"I'll do Mirabel's hair," Agustín volunteered. "I've done Luisa and Isabela's, so it can't be that different."

"It's not that simple," Pepa said. Julieta usually did Mirabel's hair. However, Julieta had to go to her booth early today. They didn't want to wake up the four-year-old, so Agustín said he'll help her get ready before leaving to do his chores. "I'll do it."

"She's my niña," Agustín protested. "I should know how to do her hair."

"Are you sure?" Pepa asked. "Dolores and Camilo have hair like hers. I've had plenty of experience."

"I'm positive," Agustín promised.

"Okay," Pepa sighed. "I'll be in the other room if you need me."

"I won't," Agustín promised.

"Ow, Papi," Mirabel screamed. Tears were streaming down her face.

"I'm sorry, mi amor," Agustín whispered. He tried to brush her hair, but it only brought his little girl pain. He imagined Dolores was somewhere in town, thinking her cousin was in great agony because of torture. Maybe you're torturing her.

"Where is mamá?" Mirabel asked. "Mamá knows how to do it without hurting me."

"They needed mamá in town," Agustín explained.

"Let me step in," Pepa said. Agustín looked around, spotting Pepa in the doorway. She walked over to the father and daughter. Pepa picked up her Sobrina, carrying her on her hip. "Did papi hurt you?"

"Mhm," Mirabel said.

"Let Tía Pepa take care of you," Pepa said.

"I tried," Agustín sighed.

"Well, you did it wrong," Pepa snapped. "You haven't even washed her hair. I have what I'll need in my room."

"Will you teach me?" Agustín asked.

"I can try," Pepa said. "However, I'm not a very patient teacher. Also, learning the proper way to take care of this hair texture isn't something you can learn overnight. You'd have a better chance of learning from Julieta."

"Okay," Agustín said. "I just want to watch."

"Then follow me," Pepa said. Agustín followed Pepa to her room. They went straight to Pepa's bathroom.

"You're lucky I came when I did," Pepa said. "The poor girl's hair looks like a bird's nest. What did you even do?"

"I just brushed it," Agustín shrugged.

"Oh," Pepa said. She slowly shook her head. "You have a lot to learn."