He's borrowed from her for three years now. More than that, actually. And he hardly ever returns the costumes he borrows, even if he promises to every time.
Some are returned but are so battered and demolished that she has to throw them away.
It annoys Ceci so much. Sure, Héctor does have a reason for doing this, but that doesn't change the fact it's wrong in some ways.
But Ceci has never said no to Héctor, or at least, she tries not to. He's her amigo, and she'd never been the one to bring his spirits down.
This year is no different. As usual, Héctor requests an outfit to try and cross the Marigold Bridge to see his family. But when Ceci hears what outfit he wants, she steels herself.
"Not this time, Héctor."
He widens his eyes. "But Ceci, this time it'll work. I just know it."
Ceci points at him, and frowns. "None of your plans have ever come even close to working. And Frida needs this dress for her act at Ernesto's Sunrise Spectacular."
Héctor's mouth twists downward. "Ernesto doesn't even deserve a show like that."
Ceci shakes her head and sighs. "Look," she says. "I know this means a lot to you, but I can't do it this time. There's no way I'll be able to make a new dress in time if you don't return that one. It just won't work."
"But--"
"The answer is no this time, Héctor."
"Ceci." Héctor's eyes are glistening. He looks at her pleadingly. "This might be my last chance. I have to try. I want to see mi familia."
Ceci looks him up and down. His clothes are worse than last year, and his bones are more yellow than they had been. He's right. By next year-- if that-- he could be forgotten. Gone for good.
Ceci would never be able to bear it if he fades away because of her. And besides, it won't be a problem as long as he retuns it.
She rolls her eyes, pushing up her glasses and giving him a stern look. "Do you promise to bring the dress back?" she asks him.
Héctor nods. "Promise."
Ceci turns, grabs the costume, and hands it to him. "Alright. Fine. You can have it."
He smiles at her, taking it and turning to leave. "You won't regret this, Ceci!" he calls over his shoulder.
Ceci huffs and turns away from him, hearing him exit. She goes to the window and watches him run, feeling something tighten in her chest.