5 years later
It had been five long years since the gifting ceremony. Mirabel tried to help but felt like she was never good enough. The family was to never talk about Bruno. The people in town didn't even talk about him. Mayra still hadn't discovered what her second gift was. She was starting to wonder if everyone and casita were wrong, and she only had one gift. She could see in her Abuela's face that she wanted her to get her new gift. For Mayra the hardest part was keeping the secret about the vision of Mirabel from everyone. Mayra remembers back to the morning she told everyone she went into her Tío Bruno's tower. That night they had gone in and searched. Her Abuela had come out looking unhappy. While her Papá looked nervous. Since that night no one was to mention her Tío Bruno. That morning the Madrigals began to get ready as they usually did. Mirabel and Mayra's tenth birthday was coming up so Julieta had tried to get the two to tell her what they wanted to eat that day.
"Mijas, your birthday is next week. Would you like me to make you anything special?"
Mirabel instantly yelled out how she wanted to pick the dessert. She wanted Torta de Tres Leches. Mayra stared at the table for a bit. She knew what she wanted. It was her favorite meal. Her Mamá made it perfectly. She looked up at the family painting above her Abuela. She stared at her Tío Bruno that the family had slowly let fade. She didn't really like the meal she was going to ask for, but it was his favorite and she wanted to think of him even if they weren't supposed to talk about him.
"I want Trucha."
She felt the angry before she heard a slamming sound on the table. She looked up to see her Abuela with her hand on the table. Everyone looked between the two. She watched as the older woman stood and walked towards, her. Her Abuela fixed her hair a bit before she placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Nieta, I think I will come with you today. It has been five years since your gifting ceremony, and we still don't know what your second gift is. It is muy importante that we find out what it is soon. We can think about what you want for your birthday later. Don't you agree?"
"Sí, muy importante Abuela."
Mayra put a piece of food in her mouth as a tear ran down her cheek. Alma walked out to start getting ready to go to the village. Isabella stared at Mayra, knowing all too well what trying to be perfect for Abuela was like. There was a small cloud forming above Pepa's head with the occasional rumble. She tried to shoo it away, but it continued to come back. Mayra usually would go help her, but she sat at the table as another tear ran down her cheek. Everyone stared at her as she ate. When she was finished, she wiped her mouth before she stood. She walked over to her Tía Pepa, hugging and absorbed her feelings which made the clouds disappear. She knew she was worried by the look on her face, but it didn't mean she had the drench anyone in rain and flood the dining area. She kissed her parents as she went to look for her Abuela. She wondered how her Abuela thought she would discover the gift that she hadn't tried. She tried cooking with her Mamá and feeding to people but they only got sick. She tried drawing pictures of people that she thought belonged together, but she thought that was silly. Casita would never give a gift like that. It was useless, plus her gift had a bowl with hearts. She didn't know what to do. As the family made their way into the village to help everyone, she thought about how casita had to be wrong. She didn't have two gifts. She was only meant to help the community with one, just like everyone else in the family. She followed her Abuela, and they slowly made their way around the village. People would occasionally stop the two, needing to speak to Alma. There would be times when Mayra felt such strong negative feelings that she would wander. She was walking with her Abuela when she so much sadness that she wanted to cry. She started to walk away from her Abuela until she found a girl about Isabella's age on the ground crying. She slowly made her way towards the crying girl. When she touched her arm, she felt the heartache. The girl was crying a little less, but Mayra could tell she was still crying.
"What's wrong?"
"I like a guy, but he doesn't like me because I'm not perfecto sin esfuerzo. He likes the girl that is."
"He likes Isa? Don't worry Mari and I say the same thing about her. It's the Guzmán boy, isn't it? Please don't cry over him. Señora Guzmán is not only crazy but one of the biggest gossips in the village. You know she talks about the fact I still don't know what my second gift is. Said Casita is probably broke and told Mamá how sorry she was about what happened to us. Anyway, enough about the loco Guzmán's, let's get back to you. There is the really nice boy that helps my Tío Félix and Papá right now. I think you would like him."
"How do you know what I'd like."
"I have a feeling. It won't hurt to meet him. They should be at Mamá's stand by now. Papá is very accident prone. Hurry before Abuela comes looking for me."
