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

38- Blossom

The garden behind their house was a haven of peace, brimming with life. Roses climbed lazily up the trellises, wild grasses framed the paths, and the sweet scent of lavender blossoms mingled with that of the earth. Under the pergola, adorned with wisteria, Camille and Andrew were enjoying a cup of tea. Camille, with a novel in her hand, turned the pages absent-mindedly, while Andrew jotted down notes for lessons in a notebook.

—She's got your imagination," Andrew said suddenly, looking up from his notebook to observe their daughter.

Céleste, dressed in a little blue floral dress, was kneeling in the grass, completely absorbed in some mysterious activity. She was picking up pebbles and carefully lining them up around a mound of earth.

—And your curiosity," Camille replied, putting down her cup of tea. She reached out a hand to Andrew's and intertwined their fingers.

The wind blew gently, rustling the leaves and gently swaying the white curtains framing the pergola. Then, a cry of joy broke the stillness of the afternoon.

—Daddy, Mommy, look!" shouted Celeste, her crystalline voice filling the air.

They immediately turned their heads. Céleste was kneeling, her hands firmly planted on a clump of earth. Her cheeks rosy with excitement, she stared intently at the ground.

Before their eyes, something incredible happened: a green stem slowly sprang up from the earth, vibrating with energy. Delicate leaves emerged, followed by a violet flower that blossomed as if responding to a silent call.

Camille instinctively brought a hand to her mouth, her eyes wide with wonder.

—Céleste..." she murmured, unable to look away from the scene.

Andrew rose slowly, almost hesitantly, as if afraid of disturbing this magic, her first. He approached his daughter and crouched beside her, his eyes shifting from the flower to Celeste.

—What did you think when you made the flower?" he asked softly.

Céleste raised her head, her big eyes shining with innocence and pride.

—I just thought very hard that I wanted a flower," she explained, a big smile lighting up her face.

Camille joined them, crouching down on the other side of their daughter. She ran a gentle hand over Celeste's light brown curls, her heart overflowing with emotion.

—It's beautiful, my darling," Camille murmured, her voice trembling. Are you proud of yourself?

—Yes, I am!

Andrew reached out a hand toward the flower, but stopped midway, as if touching this creation might break the moment. He finally let his fingers graze the tiny leaves and smiled.

—You're incredible," he said simply, before taking his daughter in his arms, lifting her to hug her.

Céleste burst out laughing, pure and light as a spring breeze.

—I want to do it again!

—Go ahead, baby.

— Earth... that's a good choice," she murmured to Andrew, her gaze sliding over the flower that swayed gently in the wind.

Andrew nodded.

—Yes, a perfect choice," he replied, his voice filled with pride and tenderness. Then, with a mischievous smile, he added: You can help me with my vegetable garden.

Celeste burst out laughing again.

—Yes, tomatoes, Dad! she replied, ecstatic.