Who Was She

by HotTopicLuver

Mirabel found a way to save the magic, but it came at a cost. And yet, maybe this sacrifice was a way for her to achieve happiness. Her memory, a life that came before, has been erased and a new chapter is being rewritten with Mariposa as its lead. However, the Madrigals never gave up their search for the lost child, but is it too late? Will Mariposa remember Mirabel?

5. Strengthen Our Home

Who Was She Chapter 5

I do not own Encanto or any of its characters

No one ever truly realized just how widespread the Encanto was, how crowded it proved to be with its vast vegetation and landscape. Normally, such features were defined as objects of beauty, portraits within nature itself. Nevertheless, despite such intricate details and eye captivating enhancement, no one ever dared to venture into the outer limits. Mainly because there was no reason to do so, everyone was content with being the observers from afar rather than up close. Which is what made the current trek all the more difficult. Every single corner seemed to possess such some kind of obstacle, things that were once alluring were now annoyances. How ironic it was that their home's defenses and marvels were now working against them, preventing them from locating what was lost. That was yet another thing no one was used to. Whenever anyone needed something, it was always attainable where they were. Be it nourishment or shelter or entertainment, there was always an easy solution. They had everything they could possibly want right within their grasp.

But this wasn't the case for a particular family anymore… then again, perhaps it had been that way for a while now and it took this event for them to finally realize that. For a family that supposedly had it all, there seemed to be a multitude of things missing from it. Important pieces that they took for granted, or never truly understood their value and worth. It was true, you never know what you have until it was gone.

Why didn't she learn that the very first time it happened? Why didn't she take that lesson to heart?

Pepa Madrigal cradled her braid close to her person as her fingers swept through the auburn strands. All the while, her legs were pushed to be limit as she trudged through the rough surroundings of her home. She paid no attention to the debris gathering on her body as she continued to make the journey to find what was lost. Her green eyes combed the area repeatedly as she yelled for her second missing relative.

"Mirabel!"

Her voice was desperate, pleading, and crushed. She prayed, prayed some kind of miracle, for a sign that her youngest niece was within reach. But once again, there was no answer, and it made yet another fracture take shape within her heart. Even now the cracks were still affecting her, breaking her very spirit even more than they had already done so. Such internal wounds were only solidified when the action was repeated by the two bodies following her.

"Mirabel!"

Her eldest son exclaimed, his voice filled with uncertainty as he removed the brush from his path.

"Mirabel!"

Her youngest child shouted, his tone still recovering from all the sobbing he did earlier.

Once again, she held some hope that they would be the ones to get a response of some kind. Her eyes scanned the current location they were in, she did her best to isolate any sound or sight that resembled Mirabel. However, her wishes were quickly dashed when nothing was found… for the umpteenth time. She let out a small, frustrated sigh as she combed through her strands once more. Normally, such a gesture was able to soothe her stresses, albeit with some vexation, but now the only thing it accomplished was helping her go bald. Not that she cared about such trivial matters at the moment.

"Vamos mijos, we need to keep moving."

The two boys didn't try to argue with her as they followed her lead, simply nodding their heads in response to her command. Although Pepa could see the sorrow displayed on her faces, they were just as dejected as her with their failure to find their precious prima. Her poor boys had been through so much in the span of a day. They had lost their home, they were forced to watch as everything they had ever known come crashing down. They were rendered vulnerable as the magic they possessed disappeared with the candle's flame. But probably the one loss that stung the most was not their miracle or shelter… but rather an individual.

Their Mirabel, she was gone before she could also bear witness to the events that left them completely broken. In a way, Pepa was grateful for that, because the child had already suffered enough as it is. And she knew that if anyone treasured Casita with all of their heart, it would have been her. Over the years she had noticed the special bond she had formed with their home. Casita tended to all of their needs, but they paid particular attention to Mirabel. They responded to her wishes without a single hesitation, and sometimes without her request. She hadn't known anyone to possess such a talent since her own mother. She could only imagine how Mirabel would have reacted if she had been there with them.

Especially considering what had transpired before then.

Her eyes narrowed as the horrible memory reared its ugly head. But she managed to shake the painful thought away long enough to focus her attention on the trail. She motioned for her sons to follow her as she carefully paved the way for them to safely cross the obstacles. They continued their journey through the brush of the Encanto, all the while, they persistently called out to Mirabel. It wasn't long before the two boys ended up walking in front of her, with Antonio seemingly taking the lead. The poor five year old seemed to have an unusual pep in his step, something that had born from anguish rather than joy, as he rushed through the growth. However, he knew better than to go too far, Pepa had strictly told the boys to stay within her sight… she didn't want to lose anyone else. She didn't think her heart could take another break at this point.

At that thought, the middle Madrigal triplet felt the beating organ within her chest waver. She finally let go of her braid and placed a hand over her eyes, her expression was downcast as she contemplated the events that had unfolded. For once, she was grateful that she didn't have her gift, because right now she didn't want her sons to see her in such a state. She could only imagine what would be flying over her head at the moment, or how it would have made their mission all the more difficult. Pepa had always done her best to keep it all in, even if it meant sacrificing some of her sanity. But now, there was no point in doing any of that. The weather was no longer reliant on her moods, it wouldn't be swayed no matter how she felt. And so, she felt herself becoming conflicted without the need to worry about how it would affect those around her. But nevertheless, old habits die hard because she still found it difficult to just let it all go.

Words couldn't describe what she was feeling at the moment, all she knew was that it hurt. It hurt her so much, more than anything in this world.

The Madrigals were not use to loss, which was ironic seeing as how everything they had gained was through a loss. It was her Papá of all people, through his selfless sacrifice, he ensured their family's safety and future. And for that she was more than grateful, his actions crafted a foundation for her family and community for generations to come. However, that didn't mean that life was automatically ideal or perfect, no matter how hard she tried to convince herself otherwise. Growing up, she thought that all she needed in order to be happy was her familia. Life had been a paradise when it was just her Mamá and hermanos, back when they didn't need to worry about anything. Long before they had been tasked with carrying on their miracle.

But when she reached the age of five, suddenly everything changed. Some for the better, and others, for the worse. She had been given the ability to manipulate the weather, and it was all reliant on her emotions. Her Mamá claimed that such an ability would help strengthen their home. It was something that would make the Encanto more of a paradise than it already was. Alma had declared that her children were blessed with good fortune because they could make their world a better place. They would make their father and family proud by serving their community.

And she believed it… at first.

What she failed to realize in that moment was that her gift wasn't as simple as some made it out to be. Because when you're a child, you don't know the meaning of the words "control" and "limit." You're not supposed to be confined to stability, you're supposed to explore and expand who you were. You're still learning about everything and everyone, including yourself. But suddenly, who she was became defined by what she could do for others. People no longer saw her as Pepa, rather they saw her as the emotional one, an individual who could either brighten up your day by raising the sun or put a damper on everything by causing a hurricane to unleash its fury. To say that people became cautious of her was an understatement. No one had treated her horribly, but she couldn't say that they trusted her either. As a result, she had to be restricted… she had to be kept in line… she needed to have boundaries.

Pepa, you have a cloud.

Oh how she had come to loath those words, just the very thought of them was enough to ignite her anger rather than ease it. She wasn't a possession! She wasn't some kind of pet! She wasn't a horrible person just because she needed to let it out once and a while! That statement was nothing more than a constant reminder of how she was failing to meet expectations. That her efforts to keep it all in were in vain, and that she wasn't trying hard enough. She was! She was doing her best! She wasn't doing anything bad on purpose!

The only ones who didn't seem to be fazed by her abilities were none other than her siblings. To them, she was still Pepa. She was still their sister, they never saw her as a nuisance or someone who had to be kept on a tight leash. Unlike the town, the elder triplet wasn't afraid to get near her sister whenever she was experiencing one of her harsher moods, and it was never without some sort of piece offering in the form of one of her favorite dishes and snacks. Needless to say that the thundering would shift into a light drizzle until the cloud became painted with white once again. Tears and frustration disappeared into a bright rainbow. Julieta would just smile at her, pat her head or back, and praise her for trying her best. And in the end, such a sentiment meant more to her than anything in the world. Because that's all she ever wanted, for someone to acknowledge that she was doing her best.

And then there was him. Her little brother, her Brunito.

Just the very name alone was enough to give life to a swirl of raging emotions. She was more than thankful to not have her gift at the moment, because now she could safely think about Bruno without having to worry about the cloudy repercussions. Even now he still managed to find ways to flood her brain. And yet despite that fact, for once in a very long time, she could honestly say that her mind was as clear as day when it came to her missing sibling. Flooded yet clear, only her brother could make her feel a paradox of emotions. Bruno's approach to her was vastly different compared to Julieta's. While he expressed that he knew she doing her best concerning the stability of their home, his advice varied greatly from everyone else's. With a small voice, and fiddling thumbs, he actually encouraged her to be more open with herself. This was more than shocking to say the least, he of all people should have known how that could end. However, it's what he said next that had her questioning some aspects of her gift. He asked her why specific emotions had to be associated with certain weather conditions, why couldn't it be the opposite at times. Why did it have to rain when she was upset, why did it have to be bright sunshine when she was happy, why did it have to be cloudy was she was anxious, and why did there have to be a rainbow when she was excited? Why couldn't it be the other way around?