Mayra helped the girl off the ground, gently helping her brush the dirt off her dress. The two quickly made their way for Julieta's stand hoping that they would catch the three. When they got there Mayra sighed. It was like clockwork with her Papá. Every day he had to see her Mamá for an injury. The girl looked down at her and she shrugged. When they got closer Mayra realized the injuries were worse than some bee stings. When she got close, she put her hands up and made a face at the three men. Julieta shoved an arepas in Agustín's mouth so he could tell Mayra what happened. Before anyone could say anything, they heard Alma yelling.
"Mayra Madrigal! Where have you been? I tell you I want you to stay with me for the day and you wander off." Mayra started to cover her face with her arm and hand. The five stared at her as Alma quickly approached. "Mayra, you know it is muy importante that we find out what your second gift is. Now come!"
"Sí Abuela, I'm coming! Hey Miguel, talk to the pretty girl I brought with me. You know, maybe get yourself a date or something. Now I better get going to try to figure out this second gift."
"Dios mío, little meddler. Worse than Señora Guzmán." Julieta chuckled before she went back to help the people in the village.
The whole day Mayra followed her Abuela but like every other day since her gifting ceremony she still had no idea what her second was. That night she went to bed, hoping that maybe her Abuela would stop bugging her about the second gift. For a week she continued to hear more about the second gift. The night before Mirabel and Mayra's birthday Mayra laid in bed hoping she finally figured out what her second gift was. She wished her Tío Bruno would come home. She missed him. She finally fell asleep, and everything was quiet in la casa. A painting slowly moved away from the wall before it moved back. There were three quiet knocks on Mirabel's door before the door opened. Bruno smiled at her, wishing her a Happy Birthday before he closed the door and quietly knocked three times again. He slowly made his way for Mayra's room, hoping no one would hear him. He gave the door frame three quiet knocks before he entered. He found the young girl asleep. He carried the gift he had brought her in. He knew it looked like favoritism, but he knew Mayra was struggling with her second gift. He was just trying to get his Mamá to leave her alone. He laid the items on her table with a note of what to do.
"Happy Birthday Sobrina, I hope this helps you. I miss you all. Know I did what I had to for the family." Bruno whispered but didn't realize the small girl woke.
"Tío Bruno, is that you? Where have you been? Mamá, Abuela, and Tía Pepa will be so happy to see you."
"Sobrina, listen to me. You can't tell anyone you saw me. I left to protect our familia. I love you guys, and nothing will change that."
Bruno stood and quietly knocked on the door frame three times. Mayra sat on her bed, crying about what had just happened. He was protecting them but from what. She only saw part of his vision. She knew her Mamá cried about her Tío Bruno being gone. The morning of Mayra and Mirabel's birthday the girls came down the stairs. Everyone was excited to see them and wished them Happy Birthday. Julieta turned to Alma with a serious look. The older woman hugged her granddaughters, but Mayra could sense that there was a difference when Mirabel was hugged. The Madrigal Family had decided no chores for the day, but the people of the village did want to see the twins. Agustín agreed to walk with Mayra when she informed him, she was having trouble with something. She pulled him into her room and showed him the gifts she had received the night before. He stared at them for a moment before he turned to her. Agustín decided it would be best if they left Casita to talk about it. He told Mayra they had to do it in a hushed tone. As they got out of Casita Mayra turned to her Papá.
"Papá, does that mean Tío Bruno is somewhere close? Why did he leave? Was it the vision?"
"I don't know Mija. I'm happy you got to see him for your birthday. Maybe he will come home again, but maybe he will stay."
Mayra looked down at the ground, kicking a few pebbles. She knew the truth. Her Tío Bruno was not coming home. He said he did what he had to so he could protect the family. If he came back, he wouldn't protect them. She wondered if her Abuela secretly blamed her for her Tío Bruno's disappearance. When Mayra and Agustín finally caught up to everyone, the people of the village were wishing Mirabel a Happy Birthday. Julieta gave the two a worried look when she saw the upset look on Mayra's face. Mayra kicked another pebble as she wiped a tear from her eye. Abuela said we can't talk about Tío Bruno. Don't think of talking about Tío Bruno. Julieta let go of Mirabel's hand so that the people of village could continue to wish her Happy Birthday. Julieta placed he hands on Mayra's cheeks.
"Mija, what's wrong? What happened?"
"Nothing Mamá... I'm just thinking about my second gift."
