Zoé was seven years old and had a peculiarity that had always bothered her: her fiery red hair and bright apple-green eyes. Every morning, in front of the bathroom mirror, she observed her flamboyant hair with a mixture of fascination and concern.

"Why don't I look like anyone else in the family?" she constantly wondered.

Her older sister Anaé, who was twelve years old, had magnificent, shiny black hair, just like their parents. Even their grandparents had brown or grey hair, but never red.

At school, the other children often asked him questions, and some gently teased him by calling him "carrot head" or "forest fire".

One December evening, as snow gently blanketed the garden, Zoé sat on her bed, lost in her usual thoughts. Anaé entered her room and sat beside her.

"You're still thinking about it, aren't you?" asked her older sister softly.

Zoé nodded, tears welling in her eyes. "I don't understand, Anaé. Why am I so different? Mom says it's special, but I just want to be like you."

Anaé hugged her. "You know, being different isn't a bad thing. And besides, Christmas is coming. Maybe Santa Claus will have an answer for you."

Christmas Eve finally arrived. Zoé had trouble falling asleep, like all children everywhere. Around midnight, a strange noise woke her. She quietly went downstairs and discovered a golden light coming from the living room.

There, near the sparkling Christmas tree, stood an old man in a red suit whom she immediately recognized: Santa Claus! But he wasn't alone. Beside him was a small woman with bright red hair and apple-green eyes, just like Zoé.

"Good evening Zoé," said Santa Claus with a warm smile. "I think it's time you learned the truth."

The little woman approached, her eyes shining with emotion. "My darling, my name is Célestine. I'm your mother and... I'm one of Santa's elves."

Zoé was speechless. A leprechaun? Her real mother was a leprechaun?

Santa Claus continued: "Seven years ago, Celestine had to carry out a special mission in the human world. During this mission, you were born. But elves cannot raise children in the human world without endangering their magic. So we entrusted your upbringing to this wonderful family who love you so much."

"But why are my hair red and my eyes green?" asked Zoé, still in shock.

Célestine smiled tenderly. "Because you're an elf, my little one. All of Santa's elves have these characteristics. It's the sign of our Christmas magic."

Zoé and Anaé's parents then came down the stairs. They had known from the beginning. Mom knelt before Zoé: "We always knew you were special, my darling. But you are our daughter, and we love you with all our hearts."

"When you're older," explained Santa Claus, "you can choose whether you want to join the workshop at the North Pole or stay in the human world. But for now, you have a childhood to live and a family that adores you."

Zoé looked at her adoptive family, then at Célestine, then at Santa Claus. Her heart was filled with a mixture of emotions, but above all with immense relief. She finally understood.

"Can I have both families?" she asked shyly.

"Of course," replied Célestine. "I'll come see you every Christmas."/>
That night, Zoé fell asleep with a peaceful smile. She was no longer the little girl with the unusual hair. She was Zoé, the little elf with a big heart, loved by two extraordinary families. Her red hair and green eyes were no longer an enigma, but a magical gift that made her unique and wonderful.