She had never thought about that before. Why were certain feelings tied to specific conditions? Who decided that? She could only guess that it must have been the candle, but at the end of the day, she was the one honing its abilities. Bruno wondered if there was more to their gifts that they originally thought, hidden aspects that could be sharpened and unleashed. Leave it to her little brother to make her question everything she had ever known. He had been the first to question the status quo. Maybe such a trait should have foreshadowed his eventual status in their familia.

If there was anything Pepa had come to learn about herself thanks to her siblings' support, it's that she treasured the people who appreciated her. The individuals who were able to look past her gift and see her for herself, those were the people who remembered that she was a person. However, such a group was rare to come by. The Encanto's civilians did value her, but she never saw anyone in that regard. Sometimes she wondered if it was possible for anyone to tolerate her outside of her bloodline. And for a long while, she didn't think that it was attainable. She was sure her mother, the ever so dutiful matriarch that she was, felt the same way. It was easy for Julieta to find a possible match, who didn't love and worship the ground she walked on? As for Bruno, well, Alma never seemed to be too concerned about his relationships outside Casita. If anything, it almost looked like Alma gave Bruno more freedom compared to the two elder sisters.

That only left her, the emotional one who seemed to be nothing more than a bundle of nerves and sensitivity. That was only cemented as she got older, since she went through the various milestones of growing up. Each step presented a different challenge, events that she had to find ways to handle without completely lashing out. Such was the case for Julieta and Bruno as well, because Pepa began to notice how strayed their paths started to become. They had been practically joined at the hip when they were younger, even after the acquirement of their gifts. True, their abilities would sometimes clash with one another. She couldn't count the times she had accidently struck one of them with lightening or blew them away with a strong gust of wind, or the moments were Julieta would experiment with edible or inedible food combinations with them acting as her guinea pigs, or the days where Bruno would craft his predications that either worked for them or against them. But at the end of the day, they still had each other. They were the only ones who could properly understand their dilemmas and privileges, for they were the first generation to be blessed through their father's sacrifice.

However, Pepa couldn't help but wonder if said blessings were the reason why they had started to put some distance between one another. Some more so than the others. Julieta had been labeled as the golden child, the one who could do no wrong, the one who corrected the wrongs. She had always been called away as soon as the sun rose. Out of all three of them, she was the one who was needed the most. As for her, duty always called for her to be within the fields of their community, to give life to the crops and livestock. She had to manipulate her emotions to the perfect degree, without losing too much control of the situation. The longer she possessed her gift, the more she came to learn of her triggers and glimmers. And if not there, she was called upon for special occasions, to ensure the sun's presence, maybe add a speck of rainbow to promote the lively atmosphere. But most importantly, to remove any sign of blemish from the sky. And then there was Bruno… poor Bruno.

We don't talk about Bruno.

That was the talk of their town with each vision he presented. As a result, it was easy for Bruno to fade away from the spotlight compared to his siblings. He soon retreated back to Casita, kept to himself as much as he could, much to Alma's displeasure. However, their mother didn't seem to put up too much of a fight in the end when it came to Bruno's isolation. Rather, she only encouraged Julieta and Pepa to compensate for his absence, adding to their daily workload and stresses. And that was a fact Pepa found herself envying and hating at times. Something she knew she could never admit aloud, and perhaps that was the beginning of their strained relationship. It had been born out of jealously and a desire to be in the other's place. However, despite that inner conflict, Pepa knew that the show had to go on. She had to strengthen her community the only way she could.

By the time she reached early adulthood, she thought that there wasn't anything she couldn't deal with. When it came to her gift, Pepa realized that there were several ways she could prevent her emotions from getting out of hand. The most obvious one was her cradling her braid close to her person and brushing the strands, all the while whispering her mantra. However, there were other ways as well. For instance, dancing. Pepa had learned that whenever she added a pep to her step, that her worries became lost in the clouds she created. Plus, it added a sense of beauty to her gift, even when it involved the bad types of weather. The people seemed to be less cautious of her whenever she moved to an invisible rhythm, it reflected a side of her she had trouble expressing through words. Her powerful yet enticing movements proved to everyone that she was more than capable of doing two things at the same time: providing her aid through her gift and demonstrating how perfect the Madrigals were. For their talents were more than just their gift… it was also their charm, whit, and craft that made them so special.

And the arrival of Félix Castillo only seemed to accent such a point.

Despite the circumstances, she couldn't help but smile, even blush a little, when she thought of her husband. She would never forget the day when she laid eyes on the embodiment of sunshine itself. She thought only she was capable of such a task, but apparently, someone else was as well. And that's why she had been so drawn to him as he paraded around the Encanto, singing his songs of merriment and dancing wildly to the sound of no music, just to the rhythm of his hands clapping against his legs. Pepa had never seen someone so well-put together before, he didn't seem to have a care in the world as he carried on with his chores. At first, Pepa was jealous, because in her mind, Félix Castillo was everything she had hoped to be. Perfect, and yet that didn't seem to matter to him. After all this time, someone else other than her brother managed to make her feel a paradox of emotions. However, that wasn't enough for Pepa to engage with him, because she feared that he would be no different than any other civilian. She was afraid that her approach would only scare him away. And the last thing she wanted was to bring some kind of dishonor to the Madrigal name.

However, she should have known that such a task wouldn't have been so easy. Because, she couldn't stay inside Casita forever, sooner or later, duty called for her to serve her people. And unlike with Bruno, Alma had always been quick to shoo Julieta and Pepa away to their responsibilities. With that in mind, running into Félix was all but inevitable. His sunshine greeted her thundering cloud, literally. They had accidently ran into each other as she was busy tending to the crops of their land, causing her light drizzle to morph into a dark stormy mass. That is until she caught sight of the individual who had interfered with her chores, and suddenly the thunder had transformed into a bright rainbow mess with a small trickle. Sometimes she really hated her gift, because try as she might, nothing could ever remain a secret. Her emotions were literally written above her head.

But much to her surprise, instead of scolding her or finding an excuse to leave, instead, Félix laughed. He had laughed! It was by far the purest thing she had ever heard. He didn't even care that his person had been drenched because of her actions. He just slapped his knee and said that he felt honored to be included in her efforts to keep their Encanto functioning. Then he brushed off the excess water before helping her to her feet, he had officially introduced himself to her. And that's when he crafted a shower of his own, gratitude and admiration for her labors dripped from his lips endlessly. He even joked that he was a fan of her work, both of the sunny and cloudy variety. Félix Fernando went as far as to say that her dancing alone brought him such endless joy, even without the use of her ability. For he couldn't help but get lost in her movements. Pepa Madrigal was by far the most talented person he had ever laid eyes on, something that he envied and admired with his whole being.

His words, they made her heart skip a beat as she struggled to find the right thing to say back. Nobody had ever complimented her in such a manner before, not even her own mother. She had been stunned into silence, but that didn't seem to matter seeing as how the rainbow above her head only got bigger and brighter with each word he spoke. Soon white puffy clouds joined the fray and the sun's rays accented such beauty. All in all, whatever Pepa Madrigal didn't say, her gift managed to speak louder than words. And Félix Fernando didn't seem to be bothered by it at all. He only smiled and spoke such gentle yet endearing terms to her. For once in a very long time, Pepa found someone who appreciated her efforts and her in general.

That was the start of something new, something truly magical. Because one moment soon turned into many, and Pepa found herself being accompanied by him whenever she ventured out into the Encanto. Alma had been against such a choice at first, but it wasn't long before she realized the affect Felix had on Pepa. The Madrigal matriarch noticed that whenever he was around, Pepa seemed to have better control over her emotions. Nobody had to worry about unforeseen weather conditions anymore, like a flood or hurricane. And so, albeit reluctantly in the beginning, Alma had given permission for Pepa to interact with this man. Such approval made the middle Madrigal triplet feel like she had done something right for a change. Pepa had always made sure that her chores were completed as soon as possible just so she could spend her extra time with Félix. They would just sit together and talk about anything and anyone. During those moments, things like serving the Encanto, living up to her mother's expectations, and being perfect didn't matter anymore. She was at peace… and it was all because of Félix Fernando. Ironically, she seemed to have followed her brother's advice in a very different manner, because she was finally able to let it all go without it applying to her gift. Being with Félix made Pepa feel like her home truly was a paradise.

Félix had a way with actions and words, she quickly realized. Unlike her, he always seemed to know what to do and what to say regardless of the situation. For someone who wasn't born a Madrigal, he seemed to possess magic of his own, and it was capable of luring just about anyone in. Including her own mother. Julieta and Bruno had been more than thrilled with her choice of a suitor, something Pepa knew she didn't have to worry about. Rather, it was Alma's reaction that concerned her the most. During the early stages of her relationship with Felix, her sister had started a courtship with none other than the accident prone Agustín Rojas. Alma was less than pleased to discover Julieta's choice, something Pepa could understand to a degree. After all, her sister was the golden child of their trio, so connecting her with someone like Agustín could be seen as less than ideal. However, her doubts were quickly erased when she saw how he treated the elder Madrigal triplet. For all his faults, Pepa couldn't deny that he made Julieta happy… and that was enough for her.

However, much to her surprise and relief, Alma had given them her blessings with relative ease compared to Julieta and Agustín. She was more than proud of Pepa's choice, and expressed her gratitude for Félix choosing her daughter as a potential bride. For once, Pepa had been the favored child, and she couldn't help but bask in such a change. Overall, life seemed to finally make sense for the emotional Madrigal triplet.

