It had been a few days since Mayra's eyes had glowed, but she avoided everyone. The community and even the family. The day it happened she refused to open the door for Julieta. No matter how much the woman asked her to open up the young girl just continued to shout for her to go away. Alma became frustrated that the people of the community needed the young girl, and she was in her room. She had told Julieta that they would be going to get Mayra before breakfast and have her come down. Alma knocked on the door but Mayra like the other days didn't open.
"Mayra, open the door. You need to come join the family for breakfast."
Mayra sat and listened to her Abuela, but she didn't want to join the family. She still needed time to process what happened. She wiped the tear from her eyes as she thought about the one person, she kept the most secrets with. She bit her lower lip for a moment as she looked at the door. She touched the door as she closed her eyes. Just ask for him. You need one of them. Ask for one of them. He has always kept your darkest secret. Your secrets about your Tío Bruno. She sighed before she opened her eyes.
"Where's Papá? I want Papá. Please ask him to come here."
Julieta stared at the door with tears in her eyes. She didn't understand why Mayra wanted Agustín but not her. She was her Mamá, she was supposed to want her too. She wiped the tears before she went to look for Agustín. When she found him, he was sitting with their children and her sister. She smiled a bit before she cleared her throat. It soon turned into a small cough making everyone turn to her.
"Mi amor, are you alright?"
"I'm fine. Mayra... she wants you, just you."
Agustín stared at his wife for a moment as he thought about why their daughter wanted to speak with only him. He stood and walked over to her, looping his arm with hers. He began to pull her with him to Mayra's room. He placed his hand in her hand as they climbed the stairs. He wondered if he could convince Mayra to open the door for both of them. When they reached the door Agustín knocked on the door and waited for a response.
"Mayrabug, it's me. Hey, can you open the door? Your Mamá said you wanted me, but I don't want to talk through a door."
There was a sound from the other side of the door, but the door soon opened. Mayra still looked at the ground, but she pulled her Papá in. He looked at her as she made her way to her bed. He noticed she wasn't looking up. He wondered if she didn't want to look at anyone because of what happened. He went and sat on the bed next to her, gently placing a hand on her shoulder. She stared at the ground, refusing to look at him. Her Papá sat there waiting for her decide if she was ready to talk. When she finally looked up at him, he saw the hurt in her eyes days after the incident. He wondered what the really hurt her the most. The vision or what actually happened. He smiled at her a bit which made her smile a bit.
"Papá, do you ever want to just stop what you're doing in the middle of the day and go look for Tío Bruno?"
"That's what you were really doing that night. You weren't really running away. You went to look for him. You were too scared to tell your Mamá because you feared what your Abuela would say. Ay, while your Mamá would love for us to look for him, she wouldn't want us to just run away in the middle of the night to look for him."
"What about our secrets? Is she going to be mad about those? We have lied to her for a long time. To the family for a long time about him."
"Your Mamá is a very understanding woman, but this is something I can't even answer. Your Abuela on the other hand, let's just hope she never finds out we kept these secrets. She was not happy the day after your Gifting Ceremony."
"He's still in the Encanto."
"Qué?"
"He's still in the Encanto. He has to be. I mean if we think about it, he couldn't have left. He has to be somewhere close, it is just a matter of where. It also has to be somewhere good if the family hasn't found him in five years. I had a few days to think about it while I was in recovery."
"Is this another secret you want to keep?"
Mayra stared at her Papá for a moment and knew he was willing to keep yet another secret with her, knowing it could anger her Mamá. "I don't want to keep it a secret, but he left for a reason and if they find him, they will want to know why. I want to tell Mamá but I feel she would tell Abuela or Tía Pepa."
He smiled and nodded as they both agreed that they would keep yet another secret from the family. He finally convinced her to step out of the room and join everyone for breakfast. When she opened the door, she saw her Mamá standing there with her Abuela and Mirabel. She hugged Mirabel and her Mamá. Julieta hugged Agustín as Mirabel told Mayra about something some kids did while she was in her room. Julieta never understood how Agustín was able to get her to open up so easily. He knows something. He knows and he hasn't told me. That's why she always wants him. She was brought back from her thoughts when Mayra grabbed her hand. She watched as Mayra looked around for a moment before she gestured for her to bend down to her. Agustín stared at the two before he shrugged. He didn't know what was so top-secret Mayra wanted to only tell his wife. Usually, he was her secret vault.