Julieta gave her a small smile before she looked up at Agustín. She knew the second gift was going to bother Mayra until she got it. She knew once she had it there would be even more pressure to use both gifts. Julieta walked over to Mirabel and the two continued throughout the village. Mayra pulled on Agustín's hand when she saw her Abuela standing near them. She knew that the older woman still wanted to know what her second gift was. Mirabel ran to Mayra and the two started to run around with their cousins and sisters. Mayra accidentally bumped into Señora Guzmán. All the children stopped and stared as the woman looked down at the young girl. Please don't ask about my gift. Please don't ask if I got my second gift. When Mayra looked up at Señora Guzmán she was smiling at her. Oh no, she's going to ask about my gift.
"Happy Birthday Mayra. Did casita give you you're second gift for your birthday?"
"No, not yet Señora Guzmán. As Mamá and Papá always say good things come in time. Abuela also said that we get our gifts because of a miracle. I think to get my second gift I just have to give the miracle time to work its magic. I hope you have a good day."
Mayra turned to see her Abuela staring at her. As the day went on the girls spent the day laughing in the village. It was nice to get a break from chores. Mayra liked helping the community, but it was nice to feel her own feelings for once. The other members of the Madrigal family agreed it was nice to not do chores for the day. No matter what was going on they were usually doing chores. Gifting ceremonies and birthdays were the few days they got breaks. It was finally time for Julieta to start making her way back to casita so she could start making dinner. Before she left Agustín gave her a quick peck on the cheek, but he held onto her a bit longer. He pointed to Mayra who was staring at something. When they turned their attention to what she was staring at. They soon saw Miguel with the girl Mayra had introduced him to. Agustín had informed Julieta they had started seeing each other. Agustín also told her that the girl's name was Viviana. Mayra turned her attention to her parents before she looked back at the couple. Julieta and Agustín wondered why Mayra was staring at the couple. As the couple approached Mayra, Agustín and Julieta hurried over to make sure she didn't say something she shouldn't. Mirabel ran over to them as well and waved.
"Happy Birthday Senoritas. Viviana and I have a gift for the both of you. Mirabel, I know how you love butterflies. You must be careful with it, but I made you a butterfly out of clay and Viviana painted it. Mayra, your gift is a little weird. I must have come up with the idea in my sleep. I hope you like it. I even had a drawing on my desk."
Mirabel stared at her butterfly in excitement. She absolutely loved it. Miguel showed Mayra her the gift he made her, hoping that she liked it. She put it up to examine it. She soon realized Miguel wasn't the one who did the drawing in his sleep. It was her Tío Bruno, trying to help with her second gift. She smiled at the item because now she might be able to figure out what her gift is. She looked back at her Papá and smiled before she looked back at Miguel.
"I love it. Thank you both."
Julieta arched an eyebrow as she looked at Agustín, who shrugged as if he knew nothing. He wished that he didn't have to lie to his wife but if she knew her brother came home and didn't stay, she'd be devastated. He knew she took his departure the hardest. Now he wondered if it would start to be harder on Mayra. Mayra and Mirabel asked if they could go back with Julieta. The woman smiled and agreed. Agustín agreed to go with the three. He was hoping Julieta wouldn't question why Mayra got so happy over a clay gift. When they got home Mayra ran upstairs and quickly entered her room. Julieta crossed her arms and turned to Agustín.
"Okay Agustín, what is going on with her?"
"Nothing Mi amor. You know how she gets on her birthday sometimes and your Mamá has been pressuring her about the second gift. Maybe it is the same thing that bothers you on your birthday."