Until her wedding day.

Everything had been going right for a change, only for it to come crashing down. And to make it all worse, Pepa knew why it happened in the first place… it's because she wasn't trying hard enough anymore. By letting it all go, she wasn't in control. She hadn't learned how to handle things properly before meeting her future husband, but she thought that she was finally making strides in the right direction with Félix by her side. And yet, it still wasn't enough. The whole day had been ruined all because of a single comment, from Bruno of all people. The very same Bruno who had actively supported her through thick and thin, who gave her strange yet well-meaning guidance, and who gave her his approval when it came to the love of her life, had flooded her brain. And in that moment, she did the only thing she had been used to doing whenever provoked. She lashed out.

She managed to convince herself into thinking that everything had been Bruno's fault. Somehow everything that annoyed her or presented some sort of interference in her path could be traced back to him. Bruno had been the one to encourage her to let it all go when they were children. He had been the one who seemed to escape from some of their mother's expectations. He had been the one to fade away from the spotlight, making their sister and her pick up the slack he left behind. And now he had been the one to make her lose control, despite knowing who she was and how she handled things.

Everything Bruno ever did only seemed to catch her off guard, which only served to add to her exaggerated reactions. This is why her mother felt the need to keep her in line, because this is what could happen if Pepa didn't live up to her standards. This is what happened if she got too careless and didn't try hard enough. Bad things happened… and she found a way to make it Bruno's fault… just like the rest of the town had. And to make matters worse, Bruno did what he did best. He simply took it all in stride and just stood quietly as he was scolded and reprimanded from all sides of the event.

If there hadn't been a strain before that day, there was most certainly one now. Pepa would never forgive herself for doing what the people of the Encanto had been doing to Bruno, she had turned him into her scapegoat. That day also marked when the fears had returned: that she wasn't trying hard enough. But much like with all of their previous negative events, they had been swept under the rug in order to focus on strengthening their community. No matter how much it hurt them to avoid confrontation and the truth, they had to remember to keep their miracle burning. The fate of the candle was more important than addressing their lack of communication.

It seemed to be a forgotten memory as the times changed once more, and their attention shifted onto more important matters, namely the arrival of the future generation. Her niece had been delivered before her child, but that didn't make the moment any less magical to Pepa and Félix. Her eldest had been born with ravishing dark curls, lovely brown eyes, caramel skin, adorable lips and pronounced ears. She looked like treasure that didn't belong in this world, she was just so perfect. Even before she learned to speak, Dolores quickly established her tendency to reach out to those around her. She was such an active and lively baby, always trying to catch someone's attention and say what was on her mind through endless babbles, gurgles, and coos. And when she learned how to form actual words and sentences, it was a whole other story. Her daughter was the best narrator and author when it came to life in the Encanto. When she received her gift of enhanced hearing, it didn't come as a surprise to Pepa in the slightest.

Then the time came for her second child to be born, once again during a time where her sister had also conceived another baby. Only this time the baby was a boy, the first male to be born in the next generation. Her Camilo, a child crafted with a golden brown complexion, topped with dark auburn hair, and hazel green eyes. He was just as perfect as his sister, and he was all hers like Dolores was. As a newborn, he seemed to possess a talent for making people laugh. Whether it was unintentionally making a funny face, or blowing bubbles with his saliva, or causing everyone to laugh through the sound of his sweet chuckle, he could brighten up the room. Just like his father, her sunshine. And so, when it came time for Camilo to perform his gift ritual, Pepa was not surprised with the results again.

And last but not least, Antonio, he had been her final child and gift to this world. Her second son had brought an end to the next generation's chapter. He was such a precious sight to behold when he arrived into the world. Beautiful dark skin, alluring curly black hair, sweet brown eyes, and the softest pair of cheeks. Much like his siblings, he didn't seem to belong to this world, he was just too perfect. Even from a young age he seemed to possess a talent of enchanting those around him, one couldn't help but fall victim to his charms. And it was something that didn't just pertain to people, but animals as well. Pepa couldn't count the times they had to usher some form of wildlife away from her baby, they were quite drawn to him. So, what his gift ended up being didn't shock her either.

Enhanced hearing, shape shifting, and communication with animals, they were the perfect matches for her little ones. Overall, the candle seemed to know what gifts were best suited for the children of their family. At least, that's what she thought… until Mirabel.

She let out a sigh as she remembered that day, the moment that seemed to add to the hidden turmoil of the Madrigal family. She remembered how excited her youngest niece was that day, how she asked questions pertaining to her ceremony. She wondered what kind of gift awaited her, how she could help their community, and how she could make their family proud through her service. Such was the duty of every Madrigal child after all, even if it came at a cost to them. But Pepa didn't want to associate such negative thoughts with her niece, the embodiment of purity and goodness. Pepa recalled taking the child into her arms, and twirling her around as endless rainbows and sunshine surrounded them. They danced together that day, with Félix, Dolores, and Camilo joining in as they paraded around the city. Such a moment made Pepa flash back to her youth, when she first encountered her beloved. She remembered thinking how far they had come since then, how everything seemed to be falling into place again. Only this time, it felt real. She showered her youngest niece with kisses and cuddles, and proclaimed that no matter what, Tía Pepa would always be proud of her.

Now if only she had remembered such a promise.

Desolation awaited her niece that day, she wouldn't forget how helpless and horrible she felt as she watched Mirabel's door fade away like the sunset. The tension had returned, and it could be felt by every person, not just the Madrigal clan. Such a heart aching event was enough to send her into an endless thunder storm filled with fierce lightening and unstoppable winds. It soon gave birth to a freezing blanket of snow and ice, causing everything and everyone around them to be affected. Alma had yelled for her to calm down, to keep it together. But much like in her youth, Pepa had lashed out. She exclaimed that she was doing her best, and that she should be thankful that it wasn't worse than it already was. Félix had agreed as he ushered her away from the origin of the family's pressures and stresses, with their children following his lead. To say that she was angry and heartbroken was an understatement, she couldn't understand why this had happened to Mirabel of all Madrigals. Granted, she didn't wish for it to happen to anyone in their family, but Mirabel of all people. Why? The child hadn't done anything to warrant such a fate. She was perfect! Why did this happen to her? Why did this happen to their family?

Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why?

No one matter how much time had passed, the question was never answered. And if anything, it seemed to be give birth to even more questions. Like, why did Bruno disappear not too long after Mirabel's failed ceremony? And why did their familia seem more broken now than ever before? And most importantly, when had they started to disregard one another?

In the beginning, she had tried to be by her niece's side. She had tried to ease her sadness and confusion by showering her with soft puffy clouds, warm bright sunshine, and gentle snowfalls. However, such actions only seemed to add to Mirabel's hurt. And it took some time before Pepa realized that seeing another relative's gift was probably the last thing she wanted to be a part of at the moment. And so, she came up with an even better outlet for Mirabel, something her esposo agreed to. One of the things they had bonded over was their love of music and dance. They were hobbies that served to help them through the worst of times, and this was the definition of one of those moments. The yellow and gold couple decided to surprise their Mirabel by teaching her the basics of their passions. The child had been shy at first, refusing to even move from her designated room, but the husband and wife duo took her by the hand and helped her find the rhythm of their culture. Step by step, Mirabel gained more stability and confidence as she marched with their leads. After the first couple of sessions, the child even started to smile and laugh again. It had warmed Pepa's heart to see her niece finally happy after that horrible event. She felt like they had accomplished something important that day.

But if there was one thing Pepa Madrigal should have learned, it's that the good times never last forever.

No matter how hard I try…

She felt a pain in her chest as those words echoed through her mind. For once, someone other than herself had felt such a way. In magical family where everyone seemed to be blessed with a talent that could aid their community, Mirabel had just wanted to show them all that she was just as capable of living up to their name. Mirabel Madrigal had only wanted for everyone to applaud her for doing all that she could for the Encanto… just like Pepa.

Now that she had time to think about it more carefully, she realized that Bruno and Mirabel were more alike than anyone cared to admit. They were both nothing but sweet, kind, innocent, well-meaning, and loving individuals. The two of them had been the first to question and break the status quo of their generations. But despite that, no matter what, they had always put the family and the Encanto before themselves. More so than anyone else… even her own mother. Without a doubt, the two of them were special. And maybe that's why Pepa felt that she had to distance herself from Mirabel as she grew older, because all she saw in the teenager was the past version of her brother. Granted, Mirabel was more lively and energetic than him, but there were so many similarities between the two that Pepa felt like she was looking at him whenever they spoke. She was reliving the past whenever she was around Mirabel, and that caused her to fear that she would forget to keep it all in.

However, the similarities didn't stop there, because they were also bounded by the way Pepa had hurt them both. She had hurt Bruno by not being there for him, she had allowed for everyone to turn him into the scapegoat for their problems, including her own. Not to mention the envy she felt towards him as the years passed, his ability to escape from the pressures placed on their sister and her used to make her blood boil. And then there was the fact that she blamed him for something that was entirely her fault, the whole wedding fiasco only happened because Pepa never learned to properly channel her emotions.

As for Mirabel, she had repeated the same mistakes but with a twist. Unlike her brother, who possessed a gift, her niece didn't acquire one for whatever reason. As a result, the child found herself being casted to the side more often than anyone liked. Pepa had tried her best to brighten up Mirabel's days, but she had enough to deal with concerning her family branch. She had to secure Félix's place amongst their community, soothe Dolores's aches caused by overstimulation, reassure Camilo's worries that nobody wanted him for him, and Antonio… well, there was something unpleasant she had to confess to.