"Papá and I have a secret we have to tell you. It's about Tío Bruno. We need to talk alone."
Mayra watched as her Mamá's expression changed. She could sense multiple emotions at once. She needed her Mamá to calm down or she was going to get sick. She grabbed her wrist before she leaned against her. Mamá, calm down. I can't handle all these emotions at once. I'm sorry I keep hurting you but calm down. When Mayra let go and pulled away, she took a deep breath. She started to walk when she heard her Mamá call her name. She knew that she wanted to know what the secret was, but she knew that they should eat first. At the breakfast table the three sat there and tried to enjoy their breakfast. Mayra could sense anger and eagerness. Is Mamá angry? Did I make her angry by telling her I had a secret about Tío Bruno? She looked up when she heard her Abuela Alma clap a bit. She grabbed her Mamá's hand as her Abuela told the family what the expectations were for the day. Mayra nodded when she was told what was expected of her. She looked at Mirabel when her Abuela told her to find something to help around the community. She went to ask who she could help but Isabela laughed as she made some flowers grow in front of Mirabel. Mayra narrowed her eyes and waved her arm like Isabela usually did to mock her, but pink and gold glowing dust came out. They soon formed hearts, making Mayra stick her hands out. There was a tiny flash as the hearts disappeared. She giggled a bit as the dust poofed in her face. She heard Isabela sigh, making her look up. The younger sister rolled her eyes before she stuck her hands up to her face. She blew the glowing pink and gold dust in her older sister's face. Isabela stood, slamming her hands on the table before she threw flower petals in Mayra's face. Mayra stood, throwing gold and pink dust in Isabela's face again. Julieta covered her mouth to cover the smile that was forming. She shouldn't be laughing at the situation, but she couldn't help it. It reminded her of when she and Pepa got into a fight when they were younger. She used flour while Pepa used snow. Bruno did try to calm them down, but they made a mess before he had done so. Julieta turned her head when she heard a squeak from Pepa trying to keep a laugh in. She was happy she wasn't the only one. Julieta made a face when Isabela threw whole flowers in Mayra's face and Mayra started to throw bigger burst of dust.
"Is that the best you got?" Mayra shouted as she threw more heart shaped dust.
"You and Mirabel are such a pain. Why couldn't you just drown that day!" Isabela shouted as she threw flowers.
Mayra threw dust at the same time, but everyone watched as the pink and gold shaped heart turned blue and gray as the heart lost its shape. They watched the glow fade as the dust changed colors. Isabela covered her mouth as Mayra sat down. No one said anything as Mayra tried to make heart shaped dust, but it would instantly fade in her hand. Mayra turned to her Mamá with the dust in her hands. She smiled a bit when her Mamá pushed the hair out of her face and pulled a few flower petals out of it. You have to do this. You have to make it glow again. It has to be related to your gift. If that dust looks like it, does you can't help people fall in love. Ignore Isa, just try. Mayra looked at the giant handful of dust she collected and concentrated on it. She thought of everything she could to make it glow or make it become a heart. When nothing happened, she looked at Isa and threw it at her. Isa stood there, not saying a word. Mayra stood and made her way to get her things from her room.
"Mayra... Mamá, I didn't mean it. What if her second gift doesn't work anymore because of me? With what I said to her."
"Nieta, siblings fight and sometimes they say things they don't mean. She has always struggled with her gift, so you will not be the blame if she can't help anyone again."
"Yes, siblings do fight, but they don't tell them they wish they died. What Isabela did was wrong, and she should know better. I never told my brother or sisters anything like that. Our daughter is no different because she is a Madrigal. Isabela, I want you to apologize to your sister."
