The pile of otter masks remained carefully stored for almost six months in a corner of the Saint-Pierre school in Châteauroux. The time to find a moment, never really the right one, to share the grief of a bereaved father. After the murder of Matisse Marchais, Saturday April 27, 2024, the CE2 children of this private school made masks bearing the image of the favorite animal of the teenager stabbed in the Saint-Denis district. Tuesday November 5, 2024, their teacher, Marie-Pierre Cayeux, handed them over to Christophe Marchais. “I had a lot of trouble swallowing my pain and my tears while giving it to him”she confides.
The cook Christophe Marchais in front of the children of the Saint-Pierre school to pass on his passion to them.
© (Saint-Pierre school photo)
“Trying to ease the pain”
For three years, Christophe Marchais, owner of the Jeux2Goûts restaurant, has been going to Saint-Pierre school to introduce children to some flavors during Taste Week. Her 15-year-old son shared this same love of cooking. “The children heard about Matisse’s death. They quickly made the connection with “the gentleman who spoke in class”explains Marie-Pierre Cayeux. They talked to us a lot about it. We had to explain to them, with my colleague Ambre Bertrand, using children's words, without falling into the macabre, that this dad had lost his son. We decided, all together, to give him something to try to ease his pain. It was easier for the children to understand this drama through an animal, the otter. »
“I am very grateful to him”
After the teenager's tragic death, signs of affection multiplied, messages addressed to parents, otters in store windows, and flowers left at restaurants. Nearly 8,000 people gathered to participate in the white march organized by the family in tribute to Matisse. Almost too much for loved ones, overwhelmed by the requests. “I asked to be left alone a littlesimply reminds Christophe Marchais. People were very discreet and respectful. The teacher never told me about this class photo. »
The school agreed to respect the time of mourning, until this Tuesday, when Christophe came once again to meet the children. Yellow, green, pink otters… “More surprises are coming for you my cat”shared Christophe Marchais on social networks. “I found it very touching that she passed it on to me todaydelivers the cook the next day to his restaurant. I cried about it. As per usual. »
“We found a damaged father, but always attentive and present for the childrenMarie-Pierre Cayeux is moved. I am very grateful to him for perpetuating what we had put in place, that he continues to pass on his passion, that he agrees to return to contact with children even though he has lost his own. »
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