Her Toñito had been born five years after Mirabel's failed gift ceremony. Her esposo and her were more than delighted with the news, for they knew that this would be their final child. After all, they weren't getting any younger, and her previous pregnancies had their fair share of hardships that were only accented by her empathic gift. But then the doubts and fears started to creep in, mainly stemming from the possibly that their baby might experience the same tragic event as their niece. Pepa loved Mirabel, even if she didn't always show it properly, but she witnessed how different the teenager was treated, both in their own home and in the community. And she feared for her third child's future in the same way she worried for Mirabel's. Pepa would never forgive herself for not doing more for her before Antonio's ceremony, she should have reminded her how important she was, how special she was despite her apparent lack of a gift. Maybe things would have been different.

She should have tried harder, not for the Encanto, but for Bruno and Mirabel. She resisted the urge to breakdown right there and then, only because they couldn't afford to lose focus now. For once, the attention needed to be on Mirabel, they had to find her so they could make things right. She wanted to do something she never had the chance to do with Bruno: apologize. She wanted to make amends for every wrong Mirabel had been unfairly dealt. She wanted to show her that while they weren't perfect, they still loved her and wanted her back with them. They needed to remind her that her place was with the Madrigals. Pepa didn't want to lose Mirabel the same way she lost Bruno, she couldn't let history repeat itself any more than it already had. Bruno had been gone for nearly ten years, and to make matters worse, Pepa had no inkling of what his current situation was. Did he have shelter? Did he have food? Was he safe? Was he happy? Did he miss them? Ten years of not knowing was too much for the middle Madrigal triplet.

How long would Mirabel be gone for if they didn't find her?

Those very same questions would be asked once more if that was the case. She shuddered at the thought of it all.

"We're going to bring you back Mirabel," she whispered. "And we're going to strengthen our home together."

With that Pepa became filled with a newfound determination as she called for her missing niece once more. She prayed to the Heavens above that Mirabel would come home, safe and sound… she hoped that this wouldn't be how her story ended. The three Madrigals' voices echoed throughout the brush of the Encanto, closely followed by the other members of their family. For once in a very long time, their clan seemed to be united… and it was all because of Mirabel. She seemed to possess a gift unlike any other.

Pepa couldn't help but smile at such a fact, her niece was far more special than anyone ever gave her credit for. And so, the three Madrigals continued their journey, all the while contemplating the events that had led them to this point in life.

---

He made sure that his mother and brother were safe as they crossed another obstacle. He had carefully lifted the little one, then took the woman's hand, ensuring her balance. Once that was done, he trudged through the rough terrain, then he had been forced to climb over some rocks, jump over a patch of mud, but not before being greeted in the face by a pair of branches. Thankfully, any injury he had acquired was nothing more than an inconvenience, things that couldn't interfere with his task in the long run. He must confess, he wasn't used to being so clumsy or unstable, that feature belonged to his uncle. He was normally quick on his feet, as nimble as a cat, and as adaptable as a chameleon. Which he always found to be a piece of comedic foreshadowing to his status in the family. Something he had learned from an early age was that everyone had a role to play, each individual was a piece in a very large and intricate puzzle.

Who was he? He was the family prankster, the theatre kid, the one with many faces… and many sides. Even ones that no one wanted to know about or see, moments that he would rather keep to himself that display to the world. Even those who loved the spotlight needed to have their secrets. In a strange and ironic way, his gift had allowed for him to hide behind a mask, multiple masks in fact. It had been so easy to conceal the war silently raging inside him. But now it was all gone… everything that he ever was and pretended to be was now unraveled for all to bear witness to. Never had he felt so exposed in his entire life.

So that begged the question… who was he now? Without his facades, his flawlessness was nothing more than a lie. People could see his imperfections. He couldn't put on an act, he couldn't pretend, and he couldn't adapt. And with that being the case, he didn't know who he was anymore. He didn't know who he was supposed to be when he spent most of his life being someone else.

How had this happened? He bowed his head in shame as he contemplated the events that had foreshadowed his eventual downfall. And not just his, but his familia's as well. There had been signs, he knew that to be true, even before the collapse. It's just that, he'd been so used to putting on a front, that he wasn't sure how to cope in any other way. To him, if he never acknowledged the problem, then it didn't exist to begin with. If he stuck to the role he was meant to play, then everything would be alright. But he did all of that… he did everything he was supposed to do… so why was it still all in vain? Why had his family suffered so?

When he was a child, he recalled a moment where Abuela Alma had taken him into her arms. She had placed her face against his hair as she caressed the bouncy curls, her other hand holding him close to her person, all the while her expression was beaming with pride. She had been happy that day, because the time came for him to join their constellation of magical blessings. He been told that it was his fate from the moment he could comprehend language. Alma had stated that he would add to their family's purpose of strengthening their home. He would make them proud by serving their community and ensuring their place in the world.

That night, Alma told him that every Madrigal had a role to play, that each generation was special. Alma had considered every single child and grandchild different, yet unique for a multitude of reasons. Some were more obvious than others, and such traits were defined even before their ceremonies. For him, he had been the first male born in the next generation. He was the first grandson of Alma and Pedro Madrigal, something his grandmother had taken great pride in. Granted, every child born before him held a special place in her heart, but that had been his initial reason for possessing her attention. And he would soon have another reason for that status.

December 28th of his fifth year proved to be quite the event for everyone, especially him. Because that was the day Camilo Madrigal underwent an important metamorphosis, much like how a small caterpillar transformed into magnificent butterfly. He remembered basking in the attention of the Encanto's crowd, how eager he was to cement his place in the Madrigal family. Adorned in the typical white ceremony attire, the spotlight was directed towards him as the curtains unveiled his presence to his public. Everyone had cheered for him and waited patiently for the next step. Camilo stood tall and proud as he carefully, yet boldly, made his way towards his destiny. His eyes never wandered away from the glowing door that would soon belong to him. Ever since the day he had been made aware of the doors purposes, he had always been captivated by their enticing light. Oh how he wanted to revel in its glory, for its shine to consume him and make him into the star he was born to be.

He had been told what he must do in order for the gift ceremony to be successful beforehand. He memorized all of the details, even practiced behind closed doors, to the point where he felt that he knew the part by heart. He had repeated the actions of every Madrigal child that came before him. And he knew that he must have performed perfectly because when he touched the door's knob, it flashed with a light that could only belong to a Madrigal child. His name had been etched into the magical wood as his image appeared alongside two others. And sitting before his likeness was a row of seats that seemed to belong to a theatre.

Shapeshifting… that had been his gift. This was how he was going to strengthen his home, he would be anyone they wanted and needed him to be. He was special, he had a gift… and he had his role… just like Abuela Alma had claimed. Camilo Madrigal shined like the brightest of stars as he joined the likes of his predecessors.

His new room greeted him like an old friend. An endless stage of performance awaited him as he entered its confines. Multiple balconies surrounded him, every single one of them was decorated with a mixture of yellow and gold chameleon motifs. Rows and rows of seats stood before him, each turned to face him, it was as if they had been expecting him. They responded to his every movement as he glided through the aisles. A sea of curtains decorated every corner, along with a series of mirrors, each a different size and proportion. And in the back of such majesty was a decent sized studio room with a bed, cabinets, and even more mirrors. This was his room, his sanctuary! It was everything he ever wanted and more.

His padres had showered him with pride, each of them taking the time to congratulate him for his splendid gift. His hermana had gently kissed his forehead while whispering that no one would be able to take their eyes off him. Then there were his tíos, tía, and primas, they had applauded for him and cheered his name, each of them basking in his excitement and joy. And last but not least there were his grandmother. Abuela Alma had taken him into her arms once more and expressed her wishes for him yet again. It was then that he remembered his vows to his community and home. And he swore to make good on his oath to the miracle candle.

But none of that seemed to matter anymore, because it was all over. His home was gone, his room was decimated with the collapse of Casita, his gift was no more, and he was no longer who he had promised to be all those years ago. He had spent nearly ten years living in the spotlight and providing his aid to people in the community, only for it to be taken away through forces outside of his control. He was no longer Camilo the gifted entertainer and shapeshifter, he was just Camilo now. The light had faded away, it had left his door… along with everyone else's.

He stopped dead in his tracks as he realized that wasn't entirely true. Because there was one door that didn't seem to suffer like the others, only because it never shined to begin with. Which he always found to be ironic, considering who had unintentionally claimed the space as their own. It was the very same person he had shared a room for the first five years of his life, someone he had considered to be a close friend at one point. Back when they seemed to live in their own little world, before they were guided on the path of the Madrigals. They had spent every hour together, moments that still lived in his heart even after all this time. Whenever one was lonely or sad, they always had the other to lean on. Such memories had only lasted for a short while, and yet they had such a powerful impact on him.

This was the person who had been destined to receive their gift and door not too long after him. Within months, the time came for them to perform their ceremony and join their constellation of perfection. Camilo remembered being so excited for them, he would shapeshift into them whenever he had the chance just how he could joke about look she would have on her face when she received her gift. Her eyes will be big as big as saucers, her mouth open wide enough for bugs to enter, and her hands will be glued to her face. She had laughed! Many times in fact, and he felt like he had done something right whenever she reacted in such a manner. However, despite his constant transformations, there was something she had said at one time that made him see this person in a whole new light. Through her endless giggling fits, she had smiled at him and clapped in awe of his performance, as she made a heartfelt declaration.