Isabela nodded at her Papá but knew he wanted her to give Mayra some space. She watched as he and her Mamá stood to follow Mayra. Mayra's room turned dark red the instant she entered. She couldn't believe Isa would say something like that to her. She grabbed something and threw it against the wall. She huffed as she went to pick it up but when she got closer, she heard a bump. She tapped on the wall and placed her ear against the wall. There was a small tap back. She pulled back, covering her mouth. She took her finger and tapped three times and waited. There was soon three small taps but before she could do anything else her door opened. She spun around to see her parents standing there with a confused look on their face. Don't tell them. Don't tell them. You know Mamá wants to know but don't say anything. She started to push them out of her room before she shut the door behind them. She tapped on the wall twice before she got four taps back. She went to her door, opening it to see her parents still standing there. I'm sorry Tío Bruno. It's for the best. She grabbed her Papá's arm and pulled him in. She quickly shut the door before her Mamá could walk in. She made a gesture to show him to stay silent. He gave her a confused look as she went to the wall and tapped on it three times. His expression changed to shock when there was three taps back. Mayra grabbed a piece of paper and pencil. After she wrote down what she wanted to she, held it up. He is hiding in Casita. The perfect hiding spot if you don't want to be found but want to stay close. The door slowly opened reveling Julieta on the other side. Mayra put the paper where her Mamá couldn't find it. Mayra and Agustín both received a look from Julieta as she entered the room.
"Agustín, what are the two of you hiding?"
"Nothing amor. Mayra asked me if I think her gift will fade."
"What did you tell her then?"
"I said I don't think so, because Casita wouldn't pick someone as special as her to get two gifts just to take them after she figures out how to use the second one."
"You're right Casita would never do such a thing. Now, Mayra how about that secret about your Tío Bruno."
"The night I ran away there was more to the story. I was going to look for him. I see how sad it makes you that he isn't around, so I was going to try and find him. I wanted to bring him home for you and Tía Pepa. Tía Pepa won't say it, but she misses him too. She misses him just as bad as you do. I can feel it. The only reason she won't say it is because she storms when she does and Abuela gets mad. He needs to come home. Someone needs to bring him home."
"You were willing to lose your gift, to lose everything for us? You were willing to risk everything for Mi Hermano? For me? For mi Hermana?"
"Por supuesto que sí. We are La Familia Madrigal no matter what."
Mayra watched as her Mamá stared at her with watery eyes. She gave her a small smile as she took a step towards her. Her Mamá ran towards her before she hugged her. There was a small knock on the door before it opened. Luisa and Mirabel stood there, waiting to see if Mayra was okay. When Mayra lifted her head out of her Mamá's apron she extended her arms to her sisters. Luisa and Mirabel ran towards her before Luisa picked the two younger girls up. Julieta and Agustín smiled as the three girls laughed. It was soon interrupted when there was another knock. When everyone turned their attention to the door, they saw Isabela standing there. The youngest of the four walked over before she stuck her hand up to show her sister her gift was still broken. When she when to form the hearts red and green dust came out. Mayra looked at the red and green glowing dust in her hands for a moment before she let it fall.
"Her other emotions control it not just her matchmaking gift. She could shoot a glowing dusty rainbow one day because of her emotions!"
Mirabel jumped up and down with excitement. Isabela tried not to laugh but she couldn't help it. Everyone looked at her as she continued to laugh. Of course, she finds it funny. She could stay perfect in Abuela's eyes if I have a gift that is controlled by my emotions. Abuela always gets mad at Tía Pepa so I guess she will be mad when I mess up because of mine. She watched as her eldest sister continued to laugh.
"You think this is funny?"
"Yea, sorta."
Mayra rolled her eyes before she turned her back to Isabela. She saw her Mamá and Papá staring at her. She shrugged before she went to collect her things to take to town. She grabbed her bag and a list of things she thought she would need to grab. Her Tía Pepa knocked on the door to let everyone know that her Abuela was becoming impatient with waiting for them. The group started to walk out but Mayra told them she had to grab a few more things. She assured them she would meet them downstairs in a few minutes. She didn't really need to grab anything, but she didn't want anyone to know what she was about to do. It was her secret, and she wasn't telling anyone other than her Papá. She shut the door and put her ear against to see if she heard anyone on the other side. When she thought the coast was clear she ran to the wall and tapped three time. When she didn't hear anything, she tapped again and finally got a response. She turned her back to the wall and started to pace as she thought how she should put this without hurting his feelings. It was no secret her Tío Bruno didn't like confrontation. She didn't want to upset him just tell him how she felt. She took a deep breath before she turned towards the wall.
