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

36- Daddy's classroom

Andrew had promised Céleste to show her "Daddy's classroom" again. One Saturday morning, he took Camille and Céleste into the classroom where he taught.

The morning sun bathed the classroom in a soft, warm light, illuminating every nook and cranny. Andrew, visibly proud, opened the door wide and let Camille and Céleste in. The little girl, dressed in a yellow dress with striped socks, held her mother's hand tightly, but her eyes shone with excitement.

As soon as she saw the blackboard, the tidy desks and, above all, the huge shelves overflowing with books, she let go of Camille's hand and stepped forward, her little feet trotting across the floor.

Céleste, a little intimidated at first, approached the painting. She clutched the felt-tip pen in her small hand and, with all the concentration a three-year-old could muster, began to draw a circle that came to resemble a kind of sun. Andrew, amused, knelt down beside her.

—Wait, I'll add something," he said softly.

With a few quick strokes, he drew a kitten with a goofy smile. Céleste burst out laughing and clapped her hands together.

—Again, Daddy! Again!" she said, her cheeks flushed with excitement.

Andrew laughed, willingly obeying his daughter. He drew a flower, then a bird, while Camille watched, leaning against a desk, her heart swelling with happiness.

—A true masterpiece! declared Camille, clapping her hands.

Céleste, delighted, left the painting to explore the rest of the room. She trotted over to the desks and tried to climb onto a chair, but her little legs could barely reach the seat. Camille approached, a smile on her face, and helped her settle in.

— Voilà, Mademoiselle Céleste, » said Camille, placing her hands on her daughter's little shoulders. Are you ready for your first lesson?

—Yes!" replied Céleste, her voice full of enthusiasm. I'm going to school soon.

—I know, baby. You're growing up.

Andrew sat down on the desk next to Camille and crossed his arms, pretending to be serious.

—Very well, young pupil, today we're going to learn... about the stars," he said mysteriously.

Céleste's eyes widened and her mouth opened in a perfect "O".

—The stars? Do they talk?" she asked innocently.

Andrew and Camille exchanged knowing glances. Camille whispered to Andrew:

—I think you've got a captivated pupil.

He nodded, leaning towards Céleste.

—Oh, they don't talk like you and me, but they tell stories when you look at them long enough.

Céleste seemed to reflect deeply on this revelation before declaring:

—I want to tell stories too," she said, patting the desk with her small hands.

Camille burst out laughing and hugged Andrew, placing a quick kiss on his cheek. But this gesture immediately made Céleste react, and with outstretched arms she jealously declared:

—Me too, hug! Me too!

Andrew bent down to grab Céleste and lift her, twirling her gently in the air. She burst out laughing, her crystalline laughter echoing in the room. Camille watched with a smile as Andrew gently placed her on his lap.

—So, Mademoiselle, are you ready for a group hug?" asked Andrew, smiling.

Camille stepped forward and wrapped her arms around them both, forming a bubble of happiness and love. Camille smiled, looking at their daughter snuggled up against him, playing with the collar of his shirt.