I like the real Camilo better.

Such a declaration had caught him by surprise, and peaked his curiosity. And so, he leaned closer to his primita and questioned why she would say such a thing when his gift had opened the door of possibilities. He could be anything and anyone, and yet, she wanted who he was before the acquirement of his magical ability.

Your jokes.

She laughed.

Your appetite.

She playfully poked his stomach.

You're a nice boy who makes people smile.

Her fingers drew a smile across her face.

A nice boy who takes care of our familia.

She hugged herself, before gently taking his face into the palms of her hands.

A nice boy who can't accept compliments.

Looking back on it now, this individual was probably the most mature out of the Madrigal grandchildren, despite being the youngest at the time. She was only a child and yet she had a firm grasp on how to craft her sentences, she knew what words to use and she understood what they meant. Her compassion and love for not just him, but for their family, was so evident. How could he ever doubt such devotion?

And he didn't realize how such a small statements would impact him as the years went on. For these words planted the seeds of insecurities that would haunt him in the future. Although, he didn't blame this person for such a fact, rather, he blamed everyone else around him. Because she had been the first one to ever say something like this to him. Looking back on it now, maybe he wasn't the only one putting on an act. He resisted the urge to slap himself in that moment as he thought about the person who probably had more masks than him. The individual who had been forced to adapt in a different way compared to him.

Mirabel… his primita. The one whose door faded away, and the one who was forever stationed within the confines of the Nursery. She didn't receive a gift or a room like he had, despite such a destiny being foretold since the beginning of her birth. It had been unfair and unwarranted, to him Mirabel didn't do anything to deserve such a fate. And yet, it had happened and no one could answer why it did.

At first, Mirabel had forced herself to smile as she excused herself from the event. Even after such a travesty, his prima had thought of others before herself. She didn't wish for anyone to see her in such a state as she made her way back to their formerly shared room. He didn't follow at first, only because her parents had beat him to the punch. He knew that Mirabel needed them more than she needed him at the moment, they were the adults after all. They were supposed to know what to do. He was only a child, how could possibly help her? But despite that, he still wished to see her… when the time was right. Tía Julieta and Tío Agustín had stayed in the room for a long time, they didn't leave her presence, even when it was warranted. The days passed before they finally left, only for them to be replaced with his primas, Isabela and Luisa.

Once again, he waited for his moment to shine. And it was during this time that he had been told that his other tío had mysteriously disappeared without saying a single word to anyone about the matter. First, Mirabel didn't get a gift or room. And now, Bruno had disappeared. It seemed like a series of unfortunate events was befalling their family, and no one could guess why that was the case. What had the Madrigals done to warrant such negative events? Why was everything disappearing right before their eyes? For once, not even the adults knew what to say. The people who were supposed to have all the answers and the ability to explain anything, were now as silent and confused as the children who were asking the questions.

His padres comforted one another while they thought no one was looking, but his sister could hear anything and he could see right through anyone. Possessing such a gift seemed to open his eyes to the reality of any situation. Who better to judge someone for wearing a mask, when he held many of them? He could see the hidden fear and sorrow in his mother's eyes as she stared at Bruno's now empty room, along with Mirabel's. Her struggle to make sense of it all only created more moments where she had to constantly utter her mantra under her breath to ensure peace and order. There were times where she just had to be alone and away from sight. He saw his father try his best to keep it all together for his family, he attempted to reassure them that everything was okay. He had promised them that there was nothing that they couldn't overcome. He had declared that they were a family, and it was their bonds that would guarantee their happy future. But the confusion in his tone contradicted such statements, and he seemed to move at a slower pace compared to before. Unlike his mother, he focused his efforts into the chores conducted in Casita rather than outside.

Meanwhile, his tíos preoccupied themselves with their youngest daughter, for they never strayed too far from her side during those first few weeks. In fact, it got to the point where they started to neglect their duties to the Encanto and would rarely make an appearance in public or to their family. Camilo could count the times he interacted with them on his hands from this period. Tía Julieta was still her warm and nurturing self, but there seemed to be a hint of something else now. As a child, Camilo couldn't properly define it but he could most certainly taste it. Whatever food she produced just didn't appeal to him anymore, the flavors became loss and wavered quickly. Tío Agustín didn't seem to possess the same clumsy mannerisms he did before. Rather, he moved with a newfound strength and concentration he didn't think was possible. He paid more attention to details and put more thought into his next step. Such a quiet atmosphere also affected the activities he would occasionally perform around their home. Camilo recalled missing his uncle's ear for music and skilled fingers crafting playful melodies he could shift to.

His hermana found herself favoring the company of others, which is something he found to be ironic considering her propensity for avoiding crowded places. Camilo would often spot her heading out of their home and entering the confines of the community without even letting anyone know where she was going or when she would be back. His beloved sister proved to be quite unpredictable back then, as well as confusing. When he asked her why she felt the need to leave, she whispered that it was because as much as she couldn't handle the noise, she found the silence to be more unbearable. Their once lively home had transformed into a quiet battleground where emotions conflicted with one another.

His primas had mourned in their own way, he watched as they would stand or sit before the Nursery's door, clearly unsure if they should enter or not. And when they weren't there, they were in their rooms. It's almost as if they were afraid to wander too far from their parents and youngest sister. Isabela's flowers didn't bloom as brightly as they did before, and the ones she made were often associated with loss and defeat. Luisa seemed to exercise more, always pushing herself to the limit until she could potentially collapse. Camilo didn't have to ask them anything pertaining to the matter, for he understood their methods of madness. Isabela couldn't find the right words to say, so she gave life to them instead. Luisa was afraid of something even worse happening to their family, so she trained as hard as she could to defend them from the potential dangers.

And then there was his grandmother… he had never seen her in such a state before. She had been regarded as the wise and powerful matriarch who oversaw their home's miracle and position. Alma had always been a complicated person, someone who seemed to be the incarnation of both the good and the bad, even if most didn't realize that. Even if she never admitted it either. However, that day, another mask had been added to her collection. One that would embody their fears, worries, stresses, and pressures.

It was then that Camilo realized that he wasn't the only one who could change… the people and world could too. Because nothing was ever the same after that door disappeared. The Encanto community became more sheltered, Casita seemed to hold more secrets, the magic wasn't as straight forward as they thought it was, and his family... well he was sure that they were all broken. Those horrible cracks didn't just plague his house, but its inhabitants as well. He had felt them for so long now. With each new fissure, it became more and more difficult to conceal such imperfections. His masks could only keep him guarded for so long. So, he did the only thing he could, a talent he had honed long before the acquirement of his gift. He made people smile. Rather than continuing to dwell on the hurt and confusion, he focused his efforts into restoring the fun and life to their home and family. And the first to experience such a mission was none other than his prima, Mirabel.

When the time came, he made his way to his former room, where he was greeted by the sight of Mirabel's back. Her small shape was traced by the blankets, and her face was hidden by the pillow. She didn't even move or react when he addressed her. Rather, her grip on the fabric shelter tightened as she avoided his gaze. It had hurt Camilo to see his precious cousin in such distress, such emotions didn't suit her at all. As tempting as it was to just unleash his creativity onto his small crowd, he knew he had to be more cautious. The wrong step could ruin everything, his timing and actions had to be well thought out. He had stayed in his room, where he practiced for hours on end, hoping to get this part right. The shape shifter only hoped that it would be enough. He prayed for his words to reach the wayward Madrigal child. And so, he just sat beside her bed and spoke his feelings on the matter.

I like the real Camilo better.

That had been his guiding force and motivation that day. In that moment, he remembered all of the things Mirabel had said to shaped his confidence. She liked him for himself rather than someone he could turn into. Now he had to show her how much he liked her for who she was rather than someone people thought she should have been. To the public and their familia, she was supposed to be blessed with a magical ability to strengthen their home. But since that hadn't occurred, most looked at her with uncertainty. However, Camilo was determined to remind her of all the wonderful traits she possessed that could also accomplish that task. He followed the example she had set that day when it had just been the two of them.

I like Mirabel the way she is.

That seemed to capture her attention as her form perked up a little, but she still didn't look at him. He silently applauded himself for accomplishing such a task, although it still wasn't enough. He had to keep going.

I like her silly stories.

Mirabel always knew how to tell great tales of adventure, her imagination was out of this world. She could craft the best of moments through her words alone. It was one of the most enjoyable things about having her as a roommate. Camilo could recall all the times she would help him fall asleep with her special ability, all the while brushing his curls and patting his back. He would even dream of her narratives, finding himself directly placed in the very stories she had told.

I like her pretty drawings.

It was always a competition between the two who could capture the best person, object, or place on paper. Mirabel always seemed to win, not that he minded, even he had to admit that she had a knack for designing anything and anyone. Camilo would never forget the things she taught him through her art, or how they adorned the corners of their room. The first Madrigal grandson even took some of those colorful items with him when he received his room. As much as he looked forward to the future, he also knew he had to appreciate and never forget about the past. In this case, his former room and housemate.

I like her fun songs.

She could always craft a melody from the simplest of situations. Her improvised lyrics could perfectly seize the moment and give her the spotlight. Mirabel never missed a single detail or step when it came to creating a tune. And it was quite difficult to not get involved with such a process, as there had been multiple times where his hermana, primas, and himself started their own little dance troupe with Mirabel as the lead singer. For they would be lost without her beat, such an event would foreshadow her place amongst their family.