"Tío Bruno, I know that is you. Rats are smart but they couldn't do what we did. I can't believe you have been living in Casita this whole time. You have until I go to bed tonight to explain yourself or I'm telling Mamá and Tía Pepa. Please, don't make me be the one to tell them. I want to know what is going on."
On the other side of the wall Bruno stared forward for a moment. When did his little Sobrina because so much like well her mother. Always looking out for him. Over the last five years he heard the conversations she has had with everyone, and she had only ever told one person in Casita about his vision and that he saw her the night of her birthday. He knew that she knew more about that vision than she was telling but considering she was five when she found the vision, he was impressed that she only told one person. He knew the worst that could happen was someone would see him, or she would get upset by what he said. He looked at the wall and decided that he would go see her tonight. He knew she deserved answers. The family deserved answers but if at least one person had them it would satisfy him. One of his rats popped out of his ruana, making him turn his head. He knew this rat had been hanging around his Sobrina because he has heard her mention how it always made her think of him. This is partially your fault. Hanging out with Mi sobrina pequeña. When Mayra didn't hear a tap in agreement or protest. She knows she will find out tonight what she will have to do. She has been the secret keeper for five years. She knew it was something that would hurt the family if they knew but she had already kept the secret. There was a soft knock on the door before Dolores poked her head in. Oh no. She heard everything. She knows. She's going to tell everyone. What do I do? Mamá and Abuela are going to be so mad. Dolores entered before she closed the door behind her. She slowly made her way to Mayra. She hugged her and whispered in her ear.
"Don't listen to Isa. We are happy you are okay. Oh, and your secrets are safe with me. I know he is here too."
Dolores pulled away and the two smiled at each other. Dolores looped her arm with Mayra's arm before the two left to go do their chores. Pepa smiled at Julieta when she saw that Dolores had gotten Mayra to smile after what happened at breakfast. The sisters watched as their daughters whispered back and forth between each other. Julieta stared at Mayra and wondered what she could be whispering about. One thing Julieta loved is that Mayra accepted everyone's gifts and tried to respect them more than anyone else did. When Pepa had storms she never got upset, she only tried to help Pepa calm down. She knew Dolores didn't like loud noises, so she tried to stay quiet. She never asked Camilo to use his gift to make her feel better. She rarely needed Isabela's gift and Luisa helped her if she thought she was struggling with something, but she never asked. Mayra didn't even ask her for help when she needed help. She had to make her eat. Julieta did remember there was a time that she did ask a Madrigal to use their gift for her. Bruno, she adored you. I wish you were here to see her. She loved you even with your gift. She is like me. We don't see it or you as a curse. Julieta smiled as Mayra as the young girl jumped towards Mirabel. The two girls laughed as they walked out of Casita. Mayra asked Mirabel if she wanted to help the community by helping her for the day. The young girl shrugged and figured it was better than walking around asking people if they needed help. Mayra knew that her first task was to collect things to throw in a bowl to mix, making the final step of her matchmaking work. Mayra checked her bag to make sure she had room for everything. She and Mirabel stopped at a store to grab a few jars before they started their work. The two started to walk in the direction that Agustín was doing his chores. The two stood there for a bit as he chopped the wood. Mirabel was about to ask what they were waiting for but they both sighed when their Papá hit a bee's nest. I swear Papá is so accident prone and he always manages to hit the bee's nests. Mayra shook her head as she thought about how her Papá and Mamá were definitely made for each other. The two girls waited until their Papá and the bees had left the area before they ran to the smashed beehive. Mayra held a jar under it, letting the honey drip into it. When she thought she had enough she pulled the jar away and put the lid on. She handed it to Mirabel who put it in her bag. Mayra looked at the area she started to flee her home. She didn't want to go there after what happened but there was something she needed that way. She took a deep breath as she continued to stare in the direction of her mistake. She looked down when she felt Mirabel grab her hand. She always found it odd when Mirabel grabbed her hand and she felt nothing. There were a few times she felt emotions, but she rarely felt happy emotions. In fact, she was starting to feel little happy emotions from people. Was her gift being molded to what her Abuela wanted it to be? Only sensing the sadness and negative in everyone's life. The girls made their way towards the mountain. They weren't going to the mountain itself they just needed the berries in the forest. They stood at the entrance, staring forward before they looked at each other. They knew they should take someone but they only needed a small thing so they should be in and out. They slowly made their way in the forest, hoping they wouldn't encounter any animals. They soon found the Tomate de árbols. They quickly made their way over to the berries, picking a few and shoving them in their bags. They looked up when they heard some bushes rustle. They took a few slow steps back, hoping they wouldn't alert whatever was near them. A family they had never seen before soon ran into them and everyone soon fell to the ground. Mayra sensed the fear from every family member. She soon saw one of the children with the family was badly injured.