Julieta stared at him for a while before she went to the kitchen. She didn't know why Mayra didn't talk to her about Bruno. If they, did it in their rooms, her Mamá wouldn't know. She knew that they weren't supposed to but if Mayra was upset about Bruno leaving that night, she should get to talk about it. Julieta looked at the meal she was about to make but she was fighting with herself. Mayra had asked her to make Trucha. It was no secret to anyone in the house that was Bruno's favorite. She had gotten her to change what she wanted to keep the peace, but deep-down Julieta still wanted to make the Trucha. You're the peacekeeper. Don't anger Mamá. She won't be happy if you make the Trucha. Think about Mayra and Mirabel. Julieta turned around when she heard a noise in the kitchen. She saw Mirabel grabbing a small cup of sugar. She arched her eyebrow, hoping the young girl would put it down but she pulled the cup closer and ran towards Mayra's door. Julieta shook her head, wondering what the two were up to but she didn't have the time to go chasing them. In Mayra's room, Mirabel sprinted over to her with the sugar. The paper her Tío Bruno left her told her that the ingredients she would need would call out to her. She simply needs the bottles once the ingredients are ready. She needed the new gift she received from Miguel and a candle. Sugar, flower petals, tiny piece of chocolate, piece of sweet fruit, small bits of Mamá's arepas. Mayra smiled as she thought about it. It was as if she had been doing it since she had first gotten her gift. She pushed her glasses up before she smiled at Mirabel and pushed her glasses up. Everyone thought that maybe Mirabel would be the only one who needed glasses but a year or so after receiving her gifts Mayra started to complain about her eyes. The two sisters stared at each other before Mirabel sprinted to get a bowl, but she quickly ran back.
"Hide! Mamá's coming and she does not look happy." Mirabel panicked as she shut the door.
Mayra's room changed a darker shade of blue and gray. The two hid as Julieta made her way up the stairs. They got quiet before she opened the door. When Julieta entered the room, she spun around to see the dark colors. She wondered what was going on. The room only had dark colors if Mayra was upset.
"Girls! Girls, what are you doing in here? I just want to make sure you're staying out of trouble."
Julieta began to look around the room but when she got close to the table that the note was on Mayra's room changed a darker color. Julieta looked under the table, but she didn't see Mirabel or Mayra. The two girls moved closer to each other under the bed as they watched their Mamá search for them. As Julieta continued to look, she noticed the color of the room had changed to a light yellow and orange with hints of pink. Julieta turned towards the bed and stood there for a bit as she tapped her foot.
"I wonder where those mijas pequeñas mías have gone. I have searched absolutely everywhere for them." Julieta quickly pulled the blanket up so she could see the two as they screamed. "There you two are. Come, tell me why the sweetest girls in Encanto need my sugar that I plan on using for a special birthday dessert. Ay, don't worry about it."
Julieta smiled at the two young girls before she kissed them both on the check. Mayra started to rub her eyes as her Mamá walked out of the room. The two girls stared at each other for a moment before Mayra convinced Mirabel to go get a bowl again. Mayra ran down the hall, pulling a few petals off some flowers that Isabela had grown that morning. She ran into her room, placing the petals down before she ran back out. She saw Mirabel with the bowl running towards her room. Now Mayra stood against the wall, looking into the kitchen. When she saw her Mamá turn around she snuck in and took an arepas and a piece of chocolate. She hid under the table until her Mamá left the room. She sprinted up the stairs, placing the ingredients in her room. Mayra motioned for Mirabel to follow her outside. The two started to search for the perfect sweet fruit. Mirabel finally held a few Feijoas in the air. The two girls nodded before they went to added it with the other ingredients. Mirabel was going to throw a piece of chocolate in the bowl, but Mayra shouted.
"Stop! You can't just throw everything in at the same time. Each ingredient has to go in at a certain time and has a certain amount."
Mayra stared at the items in front of her and waited for the first one to call to her. She grabbed the flower petals, placing only three in the bowl. She took the arepas, breaking a small piece off before she turned them into crumbs. She threw two of the Feijoas in before she broke a small piece of chocolate off. Mayra started to smash and stir the ingredients that smelled terrible at first, but the scent soon changed. She threw two pinches of sugar in before she threw more Feijos in. Mirabel made a face but to Mayra it started to smell perfect. She wondered if what her Tío Bruno was right. It needed something though. As she looked at the ingredients her Papá walked in with Isabela.
"Did you pull those petals from flowers in the hallway?"
"Girls, calm down please. Mayra, what are you doing? It doesn't smell the best and it looks like you have one of your Mamá's good bowels."