I like her green glasses.

They suited her well, they added to her bright and bubbly personality. Mirabel's eyes held such a magical wonder, they looked like they could unravel the secrets of the world. Camilo just couldn't picture her without those frames.

I like her because she's nice.

How many times did she save an arepa for him, only because she knew they were his favorites? Despite the fact that they were hers too. How many times did she comfort him when he had bad dream? She wouldn't leave until she told him yet another story to soothe his fears. How many times did she have to bring him to her mother to heal his childish injuries? She would only shake her head before giving him a warm yet gentle smile, stating that she was just happy that he was alright.

I like her even if she isn't like me.

She didn't need a gift to be likable, she already possessed a charm capable of alluring anyone to her. And yes, it would have been great for her to get a magical talent, but Camilo didn't love her any less because she didn't. To him, she was already magical. That was a trait no other Madrigal had, that in itself was a gift.

I like her because she's her.

That was when he felt it. A familiar pair of arms wrapped around his neck as a small body toppled over him. He also heard small sniffles and sobs emitting from the same source. Nevertheless, Camilo and the small body landed with a soft thud on the floor. It took Camilo a second to regain his composure, but as soon as he was able to, he returned the embrace. Mirabel continued to showcase the sorrow she had kept hidden that night of her failed ceremony. And instead of judging her or asking her to stop, Camilo just sat there silently, allowing for her to grieve. The elder Madrigal cousin ran his hand through her hair while gently rubbing her back. He returned the favor Mirabel had given him many times in the past. She had always been there when he needed someone, now it was his turn to be there for her. And so, the two cousins just stayed together, holding onto one another and mourned for an event they could not explain. Camilo couldn't remember how long they had remained in such a position, but he remembered feeling so warm in that moment. He had helped someone, such was the fate bestowed upon him from the day of his birth.

Now if only that feeling could have lasted forever. One thing was for certain though, no one had made Camilo feel that way ever again. Mirabel had been the first to introduce happiness into his life, those precious moments they shared in the Nursery would be engrained in his heart for all eternity. However, she had also been the one to introduce great sadness and loss because everything had changed after that day. Mirabel had changed everything within his family.

The former chameleon's eyes narrowed as he contemplated what else had changed as the years went by. And that included the bond he had once shared with Mirabel. Perhaps that was the last time Camilo ever felt connected to his primita. It wasn't long before duty called for the Madrigals once again, Abuela had to remind them all of the vows they had taken when they touched that candle. Despite the tragedy and confusion, their devotion needed to be directed to their home now more than ever. To Abuela Alma, and the rest of the community, Mirabel's ceremony was proof that they had to work harder in order to keep the magic strong. Hard work and dedication would keep the miracle burning, and each new generation had to do their part.

And so, Camilo returned to the stage, where he put on the performance of a lifetime multiple times a day. His face and body were constantly undergoing change, whatever suited the community's needs. Be it an overworked and exhausted parent in need of a break, an individual who needed to be in two places at once, a worker who wanted an extra body to assist them with their chores, or entertaining the youth of their society, he was there. Everyone could count on him… even if it meant not being himself.

I like the real Camilo better.

No one else seemed to. That was something the young shapeshifter learned early on. Sure the public called for him, but it was never truly him that they needed. Everyone always asked for someone else, never him. He was nothing more than a mere conduit for the audience, a mirror… someone whose image could reflect their needs. And it's because of this that Camilo often found himself silently questioning his purpose in the world. Was there nothing more to life than living as a servant of the community? Was that truly the destiny of all Madrigals? Would no one ever drift away from that path? His tíos and madre hadn't, and it seemed like Isabela would soon follow in their footsteps if she ever officiated her engagement to Mariano Guzmán. What about the rest of them? And what of the future Madrigals?

He supposed his answer was soon answered when it came time came for his birth. On May 21st, his younger brother entered the world. He would never forget the excitement, and worry, when everyone awoke to the sight of a new door along the walls of their Casita. At first, everyone questioned whether or not it was his Tía and Tío who were expecting, but that was quickly casted aside once they confirmed they hadn't shared a night together that would warrant such an outcome. Which left his mother and father, Camilo recalled the bright red hue that decorated their faces once they realize what that meant. Rainbows with a slight drizzle adorned his mother's head that day. She was expecting, there would be a new addition to their growing family. Everyone had rejoiced, both their familia and the comunidad, fireworks had decorated the sky as people sang songs of praise and joy, a grand feast was arranged to mark the occasion, the women greeted his madre as they prayed for her to have a healthy baby, while men applauded his padre as they wished nothing but the best for his future child. Such rituals were always performed whenever it was discovered a new Madrigal would be born.

However, despite the festive atmosphere, a lingering dark cloud plagued everyone's minds. Camilo was enjoying the celebration, showing off his craft once more as he shifted into a variety of people. But it was because of this talent that he was able to blend into the crowd, people were none the wiser as the whispers spread throughout the public. Suddenly, Camilo saw the people he had served in a different light. While some were genuinely happy for the Madrigal couple, others voiced their concerns for the child's future. They wondered whether or not they too would suffer the same fate as their predecessor… Mirabel.

And that was when yet another doubt had been implanted into his mind. Only this time it didn't concern himself, but another. Would his sibling be given a gift like those before them? Or would they share Mirabel's status? Camilo shook his head as he recalled thinking such horrible thoughts. It shouldn't have mattered, it just shouldn't have. His sibling should have been loved regardless of who they became. But life was too cruel, because it all mattered. Every single Madrigal was classified and defined by their talent. That's who they were, and that's who they always had to be. Ironically, there was no room for change within their household, and yet he possessed the ability to do so. Change seemed to be something everyone feared most of all.

Thankfully, such doubts seemed to be casted, or at least forgotten for the time being, when Antonio made his entrance into the world. Everyone adored and fawned over the newborn, everyone hoped that he would have a successful future, and everyone rejoiced for the second grandson of Pedro and Alma Madrigal. Camilo had been more than elated with the idea that there would be another boy in their family. But out of all of them, he couldn't help but notice the special bond that had formed between Antonio and Mirabel specifically. The then ten year old Mirabel held onto the infant, her eyes beaming with unconditional love, the biggest of grin adored her face as she spoke gentle words to him. And in that moment, Antonio opened his eyes and let out the purest of laughs. Mirabel had done that, she had been the first to experience his happiness, something he couldn't help but envy.

That was only the beginning of their special relationship, he could recall many more heartwarming moments between the two as the years went by. It was during this time that Camilo came to learn about one important trait his brother possessed. Antonio didn't discriminate nor did he seem capable of putting definitions or labels onto anyone. And that included Mirabel. When he looked at their prima, he didn't see her as the outcast of their magical family, and he didn't view her as some sort of interference or reminder of all they had feared. Instead, he saw Mirabel for who she truly was. Something he should have been doing… something they all should have been doing. Truth be told, there were times where he looked at his younger brother with envy. Jealously that stemmed from the fact that Camilo was no longer Mirabel's favorite, her unwavering gaze of love and affection was now directed towards another. She seemed to hold the little boy with such high regard, and it was obvious that Antonio felt the same way about her. The two were practically inseparable, whenever Antonio wanted someone it was usually Mirabel. And while Camilo could understand why, he couldn't deny that it didn't sting a little. To see his precious little brother bond so easily with his favorite prima, it was something he wished he had the strength to follow.

But the Encanto needed him, something his grandmother had declared time and time again, he couldn't afford to be distracted by such events. No matter how tempting it was to continue what they had all those years ago. At the end of the day, Camilo reminded himself that Mirabel no longer came to him when she needed to smile, instead, Antonio had been the one to grant her such a privilege. It didn't seem like she needed him anymore, she had someone better, someone who would always put her first. Maybe that's why it was so easy for him to forget about what they had.

I like the real Camilo better.

He let out a sigh as he replayed those words over and over in his head, all the while trying to ensure that his little brother and mother were guided safely across the Encanto's boundaries. He wished now more than ever that he still had his gift. Not because he still wished to be defined by it but rather to help them in their journey to find Mirabel. How was he supposed to be himself when people needed someone else? His gift could have made this task easier, he could do so much more when he was wearing another's face. But now, he was too short. Too weak. His dumb jokes couldn't save them. His appetite wouldn't contribute to the mission. He was useless… helpless… lost. And once again, the person at the center of it all was none other than Mirabel.

Camilo found it strange how despite not acquiring a gift, she held a power unlike any other. After all this time, he realized something very important concerning his young cousin. Everything and everyone had changed, but Mirabel somehow remained the same. Without a doubt, out of all the Madrigal children and grandchildren, she had received the short end of the stick so many times. Everyone had their fair share of stresses and pressures, but none compared to Mirabel. And yet despite all of the wrongs that had been committed against her, she still remained the same. She was still that happy go lucky, energetic, endearing, kind, and selfless person that she was as a child. Even after all this time, she still put others before herself and she regarded their family with nothing but endless love and devotion. Which is more than he could say for himself. Sometimes he looked in the mirror and he didn't know who he saw.

I like the real Camilo better.

He walked away from his hermano and madre, he scanned his new surroundings, but not a trace of his primita could be found. He called for her multiple times, each time, his tone wavered and became more worried and scared. No one called back, and his heart ached.

