distant. All that remained was that moment, that pure, powerful contact between her and her daughter. Celeste cried, her little body quivering with the novelty of it all, but as soon as her skin met her mother's, an unexpected calm settled over her. The little girl nestled against Camille, her breath, still ragged, becoming softer and calmer.

Camille felt her tears flow freely. Warmth she had never known before washed over her, a feeling of love so immense that she lost her breath for a moment. She stroked Celeste's head tenderly, admiring the delicacy of every detail: her little hands, her round cheeks, the softness of her skin. Her heart was beating so fast it felt as if it exploded under the force of this immediate, unconditional love.

- Celeste... she murmured in a trembling voice.

Words were weak in the face of the magnitude of the emotions running through her. She had often heard other mothers talk about this instant love, but she could never have imagined how real it was, how visceral the bond was. Now she finally understood it. This love was like a force of nature, something primal and beautiful, a connection so deep it obliterated everything else.

Andrew, who stayed by her side the whole time, watched the scene, totally captivated. Tears glistened in his eyes, sliding silently down his cheeks as he stared at their daughter, their creation. His trembling hand came to rest gently on Celeste.

— She's... perfect,' he murmured, his voice full of emotion, a smile trembling on his lips.

At that moment, everything she was, everything she had experienced so far, seemed insignificant compared to the power of the love she felt for this tiny being. Everything she had imagined in those nine months was far beyond reality. This love, this connection... She was overwhelmed by her own capacity to love so much. Her fingers ran over her daughter's little forehead. How had she ever lived without this presence before?

The medical world around them continued to move, doctors and nurses talking softly, adjusting things, but Camille could see none of it. Time seemed to stand still for her and Andrew. In this cocoon of gentleness, where there were only the three of them, everything was perfect and whole.

Andrew, his eyes brimming with tears, leaned gently over Celeste, caressing her little hand.

- You're incredible,' he murmured, his voice choked with emotion. She's incredible.

Camille nodded gently, unable to take her eyes off Celeste. She felt whole, fulfilled in a way she could never have anticipated. This little being, fragile but so powerful in her presence, had just redefined her world.

- I love you so much already,' she whispered to her daughter, her voice barely audible but full of promise.

The next few hours were a succession of tender moments and discoveries for Camille and Andrew. Everything revolved around Celeste, this little being who was already filling their world with a new light. Then came the time for their first visits, a moment they had been looking forward to with excitement, to introduce Celeste.

Andrew's parents came in first. Caroline and her husband Nathan entered the room softly, their smiles lighting up the room. Behind them, Anastasia followed, suddenly shy, her little hands clasped in front of her. As soon as they laid eyes on Celeste, all three were filled with wonder, as if they had discovered a treasure. The congratulations were immediate.

- She's magnificent,' Caroline murmured, moved, as she approached the bed. You've both done an incredible job.

Nathan, the father of the family, had eyes shining with emotion. He looked gently at Celeste:

- This is the most beautiful gift,' he breathed, his voice a little shaky, but his smile of wonder never leaving his face. Welcome to the family, little Celeste.

Camille watched the scene, happy and touched by their reaction, but a thought suddenly struck her. She found herself thinking about her own mother. How could her mother have been so hard on her, when she now had Celeste in her arms and knew, from a simple glance, that she would do anything to protect this child? How could anyone deliberately harm their own daughter? She understood this coldness, this harshness even less. A wave of sadness swept over her, but before she could lose herself in it, she snapped back to reality, looking at Celeste, who was there, in her arms. Her own light. Her path.

Anastasia timidly approached the cradle, Andrew at her side. He took her gently by the shoulders, showing her Celeste with obvious tenderness. The little girl looked at the baby, her eyes wide, as if fascinated.

- She's small,' she whispered, almost with an air of respect for this tiny being.

Andrew smiled, touched, and replied softly:

- Yes, she's small, but she'll grow up soon enough. You'll be able to see her often.

Anastasia nodded, clearly a little impressed by this new life. She remained silent for a moment, staring at Celeste as if discovering a secret. Then, as if she'd gathered enough courage, she gently reached out a hand to touch her niece's tiny foot, before smiling at Andrew.

After a moment, Caroline and Nathan decided it was time to let Camille and Andrew rest. They left the room, taking Anastasia with them, the latter casting a last curious glance at Celeste.

Shortly afterwards, Phoebe and Marcus arrived. Phoebe entered the room with a big smile on her face.

- So, where's this little witch everyone's talking about? She joked, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

Camille, still wrapped in her cocoon of happiness, looked up at her and smiled.

- Is she?

- No doubt about it, she's a witch. Phoebe replied, approaching with Marcus. Camille smiled. She leaned over him gently.

- Oh, she's beautiful. Phoebe turned to Camille with a radiant smile.

Camille couldn't help laughing softly, then her eyes fell back on her daughter. Once again, she found herself lost in admiration for this little being who seemed more and more perfect with every glance. Celeste watched the visitors peacefully. Marcus approached in his turn, his smile soft and warm.

- Yes. Congratulations, you two,' he said softly, looking at her. How do you feel?

- Celeste is here, she said simply, happy, the rest is unimportant. Hello, Celeste, he whispered.

Phoebe and Marcus continued to exchange a few tender words, but Camille had already returned to her bubble, her gaze fixed on Celeste, this miracle, this treasure. The love she felt for her daughter overflowed from her heart, enveloping her in warmth she had never known before.