Mayra grabbed three more flower petals, throwing them in the bowl. She looked around but didn't see a candle anywhere. She grabbed the bowl so nothing would happen to it and sprinted to look for a candle. As she ran past her Abuela the older woman made a face at the smell of the concoction in the bowl. Mayra managed to find a candle, but she didn't know how she would sneak it past her Mamá. She stared at the candle and walked as quickly and safely as possible. The adults in the family became concerned, making Alma yell after the young girl. When Mayra finally reached her room Mirabel handed her the gift that Miguel had made her. Mayra put the clay creation over the candle, watching the light come from the small hearts carved out of it. She placed the small bowl on top where the small hole was. She began to stir contents in the bowl, hoping it would get the way she needed it to be. She squeezed the juice out of a few more Feijos as she continued to stir until it was a liquid. She looked for the glass bottles she had set aside. She grabbed one and slowly poured a bit into one glass bottle before she poured the rest in the second bottle. She closed both bottles before she blew the candle out. She gently placed everything on the table next to the note her Tío Bruno left her. She stared at everyone, but she could tell that Isabela was still upset about the flower petals. She could tell by the look on her Abuela's face that she would agree with Isabela. She always agrees with Isa. I'll never be perfect like Isa. Abuela is disappointed in the fact you don't what your second gift is. Just remember to keep trying because she said it's muy importante. Agustín smiled at her as she looked down at the ground. He knew she was doubting herself again. He walked over to her, crouching down in front of her.
"Corazón, let's go see if your Mamá needs some help."
Mayra smiled at her Papá a bit before she took his hand. The two started to leave her room when Alma stopped them. Agustín starred at the older woman. Mayra tightened her grip on her Papá's hand and hid behind him.
"What's going on in here? What is she doing? Don't you two understand the importance of her finding out what her second gift is? Our community depends on us, on our miracle. That means her and her gifts."
Mayra let go of Agustín's hand and ran out of the room. He yelled after her but there was no use, she was already gone. She ran to the one place she knew no one would look for her. No one ever went there since the glow left the door. No one but her when she was upset. She touched the door and smiled before she opened it. She walked in a bit and sat down. She started to wipe the tears away as she thought about how she wished her Tío Bruno was here. In the kitchen Julieta stopped what she was doing when she heard Agustín yelling for Mayra. She soon thought maybe they were playing a game like she had played with both Mirabel and Mayra earlier until she heard Isabela yell out for her. She looked up for a moment, slowly turning when she heard Pepa and Félix calling out next. Julieta dropped what was in her hands as she thought back to the night of Mirabel and Mayra's gifting ceremony. Instant panic washed over her whole body as she heard everyone shouting for Mayra. Agustín entered the kitchen, and he could tell Julieta was thinking back to that night. He walked over to her, hugging her as tightly.
"Don't worry Mi amor, we'll find her. She is probably hiding somewhere in casita. How about we ask Dolores, huh?"
Dolores came running down the stairs and made her way to the kitchen. She smiled at Agustín and Julieta before she looked around. She motioned for them to follow her but told them to stay quiet. The three quickly made their way back up the stairs. They stopped when Alma walked by them yelling out for Mayra. They watched as she continued to walk before, they started to walk down hall until they were near Bruno's tower. They stopped when Pepa got close, still shouting Mayra's name. When she was a distance away Dolores turned and looked at Bruno's door. Julieta looked at Agustín for a moment before she looked at the door. She didn't understand why Mayra would go in Bruno's room. He wasn't there and they all knew that. She thanked her niece before she made her way to the door. She looked down at her hand when she felt Agustín grab it. She smiled at him before they opened the door. A wave of relief washed over the two when they saw Mayra sitting on the ground.
"Mija, what are you doing in here?" Agustín asked her.
"I didn't know where else to go. I'm too big for my old hiding spot, plus Mamá was in the kitchen. Everyone was in my room so I couldn't lock everyone out. No one would think to look for me in here. You probably asked Dolores... cheaters."
The two chuckled a bit as they sat next to her. "It isn't cheating if we are looking for you out of concern. I promise I won't use her when we play hide and seek. Now, tell me what happened is bothering you on your special day. I seemed to have missed something while I was in the kitchen."
"Am I a disappointment? I mean do you think Abuela is disappointed with me? We are the amazing Madrigals and... well I still don't know what my second gift is. She always reminds me of how important it is that I figure it out. I know it is important, but what if I don't what my second gift? What if I only want one?"
"Mayra, Corazón, ay Te amo and so does your Papá. You are no disappointment. You are amazing with or without your second gift. Casita gave you two gifts because it knew you would do something magical with them. You and Mirabel are very unique and that is what I love about you both. You're both special. If you're Abuela can't see how special the two of you are then you both can shine bright for your Papá and I. Now do not let this second gift thing bother you any longer. It will come when it comes. My Mamá will have to accept that you only have one gift like the rest of the family."