I like the real Camilo better.

"The real Camilo is a coward Mirabel," he whispered.

Tears started to well in his eyes as those words replayed over and over in his mind. His hands clutched into fists as his body shook. That lead him to remember the other words she had spoken that contradicted such a statement.

I hate all of you!

He bit his lip as he struggled to hold back his sobs. No one had ever uttered such a declaration to him before. Especially not Mirabel. Had he not been there in the room, he probably wouldn't have believed it. Such poisonous words didn't match his primita… and now he wondered had she changed too? When they found her, would she still be the same Mirabel as before? The one who seemed to be capable of withstanding anything and anyone. Or who she be someone entirely new? Camilo feared that most of all, but he knew that he had no one to blame for such a metamorphosis other than his kin and himself.

I like the real Camilo better.

"The real Camilo was too weak to help you."

He had forgotten all about her as they grew older, he became so involved in bettering himself for the community that he didn't see the people who loved him for who he was. And that included the person who never wanted him to be anyone other than himself.

"The real Camilo wasn't there for you when you needed him."

The tears could no longer be held within their prisons, they streamed down his face as he finally unleashed a side of himself he had kept hidden all these years. But now there was no reason for him to keep pretending, the mask was no longer necessary. And he refused to be someone he wasn't any longer as he made his confession.

"The real Camilo is a selfish person."

He fell to his knees as he gazed at the sky, wondering if Mirabel could see what he was seeing from wherever she was. His tears clouded his vison, but he made no efforts to erase them. Instead, he just let it all out.

You're a nice boy who makes people smile.

That seemed to apply to everyone except Mirabel.

A nice boy who takes care of our familia.

She was his family too, and yet he turned his back on her when she needed support.

A nice boy who can't accept compliments.

He failed to grant her such favors when she extended that courtesy to him time and time again. He didn't deserve her… nobody did. Mirabel Madrigal was too good for this world.

"The real Camilo isn't a nice boy and he can't do anything useful for the family…"

Such words had never held such truth until now.

"Especially for you."

Mirabel was special indeed, because only she could have such a power over their family. She made them see different sides of themselves, she gave them something entirely new. She helped them change, she made them understand that it could be a wondrous thing. And yet, they were too blind to see that until it was too late.

What a magnificent power she had.

"I wish I had a gift like yours."

---

Even the smallest person can make the biggest of differences, the tiniest of voices can change the course of the future. In a family as fantastical and magical as the Madrigals, it was possible to get lost in the crowd. Everyone shined brightly, yet differently. For all of their talents, there was no denying that some proved to be more useful compared to others. There was a line between the chosen and the rest, those who were called upon frequently as opposed to the ones who were still discovering their uses. Which is why everyone waited with baited breath when it came time for him to perform his magical ritual. Both the public and his kin were eager to see what kind of future fate had in store for him. For what would become of the last of the second generation? How would he strengthen their community? Would he follow in the steps of the youngest from the other two branches?

Julieta, Isabela, and Dolores… the eldest children whose gifts were labeled as more useful, necessary, and had to set an example for those who came after them.

Pepa, Luisa, and Camilo… the middle children who were often overlooked, underappreciated, and struggled to keep it all together.

And then that left the rest… the three youngest who seemed to be outcasts for various reasons. One had been defined as a bad omen who only seemed capable bringing misfortune to the community. The other had been labeled as the left out child due to not receiving a magical talent. As for the last one, there was always an aura of uncertainty around them from the day of their birth until their ceremony.

However, there had always been questions that lingered within the mind of the last born child concerning his lineage. Why did there have to be such differences between his relatives? Why did they have been separated based on their duties? Why were they defined by their gifts? Why couldn't they be accepted for who they were rather than what they could give? Why couldn't they just be a whole family? Why? Why? Why?

Being a child of only five, he was used to the people around him saying that when he was older he would understand. When he grew up, he would be capable of comprehending the most difficult of situations. When he was old enough, he could make wise choices. But for now, he was just too young to properly grasp the reality of their world. However, he found that to be ironic considering no one could provide the answers he was looking for. Everyone always made it seem like the grown-ups held them. People declared that the grown-ups knew best simply because they had been in this world for far longer than him. That was something he couldn't deny, but if that was the case, then why did the world around him seemed to be just as confused as him?

That was yet another question no one could provide an answer to. He was beginning to doubt everything he had ever been taught. Nothing made sense anymore. Then again, maybe it never made sense to begin with. However, he was forced to put aside such conflicting emotions and thoughts, and focus on the task at hand. He had already broken down earlier, and despite attempts to comfort him, he just couldn't find peace until the person he truly desired was back to hold him once more. That very same person who had joined him in his hiding place, who offered reassurance and a gift of their own, who took his hand so easily and followed him to his door, who was trying their best to save their family and the magic… and who disappeared after making a heartbreaking declaration. Believe it or not, but it wasn't Casita's collapse or the loss of their gifts that cemented his doubt about the world. Instead, it was that confession. If the person who claimed to love him most of all actually hated him, then what else was a lie? What else did people not know? What else did he not know?

Foot prints paved a way through the thick brush of the hidden paradise known as the Encanto. They were followed by others, but it seemed like the smallest left the biggest mark. His walk was swift yet cautious, his energy never wavered even as the day began to lose its light, and his voice seemed to be accented with a mixture of determination and uncertainty. Overall, Antonio Madrigal was a child on a mission.

"Mirabel!"

There was no answer, for what seemed to be the hundredth time. But he still persisted, not caring about the harsh environment that was working against him. Trees and their branches blocked his view, rocks caused him to tumble, and small bodies of water slowed down his pace. He silently cursed the fact that he was so small and docile compared to the other members of his familia. He wished he had muscles like his prima Luisa or possessed his hermana's tall stature, such traits would have made this journey easier.

"Mirabel!"

He was greeted with nothing once more. And so, he crossed yet another series of nature's thresholds before calling out to her again. Where could she be? It felt like they had searched every possible crevice and inch for her, and yet not a trace of the wayward Madrigal could be found. Surely there had to be something they were missing. She just couldn't disappear like that, it wouldn't be fair. He wanted to know, no he needed to know, whether or not she meant what she had said. It just couldn't be true, it couldn't!

Mirabel, his beloved prima and surrogate hermana, what had went wrong between them for her to just leave him behind like that? He thought they were thick as thieves, two peas in a pod, birds of a feather, and two of a kind. He loved her with his entire being. What had happened?

His paced slowed down a little as he contemplated such a question. For once, he didn't look to the grown-ups for the answer. Because he already knew it, how could he not? He may have been a child but he wasn't stupid. It all started with his gift ceremony, a rite of passage that would supposedly grant him a spot among the constellation known as the Madrigals. It was a defining moment for any child born into their lineage. He had been the last child born to his parents, his doting, well-intended yet emotional mother, and his strong, stable but soft-hearted father. He had joined a quiet and supportive sister, and an outgoing and energetic brother. He had completed their branch and ended the chapter for the second generation. And from what he had gathered from the whispers of the public and his relatives, there was much anticipation surrounding his birth.

Nobody realized it, but Antonio Madrigal had been blessed long before his ceremony. He had been gifted with eyes unclouded by discrimination and bias. He saw humanity in its purest form, untainted by the opinions of those around him. When he gazed upon an individual, he saw both their imperfections and their strengths. But he lived by the idea that it was the blemishes that made something beautiful, and not the efforts taken to hide such flaws. He learned to appreciate faults, for there was nothing wrong with being human and standing with the crowd instead of above it.

And who had been the one to plant such vital seeds? It had been none other than Mirabel.

From the moment he arrived into this world and was taken into her arms, Antonio felt as if everything made sense. She had given him strength, even as a baby it seems. His older brother had often spoke of the time where she had been the one to make him smile and laugh first. He didn't have memories from when he was that young, but he never doubted such a fact. Despite being an infant, he knew who loved him. The scary times didn't look impossible to overcome, a light was shined in the darkness, and nothing else seemed to matter whenever she was around. Mirabel had given him a voice when he needed it the most. His prima was truly a force to be reckon with, it was only a shame that some couldn't see her the way he saw her.

He loved his relatives, there was no denying that. He couldn't imagine life without a single one of them, for they had all shown their love for him in a multitude of ways. But it was because of that love that he was aware of the flaws they worked so hard to hide. He couldn't count the times he bore witness to the cracks in their facades. They had been small, almost unnoticeable at first, but as time went on, he became more aware of what such moments represented. He had to give his clan credit where it was due, they were all very good actresses and actors in their own ways, each possessing a unique style of coping and suppression. However, no matter how skilled they were, or how hard they worked to craft an image of perfection, it would never be enough. Antonio could see everything for what it truly was.

Mami would never be able to control her emotions enough. All of her attempts to keep her feelings in line were deemed inadequate, it's almost as if people didn't want her to feel anything at all.

Tía Julieta would never be able to produce a sufficient amount of food to heal quickly enough. The woman practically lived in the kitchen, so much so that she couldn't always be there for her family.

Tío Bruno would never be able to see enough. People went as far as to label him as a bad omen simply because he couldn't see more good things than bad ones.

Isabela would never be perfect enough. From the moment of her birth, she had been regarded as the golden child, she couldn't afford to be anything or anyone else.

Dolores would never be able to respond to the public's needs enough. There was a constant overload of information pouring into her ears, the young woman always seemed to know far too much for her liking.

