Chapter 25: Generational Trauma

10 years before Encanto

"Abre los ojos."

Mirabel smiled at the sound of Abuela's voice.

"Open your eyes."

Alma held her granddaughter as she opened one eye, then the other. Her little face lit up at the sight of Candle glowing bright before them, magic surrounding in glowing orbs and shimmering along the butterfly carved on it's side.

"This is where our magic comes from?" Mirabel asked, glancing up at Alma.

"Mm-hm." Alma nodded, her eyes warm with love as they both turned back to Candle. "This candle holds the miracle given to our family."

Mirabel watched with bright eyes, then turned back to Alma. "How did we get a miracle?"

Alma chuckled softly, because enough time had passed now and enough grandchildren had asked this same question, that Alma had the story ready to tell in a way that felt safe, a gentler version of how it had happened.

She told Mirabel that Abuela Pedro had been lost, that Alma had picked up the magic candle and together with the people they'd found a new home. Alma put emphasis on the magic and the miracles, and glossed over the tragedy.

"A place of wonder." Alma told Mirabel, describing how the mountains had rose up from the ground.

"An Encanto." Mirabel said in a bright voice.

Alma smiled in agreement. "An Encanto."

She then described how Casita had come to life, and how she'd embraced the magic right away, Casita waving a shutter at them while Alma smiled and waved back. Butterflies fluttering around Alma as she walked inside for the first time.

Casita listened to Alma, it's windowsill shaking with laughter because it knew Alma was taking creative liberties with their story. Alma glanced up at the windowsill with a grin, then went back to Mirabel.

"When my children came of age," Alma continued, "The miracle blessed each with a magic gift to help us."

As Alma described it, she couldn't help but remember that day. She remembered standing in front of the door, young face and mind, her black hair still in braids.

Alma remembered her children's shining faces as Pepa made her first rainbow, turning back with a bright smile and checking if Mama was proud of her. Bruno so excited to tell everyone about the green man, and letting Mama know she had to give them a cuddle, because the green had showed him. Julieta being so brave and selfless when her gift didn't show, then later using it to save her sister's life.

Alma felt sentimental, yearning to cuddle her triplets close. To go back in time to when things were simpler, and shower them with all the love they had deserved. The love that Alma had learned much too late. She wasn't sure if they'd want to embrace her anymore.

Seeing Mirabel still watching, Alma smiled down at her.

"And when their children came of age-"

"They got magic too!" Mirabel told her.

"That's right." Alma laughed. "And together, our family's gifts have made our new home a paradise."

Mirabel leaned in closer to Candle and watched in wonder. Candle glowed back at Mirabel, shimmering bright with love.

"Tonight, this candle will give you your gift, mi vida." Alma told her proudly. "Strengthen our community, strengthen our home."

Alma watched Mirabel smile up at her, bright eyes filled with hope. Alma's expression softened because she looked so much like Julieta. Such a good girl, a perfect girl.

She gently adjusted Mirabel's glasses, stroking her face. "Make our family proud."

"Make my family proud." Mirabel agreed softly, then turned as fireworks began.

A little clock rattled along the floorboards, Casita bouncing it for Alma to see the time.

"Yes, yes Casita!" Alma chuckled, glancing at the ceiling. "We're going."

Mirabel hopped off her bed, Casita rolling over shoes for her to hop into. She giggled, pulling at Alma's arm until she stood, then cuddling up close as they walked to the door.

"What do you think my gift will be?" Mirabel asked.

Alma smiled, kneeling down so they were eye to eye.

"You are a wonder, Mirabel Madrigal." Alma told her. "Whatever gift awaits, will be just as special as you."

Later

"Got everything you need?" Sofia checked, fixing up Alma's black shawl.

"I believe so." Alma agreed, holding Candle as she gazed out at the crowd.

"Valentina was going to ask if she could stand with Agustin and Julieta-"

"Valentina can stay downstairs where she belongs." Alma frowned, ignoring Sofia's widening eyes and Casita who waved in protest. "This is my house. My rules. And besides, the woman is a snake."

"Ready for the ceremony, Alma?"