"Mira. Go find Mamá. Tell her we found someone that needs help."
Mirabel nodded as she got up and ran to find Julieta. Mayra knew that these people weren't going to hurt her because the Encanto protects the community from danger. She helped everyone up but still sensed their fear. She noticed there was five children including the injured child. She wondered how they even found the Encanto. She instructed the family to quickly follow her. The soon found her Mamá running towards them with her basket of arepas. When she reached out the boy who was injured the father pulled him back.
"Señor, please let my Mamá help him. We are the Madrigals. We were given gifts to help people. She can help him by healing. I can sense your fear. You're safe in the Encanto."
A woman about her Mamá's age looked down at the boy who had to be no older than Mirabel and herself for a moment. The three Madrigals led the family to Casita. Casita opened its doors to let everyone in. Alma stared at her daughter and granddaughters as they led complete strangers into their home. Agustín soon rushed through the doors of Casita to check on Mirabel and Mayra. Alma pointed him in the direction that they ran. When he found them, Julieta was trying to feed a young boy an arepa. He saw Mayra holding a woman's hand as Julieta tried to help the boy. Agustín ran over to the group to see if he could help. He knew he couldn't help but to be there for support helped them. He sat between Julieta and Mayra as they did what they did best. He soon noticed that Mayra's hands were shaking a bit. He touched her arm, making her jump a bit. She refused to look up but still held onto the woman. Mayra soon pulled away and ran out of the room. Everyone looked up but Julieta knew at that moment there was nothing she could do. The oldest of the children stared at Julieta and Agustín for a bit before she got up and followed Mayra. When the girl found Mayra, she was about to enter her room. Mayra didn't understand what the family was so scared of. Who or what was chasing them? She turned around when there was a knock on her door. She soon saw one of the children pop their head in her room.
"Umm hi, can I come in?" Mayra nodded as the girl walked in. "Thanks, so you have a gift that can absorb other people's feelings. Sounds pretty rough to me."
"Why is your Mamá so scared? Who are you running from? Where are you from?"
"I'll tell you, but you can't tell anyone, promise?" Mayra nodded. "We are from Bogotá. My Mamá is scared because we have been hiding from very bad men. We even moved and changed our last name in hopes that they wouldn't find us. It didn't work, and they found us. Mateo got hurt in the process. Vicente and I carried Elena and Catalina while Papá carried Mateo. We eventually ran into you. These men have been chasing us since Catalina has been born. That was three years ago. Could you imagine that? Catalina never had our original last name. Elena is five and has been scolded for using the wrong last name. Mateo is ten and he is injured. Vicente he is only fourteen and he couldn't play sports at school. Me, I'm seventeen and I was constantly looking over my shoulder to make sure they weren't behind us to take my siblings."
"I don't know what that's like. We have the Encanto to protect us. Papá came in when he was about, I think he told me ten with his family. They are from Bogotá actually. Your family is the only other family to come to the Encanto. It keeps threats out. My Abuelo Pedro sacrificed himself and now we have this. I've never had to worry about feeling safe. I always knew I would be safe. You said you had had a different last name. What was your old one? What is the new one? You also didn't tell me your name."
"My name is Adella. Our last name was Ruíz, but now it's Sánchez. Sorry for dumping all my stress on you. I came to see if you were okay and I kind of vented instead."