"Mamá, do you miss Tío Bruno? Do you miss him extra on special occasions like birthdays? Do you ever think back to that night?"
"I do. I miss Mi Hermano so much. Especially on birthdays, mainly our birthday. I think about that night all the time. If there was something I said that made him leave. Maybe if I would have listened to you right away, he would be here. I wish so badly that I could hug him again. That night I thought I lost everything. I couldn't find him or you. It was the worst night of my life. When we found you, I was hoping we would find him, but we haven't..."
"I miss him too. Can we talk about Tío Bruno when Abuela and the rest of the family aren't around? I don't want to stop talking about him because Abuela doesn't want to. He is still part of this family."
"Nothing would make me happier than talking to you about him. We can do it tonight. Remember it will be our secret. If your Abuela finds out she won't be happy. Now come, let's get you brushed off so you can enjoy that birthday dinner I made you and Mirabel... Oh shoo. I hope those rats didn't get after the dinner in the kitchen."
"Mamá, wait! Don't hurt them. They are friendly, I give them snacks. They remind me of Tío Bruno's little rats. I promise they won't hurt you, watch."
"No, I believe you. Please don't pick them up. You know that makes sense to why you are always breaking into my kitchen. Maybe your friendly rats could stay away for a bit."
Mayra picked up the rat and smiled at her parents to show her the rats weren't that bad. Julieta saw Mayra, then Bruno, then Mayra again. Mayra saw the look on her Mamá's face, so she put the rat on the ground. She walked over to her, gently placing her hands on her. She felt the fear, sadness, and anger. She saw the tears start to roll down her Mamá's cheek. She went to wipe her cheek, but Julieta had already wiped it.
"I asked you not to pick them up. They are dirty. They are gross. Just leave the rats alone already Bruno!"
Julieta covered her mouth as Agustín, and Mayra stared at her. Julieta wiped her faced before she brushed herself off one final time. She left Bruno's room, reminding the two dinner was ready. Agustín watched as his wife descended the stairs, hoping she would talk about it later. When everyone finally got to the dinner table, they slowly began to eat. Conversations soon started but Julieta and Mayra stayed quiet. The only time Julieta spoke is when some thanked her for dinner or told her it was delicious. Agustín stared at the two, a bit concerned. He looked at Pepa and gave her a look to signal her to make the two talk to eat other. Pepa gave both Julieta and Mayra a look and noticed they were acting a tad odd. She gave them a slight smile as she thought about how the second gift thing, Bruno's disappearance, and countless other things had to add stress on the two.
"Julieta, dinner is delicious as usual. Mayra, don't you think your Mamá did a wonderful job with your birthday dinner?"
Mayra looked up from her plate. "Yes, wonderful as always Mamá. Thank you for making my favorite."
Everyone looked at her wondering what was wrong. She would always jump at the chance to compliment Julieta's cooking. When they all looked at Agustín he shrugged as if he knew nothing. When it was time for dessert Mayra poked her piece with her fork. Julieta stopped eating and watched as Mayra didn't enjoy her dessert. She sighed before she stood walked over to her. She kissed the side of her head before she whispered in her ear.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to yell at you. Please enjoy your dessert. I worked so hard on it."
"I'm not really hungry anymore. I'm sorry, Mamá. I know how hard you worked on it but I'm tired."
Mayra got up from the table and went to her room. The room instantly turned dark blue. She began to get into her pajamas as everyone finished what they were doing. She laid in her bed, but she soon heard the door open. She soon felt a hand on her head, making her absorb the person's worried feeling. She looked back to see her Mamá with a small smile on her face.
"How about we finish the night by talking about your Tío Bruno?"
"Not tonight Mamá. I really don't feel up to it."
She felt the hurt feeling her Mamá was feeling. She soon felt the hand leave her head. She could tell that her Mamá was upset but she yelled at her. She called her by her Tío's name. Is that what she thought about her? She saw her as a reminder of her brother. The person that let her brother leave. The reason that he is no longer with the family. Maybe the family would be better off with her gone too. There was a small knock on the door before it opened. Mayra felt someone sit on her bed, but they didn't touch her.
