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

34- The woods

And we leave it all behind
Can't you see we need some time?
And we all sit around the fire
We feel a little warmer now
And we all sit around the fire
We feel so much better now!

by Hollow Coves

The sun filtered through the dense foliage, casting patches of light on the mossy path. Andrew was carrying Céleste in a baby carrier strapped to his chest. His chubby little hands caught strands of hair or reached for leaves dancing in the wind.

Camille walked beside her, wicker basket in hand, picking mushrooms. She stopped every now and then to show Andrew a strange variety, or simply to steal a smile. Andrew stopped to explain photosynthesis to her in simplified form.

—She loves nature and loves to hear you talk about it," said Camille, bending down to pick up a red leaf.

—Look how she stares at me when I talk about science. Replied Andrew with a smile.

—Maybe she's just fascinated by your professorial voice," teased Camille, placing an affectionate hand on his arm.

They stopped near an old oak tree, and Camille laid a blanket on the ground. Andrew took out a small pot of homemade mashed potatoes and a spoon. Céleste chirped happily, her big eyes staring curiously at her parents.

—Mademoiselle is hungry," announced Camille, stroking her daughter's cheek.

Andrew gave her the first spoonful, but half of it landed on her cheek. They burst out laughing, and Camille hurried to wipe her face.

—We'll have to work on your precision," she joked.

They spent the afternoon exploring the forest, Andrew whispering anecdotes about the trees, while Camille laughed softly at their daughter's attempt to repeat her father's sounds.

The sun was slowly declining, tinting the forest with shades of gold and pink. Céleste's chirping mingled with the rustling leaves and birdsong, creating a soothing natural melody. Camille got up to examine a mushroom she'd just spotted, leaving Andrew sitting on the blanket with their daughter.

—Not edible, pretty sure. she asked, raising the mushroom to her face, her eyebrows slightly furrowed.

Andrew squinted and replied with a smile:

—I'd say it's more like "don't touch it, or you'll spend the night in the emergency room. Do you miss work that much?

Camille burst out laughing and gently placed the mushroom on the floor, away from the others she had identified as safe.

—You're the one who cooks chanterelles anyway.

Andrew nodded, his gaze filled with tenderness as he looked down at Celeste. She had picked up a twig and brought it to her mouth, chewing it curiously.

—Hey, little explorer," he said softly, removing the twig from his hands and replacing it with a small stuffed animal they'd taken along. We don't eat the forest.

Camille returned and sat down beside him, her shoulder brushing his.

—Do you think she'll like walks like this as much when she's older?" she asked, watching their daughter with a dreamy smile.

—Of course she will. Look at her, she's fascinated by everything. Leaves, branches, even this twig... She'll love exploring," replied Andrew.

Camille rested her head on his shoulder.

—It's crazy, you know. Sometimes I look at Céleste and wonder how we were lucky enough to have such a perfect little girl.

Andrew turned his head slightly to place a kiss on her hair.

—She's perfect because she's a part of you," he murmured.

Camille blushed slightly and shook her head with a smile.

—And a part of you too," she added.

They stayed like that for a few moments, enjoying the calm and beauty of the moment. Then Céleste let out a joyful cry, drawing their attention. She stretched out her arms towards an orange butterfly fluttering close to their blanket.

—Did you see that, Dad?" asked Celeste, laughing softly.

Andrew leaned forward slightly, allowing Céleste to stretch out her tiny hands towards the butterfly. It flapped its wings for a moment before landing on the little girl's tiny finger.

Camille grabbed her camera, which she had slipped into the basket, and immortalized the moment, conscious of its rarity.

They resumed their exploration, walking gently towards the car, Andrew holding Camille's hand, while Céleste slowly drifted off to sleep against his chest.

Before leaving the forest, they passed a small stream, the water sparkling in the last rays of sunlight. Camille knelt by the water, dipping her fingers in the current.

—Fresh and pure. Perfect for a picnic next time, she said.

Andrew nodded.

—Next time, we could show her the stars," he suggested, looking at their sleeping daughter.

Camille smiled, already looking forward to their next adventure.

In silence, they returned home, their hearts filled with love and gratitude for these simple but precious moments, an ordinary happy life.