"It's okay. Ummm you can stay a little bit longer if you want. I... I have somewhere to be."
Adella nodded at Mayra before the young Madrigal left her room. She started to walk across the balcony until she reached the pictures of her Abuela with everyone at their Gifting Ceremony. She reached out to touch her Tío Bruno's photo. She chuckled a bit as she noticed how awkward he was then too. She looked over her shoulder when she heard a noise but when she didn't see anything she turned back to the pictures. One thing she never understood is why her Abuela didn't take a picture with Mirabel the night of their Gifting Ceremony. Every grandchild was on the wall but Mirabel. She turned to look at the nursery door, but she soon saw her Abuela coming in her direction. Please don't stop and ask me questions about the Sánchez family. Please just this once keep walking. She soon heard her Abuela walk behind her, and she continued to walk. Mayra soon continued to walk across the balcony until she reached one of the portraits of her Abuelo Pedro, making her stop again. She smiled at his portrait before she started to walk again but she quickly stopped.
"Pssst. Mayra, over here. Psst Sobrina."
She turned around but didn't see anything. She narrowed her eyes at her Abuelo Pedro's portrait to see it move a bit. She soon saw a rat climb out from behind the wall and back behind it again. She slowly made her way back to the portrait to see what was going on. When she got to the portrait, she saw it push out a bit. She looked around before she pulled it open more. She covered her mouth as she saw her Tío Bruno standing there. He grabbed her arm and quickly pulled her in before he pulled the portrait back. She stared at him for a few minutes, trying to think of what to say to him. She knew he hated hugs, but she needed one. She started to cry into his ruana. It has been so stressful lately. Her Abuela expected her to master her second gift already. People asked to be matched, everyone always wanted her to take their negative emotions away. She was still recovering from running away. She even learned how her own sister felt about her when she got angry. She always thought people say what they really mean when they are angry. She also had the Sánchez family run into her. She soon felt her Tío Bruno wrap his arms around her. This isn't like him. Is he okay? Is it because of me? She looked up at him and he smiled at her. He guided her through the walls of Casita so that no one would catch them. She soon saw a few cracks in the walls, and she flashbacked to the night of her Gifting Ceremony.
His door had no glow to it. She went inside to check on him. She saw the occasional rat run but it didn't scare her. She knew he had his rats, so it wasn't anything new to see them. She slowly made it up the stairs to his vision cave. He was a little upset after her vision. He thought that he upset her because everyone always got upset. She was at the tunnel to the vision cave, and she shouted his name, but he still didn't answer. When she entered the cave, she looked around and yelled but all she found was a shattered vision. She started to grab the pieces and put it together, but instant regret hit her. She saw cracks in Casita and Mirabel. She knew she couldn't tell anyone. Her Abuela was already upset that Mirabel didn't get a gift, she didn't want to know what would happen if her Abuela found out Mirabel was in a vision like this. She instantly started to hide the pieces.
Mayra tripped over something as she continued to walk. Bruno turned around to make sure she was okay. She assured him she was okay before they continued. She wondered where they were going. They soon arrived at a door that he pushed open. He had a big open space inside of Caista. When Mayra entered the room one of the rats ran up to her. She looked down at the rat before she turned to her Tío Bruno.
"It's been you this whole time. The rats? You've had them visit me. Why? Why did you leave us? Was it the vision? Was it something we did? Was it something I did"
Bruno stared at Mayra for a moment. "Oh Sobrina, it is nothing you did. It is complicated. Your vision isn't the reason I left. I knew your Mamá would eventually forgive me."
"Not my vision Tío Bruno, Mirabel's vision. The shattered one in your vision cave. Is that what is so complicated? I want you to come home. We aren't even allowed to talk about you. I know you love us, but Abuela said if you really loved us, you wouldn't have left. She tells us you didn't care. That's not true... is it?"
"No, not at all. I love you, your Mamá, Tía Pepa, Hermanas, everyone. You said you saw the shattered vision. I left because I love Mirabel and I didn't know what would happen if the family knew. Your Abuela was already upset she didn't get a gift. She thought the Mircale was in danger..."
"Abuela asked you for the vision. You left so she wouldn't banish Mira from the family or even the Encanto. You left us to protect her. You're not going to come back, are you?"