Alma turned to see Valentina and Manuel standing right behind her, arm around Agustin who was blushing in embarrassment. Casita slumped in exasperation.

"Yes, thank you." Alma smiled, her expression calm. She wouldn't dare let it show that she'd been caught off guard.

"Good luck today." Valentina turned to kiss Agustin's forehead, stroking a hand to his cheek as she added, "We will be watching proudly," She took her husband by the arm as they headed off, "From the snake pit."

Sofia held her breath to stop herself from laughing, while Alma remained composed.

"See you there." Agustin smiled awkwardly, heading off to join Julieta upstairs.

"Don't you say a word." Alma muttered to her friend.

Sofia shook her head, still holding back her laugh. "Wouldn't dare."

The town went silent as Mirabel climbed the stairs to her glowing door. Ever since Dolores' ceremony, it'd become tradition to remain silent until the gift revealed itself and Alma gave the okay.

Alma glanced at Julieta, who bit her lip, her hands clasped as Agustin held her shoulders.

"I'm proud of you." Alma told Julieta.

Her daughter's face lit up at her words. Julieta glanced at Alma in surprise, then broke into a smile. She quickly turned back to Mirabel, her face glowing.

Mirabel reached the top and Alma knelt down in front of her, letting Mirabel touch Candle, her eyes shining.

Alma smiled, watching as her grandaughter reached for the door, but when she touched the handle something wasn't right.

Candle trembled in Alma's hand, it's flame flickering and wax running, as if it were suddenly in distress.

Casita tremored too, the people murmuring in concern as the lights flickered and ground shook.

The door in front of Mirabel crumbled into glowing dust, drifting away and leaving behind a blank wall. Mirabel quickly turned back to Alma with a hurt and confused expression, and Alma just stared back, unsure what to do.

Candle flickered again, it's flame fizzling and going dim. It called for Casita, who also shook, unable to help. The doors along the balcony hummed and flickered, their glow fading in and out.

Alma glanced to the crowd to check her children were okay, and saw Pepa and Bruno huddled under a cloud, watching Mirabel with sad expressions. The cloud over Pepa's head flickered in and out, just like the doors.

Alma turned back to Mirabel, who was still staring with wide and watery eyes, but still Alma didn't know what to say so she just stared back.

Julieta and Agustin rushed over, embracing their daughter who made a whimpering sound, hugging her parents and starting to cry.

"I'm sorry Mama." Mirabel's little voice cracked because she was so upset.

"Shh, it's not your fault." Julieta held her daughter protectively, kissing the top of her head. Julieta rested her chin on Mirabel's head, dark frightened eyes watching the house shake around them.

A crack spread through the foyer below, under the feet of townsfolk, who screamed and clamoured. Alma gasped, holding onto the railing as she searched the frantic crowd for her family. She saw them standing by the crack, Isabela filling it with flowers while Luisa, Camilo and Felix attempted to push tiles back together.

Rain poured in short bursts as the clouds flickered. Dolores was comforting Pepa while she sobbed, Bruno pulling his hood up and hiding rats in his ruana.

"Pedro." Alma whispered, her heart pounding as she turned to the stars. "Please. Help us. Send a miracle. Send us anything."

Candle glowed feebly in her hands, and Alma held it close, protecting it's flickering flame.

Mirabel watched Casita, recognising that it was hurting, and just as scared as everyone else.

"Casita." Mirabel spoke in a soft and comforting voice, reaching a hand out for the shaking tiles. "It's okay. Everything will be okay."

Everyone was too distracted to notice little Mirabel stroke the wall and give Casita a reassuring smile, but as soon as she did, Casita suddenly stopped shaking. The doors glowed again, the lights coming back on and tiles repairing into what they once were as the strength of the house was restored.

The people looked around in surprise. Casita was fine again, as if nothing had just happened.

It suddenly became silent, and everybody in town turned, all eyes in the room falling on Alma.

Later

Alma sat in bed, Candle in one hand and a half empty bottle in the other. The stress made her head burn and stomach drop, so once the guests had left Alma was desperate to drown herself away into numb apathy. That's what she was aiming for, at least, but truth be told the drink may just be making Alma care more.

