Bruno and Carina

by JillianFahey

No one in the village wanted to be near Bruno Madrigal with his strange mutterings and ability to see the future. All were afraid of him and what anything he said would mean. At least, that is the story Alma Madrigal wanted the generations to remember. Because there was one person who loved Bruno fiercely, taking on everyone else who tried to mock or blame him. Her name was Carina.

9. Chapter 9 Almost Thirty Years Later

Looking down at the box that still held her engagement ring Carina sighed. She was still an outcast in the town that made sure that she and Bruno never got married, keeping them apart until the day he disappeared. He had to have a good reason, but why didn't he talk to her about it?! There were ways he had slipped out before to discuss things with her, why not then?

The door behind her opened and shut giving her time to put the ring away before a small comet ran to her. Smiling down at the curly haired head she knelt, "Hello tonito." Little Antonio Madrigal looked at her with scared eyes, "Do you want to help me with the kittens?" He nodded happily and she took him over to the box which held the latest litter.

This was something that had never changed. When the Madrigal kids needed a break or a place to hide they came to her. Except for Luisa who had to be tricked by Carina asking her for help with putting something back together. It was always an equal share of the work and Carina would listen as Luisa talked about different things that were bothering her.

With the other kids it was slightly different; Isabella would slump in a chair like Bruno always would and lose the sparkle as they talked about everything other than flowers and Mariono. Delores also needed someone to vent to and Carina was always so quiet for her to let it all out, keeping the secrets that needed to be shared with someone. Camilo was never asked to change shape, only if he could test some of Carina's food relaxing for once in life. And Mirabel was Carianas favorite, the one she taught to embroider, who helped Cariana make dresses, being able to be herself in her remarkable way without her Abuela breathing down her neck.

Cariana hated Senora Madrigal, and not just for making Bruno choose between the family or leaving the Encanto with the wife he chose. She hated the older woman for what she was doing to each member of the unfortunate Madrigals. Julieta and Pepa would also come to her sometimes for a cup of tea and a listening ear for their stresses. But her friendship was slightly stronger with their husbands who treated her like their sister and asked her for advice on their children.

Playing with little Antonio Cariana couldn't help mourning the life she and Bruno could have had if given the chance. Still the village pulled that chance away like it was destroying the lives of all the Madrigals with pressure and entitlement. But they came to her for safety, which was something she would provide for all of them no matter what happened in the town.