"Sobrina, you are worrying me. Your Mamá came out of your room upset. What is wrong? You know you can tell your Tía Pepa anything, right?"
"She called me Tío Bruno." There was a small rumble of thunder. "Is that how she sees me? A constant reminder of how he is not here. Does she look at me and always think back to that night? How that was the last time she saw Tío Bruno?"
"No, Julieta was always very protective of Bruno when we were kids. We both were. It carried into adulthood. I remember one time your Mamá broke a rolling pin over a kid's head for picking on him. There was so much blood. I had such a big cloud because I thought your Abuela was going to find out because she refused to help him until the boy agreed to never pick on my brother again. She is so protective of you. You remind her of Bruno because the community talks and you're only a little girl. She just yelled at Señora Guzman the other day. She told her you are perfect the way you are and to leave you alone about the gift."
"Tía Pepa, can I be alone?"
"Of course, Sobrina. Please give your Mamá a break. She tries to understand what you are going through with your gifts, but she knows she never will. Just as we will never understand how Mirabel feels about not having a gift. Get some sleep."
Pepa left the room with her cloud soon disappearing. Mayra laid in bed for a few hours but stood and to get dressed. She began to pace as she thought about everything. She put her shoes on and opened her door. She slowly closed her door, touching it lightly. She walked towards her parent's room, touching the door. She smiled at the glow of the door. Goodbye Mamá and Papá. Please don't be mad. She turned, silently making her way down the stairs. After she closed the door, she tapped the door to casita and said goodbye. She started to walk through the community back towards the mountains. She turned her head and wondered who would notice her disappearance first. Back at casita as Mayra got further out of the community and into the mountains her door began to flicker. Everyone slept as the door continued to flicker. Mayra continued to push branches and plants aside so she could get away. She lost her footing, making her fall into a nearby tree. She held her face as it started to bleed but tried not to cry because she knew Dolores would be able to hear her if she did. At casita the glow to Mayra's door had all but disappeared. Mirabel had gotten up to get a glass of water but noticed that something was wrong with her sister's door. She touched the door, and it didn't feel warm like it always did. She could tell the glow was fading. Only one other door in casita was like that and it wasn't good. She ran and opened her parent's door.
"Mamá! Mayra's door. The glow, it's almost out."
Julieta's opened instantly and she saw Mirabel standing there. She quickly got out of bed and raced to Mayra's door, but when she got there the glow was gone already. She slowly walked up to the door, placing her hand against it. She felt how it was cool instead of its usual warm feeling. She opened the door to see the room didn't change colors when she entered. She knew if a feeling was too overwhelming for Mayra, her room would change colors without her absorbing their emotions. She fell to her knees with tears running down her face. She screamed so loud she woke everyone. They soon opened their doors to see her on the ground in Mayra's room. Pepa and Agustín stared at each other before they ran to her.
"She's gone... we lost her like we lost Bruno. The glow is gone from her door."
"Mi amor, I will make sure we bring her home. I will not let us lose her. We all lost Bruno and we will not lose her too."
"You promise?"
"I promise, and Pepa will make sure I keep that promise."
"Sí, we will bring her home. I will get the children and Félix so we can start the search. You stay here in case she comes back."
In the wall Bruno placed his head against the wall. Mayra left. He heard Julieta scream out for her. It was the worst thing he had ever heard. He never thought he would hear her scream like that. She was always so put together and calm. She was the best out of the three. The highest achieving with her gift. He always knew that she would have it all but now it seemed like she wouldn't. Her world was falling apart. He could deal with listening to her cry about him missing but not her daughter. Not su pequeña Sobrina. He had to give them a hint. One person knew everything.
"Dolores, tell them Mayra is nowhere in the house. She left casita. They have to start searching outside of casita. When they ask how you know tell them you don't hear her. If they ask if you hear here anywhere else just tell them, you know for a fact she isn't in casita unless you know where she is. She needs you. Your Tía Julieta needs you."
(Author's Note: So, yes Mayra ran away. As you can tell it did affect all the triplets with what she was going through. You can see hints of jealousy from Isabela and Mayra a like. Mayra wants to be perfect golden gifted child in Alma's eyes and Isa wants to be less perfect. As you can see having no gift and two gifts didn't change the relationship between Mirabel and Mayra. I hope you liked the chapter. Reviews are always appreciated. )