She gently stroked the wax that dripped down the side of Candle and over it's glowing butterfly. It wasn't trembling anymore, but Alma noticed it had a dimmer glow than usual.

"What happened?" Alma whispered, leaning in closer. The flame reflected against her eyes, silver hair long and loose around her face. "Are you sick?"

Candle flickered, and Alma watched carefully. Casita watched too, tiles waving in concern.

Another drip of wax fell and Alma gently wiped it, feeling heartbroken because it felt as if it were dying.

Not Candle. It wasn't fair. Candle couldn't die. Candle was the first friend she had trusted, her safe place, her comfort. Why did everything Alma love have to die? It was as if she were cursed.

Alma closed her eyes, forehead resting against Candle as her tears began to fall along with the wax.

Fear set in as Alma slowly realised what this would mean for her family. If Candle died, so did the magic, the Encanto, and evidently, Casita.

Alma shuddered at the thought of losing their home again. Of their beloved, funny, bossy home crumbling to dust. Of the mountains crashing down to reveal the horse riders, running in with their flames and swords. Her sweet babies, no magic to protect them, their hearts too soft to fight back. Her beloved family getting hurt, with nothing to heal them.

She took another drink, then a breath, her expression hard now. They would not lose their home again. Alma would do anything to keep the magic safe.

"Mama." Julieta's voice spoke from behind her.

She turned to see her daughter and granddaughter sitting on Isabela's vine swing together as it brought them up to Alma's room, and they hopped off.

Alma quickly hid the bottle behind the bed, mortified to be caught so messy. Julieta had seen her broken down like this many times and worse, but it was humiliating for sweet Isabela to see. Alma had done well to hide that part of herself from the grandchildren.

"It's okay, Abuela." Isabela reassured her, waving a hand and filling the room with flowers.

"The town is here." Julieta spoke in a solemn tone. "They're calling for an emergency meeting."

Alma took a breath, because of course she should've known this was coming.

"They want to hear your solution, Mama." Julieta warned Alma, hand holding tight to Isabela's, who had their fingers interlocked. "Do you... Have one?"

Alma's stomach felt so tight that it hurt. The pressure felt greater than anything she'd ever felt before. But instead of breaking under it, Alma straightened up and faced it.

"Of course I do."

Later

"What does it say?" Isabela whispered to Dolores, hands shaking a little as she held the meeting notes for her cousin.

It was something they'd learned to do before every town meeting, Dolores would read the notes for Isabela and she'd memorise them in advance, then pretend to read out the blurry page for Abuela.

"I think you should just wear your glasses." Dolores whispered, hearing her cousin's racing heart and panicked breath. "It's too much pressure."

Isabela shot Dolores a fierce look, flowers appearing in her hair as her heart beat faster. Only a handful of people knew Isabela's eyes were blurry like her papa and sister, and she was determined to keep it that way.

"I can't!" Isabela exclaimed, cheeks burning hot now and petals flying from her moving hands. "I need to be perfect! If there's ever a day for me to be perfect, this is it. Abuela needs me now. More than ever. I-" She stopped to catch her breath, gasping quickly as petals fluttered down around them.

Dolores embraced her cousin, squeezing tight like she'd learned to do when comforting Mama. Dolores gently shushed Isabela, stroking her sleek hair.

"We have called an emergency town meeting..." Dolores read in a quiet voice, head against Isabela's as she held her prima close.

"We have called an emergency town meeting." Isabela repeated breathlessly, eyes closed in stress as flowers continued to grow.

"Deep breaths." Dolores gently rubbed her back.

"Just read."

"To address the events of Mirabel's Gift Ceremony, and what they mean for the Encanto..."

"To address the events of Mirabel's Gift Ceremony," Isabela took a sharp breath. "And what they mean for the Encanto."

Alma stood before the crowd, Isabela and Dolores on either side. They sat at the head of the table, and the town sat down after them.

Julieta, Pepa and Bruno took a seat to the side. They didn't usually attend these meetings, but the nature of this one had everyone but the children present.

"Thank you for joining at such late notice." Alma spoke in a calm voice, then nodded to Isabela, who stood back up with a smile.

