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

35- Happy Halloween

It was a perfect Halloween day. The sun shone golden, casting dancing shadows across the hospital corridors. Camille, although resting, had decided to visit the children in pediatrics, to share a little magic and joy with them. Dressed simply in jeans and a leather jacket, she stood out for her casual attire, contrasting with the extravagant costumes of the caregivers. The head nurse, wearing an elegant witch's costume, greeted Camille with a big smile. The whole department was dressed in its finest, from vampires to glittering fairies, and the mood was festive. The children, also dressed up, strolled merrily through the corridors, their laughter and games filling the air.

As soon as Camille stepped through the door, little voices rang out in a joyful cacophony. The curious eyes of the children, in their costumes of monsters, superheroes and fantastic creatures, turned to her. Some watched her, others excitedly, eager for her to join in their play or activity.

Celeste was busy, so she had plenty of time to play in the playroom. But now it was her smiling baby that caught Camille's eye.

Céleste, in her pretty black sequined dress and her witch's hat placed askew on her head, was surrounded by the medical team. Her little hands were waving, her eyes shining with infinite curiosity, her face full of life. Though tiny, barely three years old, Céleste exuded an infectious energy that lit up the room. The nurses watched her closely, and one of them held her hand, ready to support her at any moment. Céleste fidgeted, eager to discover the world around her, her eyes filled with the promise of a magical day. Camille wasn't sure who was enjoying it more.

Camille approached, her steps light, a gentle smile forming on her lips. She knelt before her daughter, gazing into Céleste's sparkling eyes.

Céleste shook her mother's hand happily, her little eyes shining with excitement. A pure child's smile blossomed on her lips as she replied in a playful voice.

—"I want a candy, Mommy!"

Camille burst out laughing at this spontaneous request. How could she resist such a pretty smile? She handed a small bag to Céleste, who immediately grabbed it, a glint of triumph in her eyes. Camille watched her, moved by the simplicity and innocence of the moment.

All around them, the atmosphere of the pediatric ward added to the enchantment of the day. Carved pumpkins with toothless smiles adorned the tables, garlands of ghosts hung from the walls, and multicolored balloons floated in the air. Every corner of the room exuded festivity, imagination and sweetness, creating a parallel universe where the worries of the outside world seemed far away. Camille turned briefly to the nurses who had helped transform the hospital into a veritable children's wonderland. One of them, dressed as a cliché vampire, stood by the door, offering sweets to the little patients. Another, dressed as a pirate, performed magic tricks to the admiration of the youngest.

—You're my favorite little witch," she told Celeste, her eyes sparkling with love.

As she left, she floated the idea of paying Marcus a surprise visit downstairs.

Marcus, looking calm and smiling, returned after a patient visit. His eyes shone with an amused gleam as he scrutinized the little witch who had arrived before him.

—A witch, really?" Marcus said, a mischievous smile playing on his lips. "Very original, Camille.

Camille, playful, let out a small laugh. 'She fell for the costume. She looked at her daughter, who was still firmly holding her little bag of sweets. "But it's funny, isn't it, when you know the truth. Right under their noses, a real little witch."

Marcus let out a small laugh, taking Celeste in his arms.

—"She's a pumpkin tonight.

—Did you choose it as your costume?" he asks smiling to her.

Celeste nodded happily:

—Yes, I'm a pumpkin witch!'

—'I want to see pictures!' exclaimed Marcus, smiling, though his eyes revealed genuine curiosity.

—You're the one who chose to pull a double shift, I'll have you know.

—Priority to children and parents.

—Children first, that's what Halloween is all about. The other adults have to be content to watch."

—That's why you're not dressed up.

—She's the star, not me. Camille laughed, Marcus joining her.

He turned his gaze to Celeste, who was snuggling up to him, clearly tired, her "uncle" Marcus, as she called him.

—I'm going to take her back for her nap, before the drama.

—Already. You're no fun.

—She laughed, good luck tonight, she wished, taking back Celeste.

—Good luck with the sugar rush.

After a round with Marguerite, Nate, Sophie and their youngest, Nathan, they returned Céleste asleep against Andrew.

Andrew entered the room, his smile evident in the soft darkness. He made his way to the sofa, where Camille was waiting for him, and settled down beside her.

"I love Halloween," he declared as he dropped onto the sofa, a twinkle of happiness in his eyes.

"Me too," Camille replied, offering him a bright smile. She held out the bowl of candy toward him. "Would you like some?"

Andrew picked up a candy and tossed it into the air before catching it nimbly:

—I think I'll stick with that for tonight," he said, referring to the candy, but his eyes shone with a mischievous gleam.

Camille turned her gaze to him, her mischievous smile widening at the rising idea."

—Are you up to it enough to do a little magic for me, to close this party?"

—Andrew smirked at him. "Oh, why not." He stood up for a moment, pretending to think, before turning to her with a knowing look. "You know, Halloween and magic go hand in hand."

Camille stretched, feeling increasingly impatient:

—It's Halloween and I'm literally with a wizard," she laughed softly.

Andrew laughed back, amused by Camille's enthusiasm.

—Anything you want." He raised his hands, and the air around them seemed to become charged with a new energy. His eyes lit up with an unearthly glow, and he concentrated.

With a fluid gesture, he reached for the glass of water on the coffee table. The water rose gently, transforming itself into elegant sculptures. The water curved, forming delicate arabesques and figures, before falling back in fine droplets. Then, as if to add an even more spectacular touch, translucent bubbles began to appear, floating gently in the air, occasionally bursting with crystalline sounds.

Camille, fascinated, watched in wonder. "It's... incredible," she murmured, her eyes shining. "I love what you're doing."

Andrew looked at her, his smile widening further. He gazed at her tenderly. "Anything else you want me to do?"

Camille, still immersed in admiration of the scene, nodded enthusiastically. The bubbles danced around them, the magical spectacle filling the room with an almost unreal beauty. Camille snuggled a little closer to him, her heart light and her head full of dreams of wizards and pumpkins.