"I'm sorry, I wish I could but if I did, they would ask why I left and your Abuela would ask about that vision. I heard the conversation that morning when she asked you about why I left. She asked about a vision. She never asked if you were okay. My Mamá has aways expected us to be perfect or tried to mold our gifts. She expected Pepa to keep calm all the time. I was never expected to give bad visions, but your mother could heal so she was perfect in Mamá's eyes. Thankfully that helped when I did something wrong. She was so protective. I love her for that.
"Mamá was a Señorita Perfecta? Makes sense to why Isa is. Tío Bruno, I miss you."
"I miss you too. Hey, could you try sneaking me some arepas and other foods? It is hard to sneak into the kitchen sometimes. You know with Dolores and all. I mean the house is also packed now that you brought that family."
"I'll bring you food. I'll even ask Mamá to make your favorite snacks once and awhile. Does your birthday get lonely? Mamá said she misses you a little extra on your birthday and other special occasions. She said it isn't the same celebrating them without you."
"Yes, very lonely. I hear you guys celebrate our birthday and all I can do is quietly say happy birthday each year to everyone. Mayra, do me a favor, on our birthday let them know I love them. Make them feel even more special than you usual do. I wish I could have stayed. I miss them, you, the whole family. One day I hope I can come back. One day when things are different."
"Tío Bruno, if you ever get lonely you can always stop by to visit me. My door is always open. No one in our family should feel lonely. You are loved Tío. You're missed, I promise. Nothing will change how we feel about you. I hope you don't mind I go in your room when I'm sad and miss you."
"Not at all but stay off the stairs. That room has been vacant for a long time. Who knows what could happen to them. Since you know where I am if you miss me, you can visit now. I need you to make sure no one catches you come back here though, especially your Abuela."
Mayra nodded before she hugged her Tío. He protected Mirabel. He loved their family. Her Abuela was wrong. Mayra hoped that one day he did come back. She knew for that to happen things would have to be different. She wondered if things would be different. Would her Abuela ever think she was good at what she did? Would Isa be perfect enough in her eyes? Would Luisa be strong enough? Would Mirabel ever be good enough? Would her Abuela ever accept that her own daughter can't help her storms sometimes? Would she eventually let them talk about Bruno? Mayra already knew the answer to those questions. Things would never change. They have been the same way since before Mayra was born. Perfection was expected of a Madrigal. She soon got to the hole in the wall, but she hesitated. She didn't want to leave him alone. He deserved to be around the rest of the family. She ran back to where he was before she pushed the door open. The two stared at each other for a moment.
"Tío, you should come home. I know you want to wait until things change but what if they never do? You'll live the rest of your life in the walls of Casita. You deserve to be with the family. I'll help you with Abuela. I help Mira. Tía Pepa creates storms because she misses you. Mamá, cries sometimes. She thinks I don't know, but I do."
"I'm sorry Sobrina but I can't."
"You can! You just don't want to! I'm scared of Abuea somedays too, but I stay, and I do what she tells me to do. I stay for your Hermanas, my Hermanas, my Papá. You can come back I ju-"
"Mayra, shhh. She will hear you."
"Who?"
Bruno gestured for her to look at something. She looked through a small opening in the wall. She saw her Mamá making food, most likely for the Sánchez family.
"This area made me feel close to her. I sit in here sometimes and think about how I would talk to her in the kitchen. You have no clue how much I wish I could go back to your Mamá and Tía Pepa. I just can't because I always promised my Hermanas, I would protect their children if I could. It is what family does. Please Mayra, help me protect the family."
Mayra didn't say anything. She simply stared and nodded at her Tío Bruno. She was the secret keeper. She always kept secrets to protect everyone. She felt her eyes start to sting as they started to water. She ran out of the room and started towards the opening the wall. She stood at the opening for a few minutes as she tried to collect herself. She peaked out and when she saw no one she jumped out before anyone noticed. She soon saw her Papá. She ran to him, wrapping her arms around him. She buried her face against him as she started to cry again. Agustín put his arms arounds her and gave her a concerned look.
"Mija, what is wrong?"