"We have called an emergency meeting to address the events of Mirabel's Gift Ceremony, and what they mean for the Encanto." Isabela read in a calm voice, glancing momentarily at the paper, then back to the crowd with a smile. "Please, be assured that we have everything under control."

"Did you write this?" Pepa whispered, leaning into Bruno. He shook his head.

"The magic is strong." Isabela continued in a confident voice. "Our family is strong. We will protect you as we move forward in these trying times, and provide solutions for you, to keep our miracle burning."

She took a breath, and only Dolores was able to hear the slight waver.

"We are the Madrigals." Isabela announced with a smile. "And as long as we continue to serve, the Encanto will remain a safe haven for all, for many generations to come."

Isabela tossed flowers with her final words and the crowd erupted into applause, feeling safe and comforted by Isabela.

"Thank you." The people called out. "Our angel."

"It's nothing." Isabela smiled, flicking her hair as she sat back down, the crowd still clapping.

Isabela caught Dolores eye from across the table, and her cousin gave her a subtle smile, hands still over her ears. Isabela exhaled softly in relief.

"Thank you." Alma held out her hands, encouraging the crowd to quieten. "As Isabela so kindly told you, we are here to provide a solution."

"Do you think she really knows what she's doing?" Someone whispered up the back.

"Let's hope so." The other whispered back. "If the magic goes, we're all dead."

Dolores' eyes darted through the crowd, hand moving quick as she wrote out a transcript of the meeting, noting down everything that was said, side comments included.

The villagers caught her eye and Dolores tilted her head ever so slightly in warning. They glanced at eachother, then went quiet.

"We are going to find an answer to why Mirabel did not get a gift." Alma told them. "And to do so, we are going to use magic that we have not used in a very long time. Our most powerful gift. To look into the future, and find a way to save the magic. To save our Encanto."

Alma then turned to Bruno. His sisters felt him recoil back into his chair, his eyes wide.

"Brunito." Alma's voice was gentle now. "Our community needs you. I need you." She gave him a smile of encouragement. "It is time to bring back the green man."

Bruno gulped, fingers fidgeting with his ruana. Everything in his body screamed no.

Julieta took Bruno's hand from under the table, turning to Mama with a protective frown. Pepa looked into Bruno's face with worried eyes. She gently pulled Bruno's hood up over his head, wanting to help her brother to feel brave.

Hernando cleared his voice and nodded in agreement.

Bruno's gaze dropped back down to the table as the town began to murmur anxiously.

They didn't trust Bruno. They didn't trust the prophecies. His visions had been forbidden for a reason.

Later

Wind blew over the Encanto as Bruno and Alma stood together at her windowsill, Candle between them.

"You didn't even ask me first." Bruno's voice was quiet as he watched Mama, face illuminated by candlelight.

Alma felt a twinge of guilt but she pushed it down, the urgency of the situation giving her a hard demeanour.

"I could not find you." Alma told him. "I can never find you these days, Brunito. Always hiding."

Bruno stared back sadly, wondering if Mama had even looked. Deep down he knew she had done it the way she did so Bruno had no choice but to say yes.

"If I see something bad," Bruno told her, "If this thing gets worse, then it's all gonna fall on me. I'm gonna become the villain. The bad guy, the one who kills the magic, who ends the Encanto."

"Brunito." Alma sighed. "If there is one thing I have learned in my life, it's that there is always a bad guy. And sometimes it is you, even if you do not want it to be or not. So you can either run from that fact, or embrace it."

Bruno looked back at her sadly.

"No one chooses to be the villain of their own story." Alma told him. "Believe me. But this situation is upon us, whether we want it to be or not." She turned to the candle, and so did Bruno. "Candle is dying. We must do something. And right now, you are the only one who can help us."

"Or doom us." Bruno muttered.

"Bruno." Alma pleaded, the weak candlelight reflecting in her desperate eyes. "We cannot lose our home again. If those mountains come down, everybody we know will die. Everything we know will be destroyed." She took a shaky breath. "Please. Do this. For me. For your sisters. For the Encanto."

Bruno sighed and closed his eyes, turning away because he knew he had no choice.

Nobody said no to Mama.