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Qifrey had just called the end of the last lesson of the day to his apprentices in the living room of the atelier, when he noticed Coco zoning out in front of the window, watching the snowflakes falling and covering the ground of candid snow.
- Is something the matter, Coco? - Qifrey asked, approaching her with a gentle smile.
Coco got startled for a moment, but then she shook her head in reassurance. - Oh I was just thinking… tomorrow is Christmas.
Tetia’s eyebrows frowned. - Christmas? What’s that?
- You don’t celebrate Christmas in the witch world? - asked Coco in surprise. The confused faces of her friends were explicative.
- It’s a human festivity from as much as I know. - intervened Olruggio, who had layed on the sofa to take a rest after an intense day of crafting new spells for a client.
- It’s a chance to spend time with our family. We eat a lot of good food, exchange gifts and play fun games. I always used to celebrate it with my mom… - Coco’s face suddenly changed in a sorrowful expression. Brushbuddy crawled into her lap and brushed his head against the palm of her hand in reassurance. - This is going to be the first Christmas that I spend without her.
Tetia and Richeh exchanged a worried look at the sudden change of tone of their friend. It was rare seeing Coco so sad and gloomy. Even Agott looked distressed.
Qifrey’s hand reached her shoulder in reassurance. He wanted to say something. He needed to say something to reassure her, but the words just wouldn’t come out. Coco’s situation was complicated and there still weren’t progress in the finding of a counterclock spell to bring her mother back after being petrified accidentally by Coco herself.
Somehow Coco noticed his effort and smiled at him warmly. A really bright girl. - I’m fine, though. Really. I’m sorry that I bored you all with my thoughts, I’m probably just tired. - she walked across the room at a brisk pace and reached the stairs that led to her room. - I’m going to bed. - and she disappeared.
Oh, Coco… Faking a smile to not worry the people who care about you is truly a selfless act.
Suddenly, Qifrey felt someone pulling slightly his robe. - We must do something for her. - Tetia was looking at him with her big pleading pink eyes.
- We should make her feel at home if that day is so special to her. - agreed Agott, crossing her arms, with a pensive look on her face.
- No one should feel sad during a special day. - Riche nodded, determined.
Qifrey couldn’t hold a smile at that sight. Those girls truly were a gift, how could he deserve them?
- I agree with the girls. - said Olruggio, standing up from the sofa and stretching his arms. - Working with humans, I’ve learned some things about Christmas. I think we can arrange something.
The big smiles on his apprentices’ faces were enough to make his heart melt. - Alright then, let’s get to work!
The next morning, Coco woke up with a heavy feeling on her chest. All her thoughts went immediately to her mother and she had to hold the tears to not cry right away.
But the mood at the atelier was different from the usual, Coco could tell. While walking down the stairs, she heard the other apprentices’ laughs and she smelled the scent of familiar cookies that she hasn’t eaten in a long time. She hurried her pace after hearing master Qifrey asking the girls to lower their voices.
When she turned the corner, her eyes widened.
- Merry Christmas, Coco!! - a loud choir soared through the air.
All the girls and master Qifrey and Olruggio were sitting in front of the fireplace, wearing red and green clothes and holding small wrapped gifts. Some pine branches were brought inside and decorated with ribbons, handcrafted balls and small glowstones. The table was set with steaming hot chocolate, sweet cheese custard and…cinnamon and ginger cookies! Those were the cookies that her mom always used to prepare for Christmas.
- How… - Coco was speechless and she was hardly holding her tears. - You did all of this for me?
Tetia ran to her and hugged her tight. - Of course! We wanted to make you happy in such an important day!
- Now we can eat all that delicious food. I think I love Christmas. - said Richeh almost drooling.
- I hope you like it, Coco. - Agott ’s cheeks flushed in embarrassment.
Coco looked around and exchanged looks with master Qifrey. He was smiling softly. - I love it. Thank you so much. This is the best gift I could have asked for! - she didn’t hold the tears while hugging her friends. She was so grateful to be surrounded by such thoughtful people.
- Now, let’s drink this hot chocolate before it gets cold! - said Olruggio, taking a sit.
They all sat around the table, drinking, eating and laughing. Coco taught some popular Christmas songs and opened the handmade gifts while playing games.
Coco truly felt at home.
The atelier was her home.
The sun was shining bright outside the window, creating a light shimmer on the snow.