"It's not fair. His situation just isn't fair Papá. That vision he had that night wasn't because he wanted to have it or something that just happened. Abuela told him to do it. That's why Abuela asked me about a vision that morning. She wanted to know if he did it. She is worried about the Mircale. She blames Mirabel because she didn't get a gift. She thinks there is something wrong with the Mircale and she blames Mirabel."
"No, it is no one's fault if something is happening to the Miracle. Here let's go see Mira. She always makes you feel better. Mayra, I want you to know that you can always tell me your secrets and I will help you keep them. If you ever want to tell your Mamá, we can do that too. You take on so much for such a little girl. Sometimes I don't think you don't get to express your own emotions because of your gift. Know that you can always come to your Mamá and I, okay?"
"Sí Papa, I actually think there is something I want to tell Mamá."
Agustín smiled down at Mayra as he rubbed her back. He wondered how this would turn out. They hid the Bruno secret and everything with it from her for a long time. He knew his wife was a calm woman but even there were things that did upset her. When the two found her, she was about to enter her room to help the Sánchez family.
"Julieta could Mayra and I talk to you for a moment. It is very important."
Julieta looked down at Mayra to see she had an upset look on her face. She nodded before she followed the two to Mayra's room. Mayra knew her Mamá would be upset but she wanted to tell her. When she finally closed the door, she turned to face her parents. She could already see the concerned look on her Mamá's face.
"Mamá, I don't know how to tell you, so I'll just say it. I saw Tío Bruno the night of my birthday. Well night into morning. He told me not to say anything. I think he thought it would hurt more but, I want you to know he is okay."
"You saw Bruno? You saw him and didn't say anything, and you knew she saw him? That is why you have both been acting so funny? I can't believe you two would hide this from me. You both know how much I miss him."
"Lo siento I... I didn't know what to do."
"You told your Papá!"
"Julieta, I know you are upset but let's calm down a bit."
"No, do you know where he is now? Would you even tell me if you did? What else have you been hiding from me?"
"I'm... I" Mayra started to cry. "I wanted to tell you."
"Ay, Mija no. I'm the one who is sorry. You didn't do anything wrong. Thank you for letting me know my brother is safe. It makes me feel better knowing he is okay. Do you want to come help me take care of the family you brought back. It can be a bit of a distraction. Then maybe I will make your Tío Bruno's favorite meal, eh?"
"Dessert and everything? Can I help? Could we make extra?"
"We will make everything and of course you can help. Why do you want extras?"
"We could set a plate out for him. It's his favorite. He knows where his home is. Where a meal is. I want to set a plate out for him. We don't know where he is but I'm sure he gets hungry."
Julieta stared at Mayra for a moment before she handed the plate to Agustín. She walked over to Mayra before she hugged her. Please don't let Mamá change the way Mayra is. Please don't let her turn into the rest of the family. Julieta pulled back and placed her hands under Mayra's chin.
"Mayra, please never change your caring ways. Don't ever let anyone every change who you are, including your Abuela. You care about everyone too much to need to change. You care and it matters. You can make a difference. Do not let her put pressure on you to be perfect. Do you understand?"
"Si, Mamá."
Mayra knew at that moment that was another reason her Tío Bruno left. The family was expected to be perfect and with his gift it was a bit hard. Her Mamá told her she didn't have to be perfect. She thought about how her parents treated her and her sisters. They thought they were perfect no matter what. Mayra felt a hand on her cheek, making her look up. Both her Mamá and Papá kissed her before they went on their way. Mayra walked over to the wall and tapped a few times. She waited a few minutes and tried again. When she still didn't hear anything she sighed.
"I don't know if you heard but Mamá is making your favorite. I... I will make you a plate. Te amo Tío Bruno."
(Author's note: I think this is by far one of my favorite chapters so far. I love Agustín's relationship with Mayra. He knows that he she has to keep the secret to protect the family, so he helps her. You see a bit of why Mayra got her one gift. If you missed it, it was because she respected everyone's gifts and emotions even as a child. She helped them. We got some more Bruno. Yes, we saw some of how Julieta's reaction to knowing even one small secret. We got some new characters. I hope you liked the new chapter. Thanks for continuing to read.)