Luisa would never be strong enough. Physical strength couldn't account for mental or emotional strength, she was always expected to be the image of an unbreakable warrior.

Camilo would never be capable of changing enough. The boy went through so many faces a day that there were times where he would forget who he was supposed to be, who he wanted to be.

His Papi and Tío Agustín would never be useful enough. They could offer their assistance to anyone and yet it wouldn't amount to the same magical standard as their spouses and children.

And Mirabel… she would never be good enough. Without a gift to call her own, she proved to be an enigma of sorts, someone who didn't seem to belong anywhere, a mismatched puzzle piece.

As for him… he wasn't enough. He wasn't enough to make her stay. Despite all the love and affection he had for Mirabel, apparently that couldn't stop the raging storm brewing inside her.

It took Antonio this long to realize something very important concerning his kin. Those cracks hadn't just formed on the walls and boundaries of Casita and the Encanto, they had been carved into his family as well. And if that was the case, then his grandmother had been wrong about Mirabel, something he already knew beforehand, but this only cemented that belief. Those cracks hadn't started with her, they had begun long before the day she claimed to have spotted them. Antonio hated that Alma just couldn't accept that everything was not alright, that their family wasn't as strong as she claimed. But most importantly, he hated how she couldn't see how special Mirabel truly was.

He knew that there was no avoiding the event known as his fifth birthday, the importance of such an event had been engraved into his mind from the moment he could understand what it entailed. He had been told the story of their miracle, how it saved the first generation of his family and crafted a sanctuary for many, but at a serious cost. The portrait of his grandfather, an object he would gaze upon every now and again, proved to be a symbol of hope and their miracle. But he would come to learn that it was also a reminder of what was lost in order to obtain everything they had now. That's why his Abuela had held the miracle with such high regard, why all of the Madrigals efforts needed to be directed towards its survival and continuation for generations to come. Such a duty would be assigned to him as well when it came time for his magical ritual.

And that's where the lingering doubts came into play. Antonio didn't even need to hear it from anyone to know that there was tension forming in the air as the day drew closer. His parents' thoughts seemed to be preoccupied with worry as they contemplated the possibility of their son following his cousin's path. While he knew that their hearts were in the right place, he couldn't help but fault them for thinking being like Mirabel was a bad thing. His siblings did their best to remain by his side through it all, clearly trying to shield him from public opinion in the process of doing so. He hoped that they had been attentive to Mirabel in the same way during the days leading to her gift ceremony, and even after. His tíos seemed to place their focus on their youngest child rather than him, something he couldn't fault them for. If anything he was grateful that not all of the attention had been directed towards him. His prima Isabela seemed to be quietly dreading his ceremony, although she did her best to hide it behind that beautiful smile of hers. Looking back on it now, it probably had something to do with her courtship with Mariano, apparently it was a topic that had to be addressed after his ceremony. His other prima, Luisa, seemed to be lost in her work. Her efforts were focused on ensuring that everyone was safe and that nothing could go wrong for his special moment.

And last, but not least, there was Abuela Alma… the person whose opinion seemed to matter most of all. She spent the days performing her usual duties of tending to the Encanto, taking requests and assigning tasks to their relatives, all the while planning for his fifth birthday. However, it didn't take a genius to see that she was more on guard compared to everyone else. The elder Madrigal had always been described as a perfectionist, someone who modeled all that was good about their paradise. But another side had been portrayed during that time. She fretted over the littlest of things, paid close attention to every single detail, made sure that no one strayed away from their designated roles, and kept a closer eye on the candle. While he loved his grandmother and appreciated all that she did for their home, there were times where she scared him. He hated the idea that his abuela's love seemed to be as fragile as the foundation their miracle was built upon. Why couldn't she just love them for who they were rather than someone she wanted them to be?

However, despite all the apprehension, Antonio found that there was always one person he could turn to for true support. This person had proved time and time again that their love was unwavering and powerful than any sort of magic. Mirabel didn't seem to hold any fear when it came time for his gift day, instead, she remained firm in the belief that he would be granted a magical talent. But how could she be so sure, he wondered. She answered that it was because he was special, that fate wouldn't deny him anything for that reason. And while Antonio appreciated the positive outlook, at the same time, he couldn't help but mourn for her as well. Because he could only imagine how people held such a hope for her at one point. After all, a Madrigal's purpose was to serve, to strengthen their home.

I wish you could have a door.

That was something he had desired so many times in the past, but never had the courage to say it aloud until the very day of his ceremony. If he could have any gift, he would have wanted the ability to grant Mirabel a room of her very own. One whose door would contain a golden depiction of her smiling on its surface, shining ever so brightly. He hoped its interior would have been crafted in her image, containing everything she would ever need within its endless walls. But most importantly, he desperately wished he had the power to give her a gift. Knowing his beloved prima, the possibilities were endless.

But alas, fate didn't seem to work in her favor as she was casted to the side more times that he liked to admit. He would watch as his kin would be preoccupied with the same chores every day, never allowing themselves to take a break. Each of them would be so focused on the task at hand that at times they failed to pay attention to his prima. They adhered to a strict schedule set up by the matriarch, and if Mirabel wasn't a part of that routine, then there was no need to pay her any mind. Even from an early age, Antonio couldn't help but notice how his relatives seemed to be shackled to responsibility, for they never strayed far from their designed path. They weren't allowed to grow, to experience… to change. And that's probably one of the reasons why he gravitated towards Mirabel. Unlike the others, Mirabel didn't seem to know any limitations, she refused to be settled to conformity. A butterfly, that was the perfect way he could describe his prima. A seemingly small being with a great purpose, whose actions often went unnoticed and were underappreciated, and yet, she still kept at it because they brought her satisfaction. Not only that but a butterfly was a creature well known for change, something only Mirabel seemed capable of performing. That's why Antonio never strayed too far away from her. If there was anyone in his family that he could look up to it was her. In his mind, Mirabel was the perfect demonstration of all that he wanted to be when he grew up.

However, in order to achieve such a goal, he first had to perform the magical ritual that defined his family. If the ceremony didn't work then he wouldn't be allowed to reach the next milestones in his life. At least, that's what he overheard Abuela Alma saying at one point. Which didn't make sense to him because Mirabel hadn't been able to experience such an important event, but she was probably the most well put together person he ever knew. And yet, much like the other Madrigals, Antonio couldn't find his voice whenever he was around the matriarch. The older woman had this way about her, she made it near impossible to be approached for anything that didn't concern the continuation of their miracle. Sometimes he wondered if she was capable of thinking about anything else other than that candle.

And he contemplated a future where he would be in the shadows alongside his cousin. Truthfully, he wouldn't have minded at all, because at least he would have been beside his most favorite person. He knew that Mirabel would love him no matter the outcome was. If there was one thing Antonio could say without any hesitation it's that he loved Mirabel more than he cared about Abuela's opinions. As long as he had his prima, nothing else mattered. Which is why he had asked her to stand by his side as he made his way to his designated door. She had always been the one to give him the strength he needed to find his voice.

And he wondered if such a fact influenced the gift he had been given that day. He would never forget the moment he placed his hand on that doorknob, the uncertainty he felt, wondering whether or not it would suffer the same fate as his predecessor. However, imagine his surprise, along with everyone else's when the door reacted differently compared to the last time. He would never forget how brightly it shined as a warmth encompassed his person, a trait he thought only Mirabel possessed. His gift was soon revealed to both his familia and the public. Zoolingualism, that's what his Mami and Papi called it, the ability to converse with animals. He could understand their language, and they could understand him. A whole new world had been opened to him, literally and metaphorically. The room seemed to have a mind of its own as it was slowly crafted the moment he stepped through that door. A voice practically lured him into the confines of the magical space.

Antonio viene, viene Antonio

El niño tiene su voz, Antonio tiene su don

After all this time, it seemed that he had found his voice amongst the crowd.

He was then greeted by the sight of an endless jungle with multiple levels of plants and waterfalls surrounding it. Wide open spaces as far as the eye could see awaited him, and that wasn't all, he was introduced to his new friends. Parce, Chispi and Pico, those were their names and they were more than eager for him to join their inner circles. Overall, everything seemed to be turning out the way people hoped. At last, he was a true Madrigal, someone who would grow up to strengthen their home, just like those who came before him.

His family had expressed great pride in his endeavor, especially his grandmother. Her face seemed to be brightened with a mixture of pure joy and adoration. It was such a rare expression to come by in his family, it had only been directed towards a few. And usually it was when someone did something right in her eyes.

I knew you could do it, a gift just as special as you.

Those words were forever cemented into his heart and mind, adding to the happiness he felt in that moment. Soon it was time to document the occasion with a photograph, it would only be a matter of time before his image decorated on the wall with the others.

La familia Madrigal!

It was one of the rare times where all of them could be together. Antonio hadn't seen the picture yet, but he could only imagine how perfect they looked. Everyone was in their assigned place, joining their branch of the family as they posed in accordance to their gift or personality. It was everything his grandmother could have ever wanted and more. If she was happy, then everyone else was happy too. And if that was the case, maybe she would be in a good mood… maybe things would be different now that no one had anything to worry about concerning their magic.

Oh how wrong he was. That very same night a doubt had been placed into everyone's minds once more. The house was apparently in danger, cracks had formed along the walls as the doors' glow faltered, and the candle almost went out. Of course it was none other than Mirabel who made such declarations, she claimed to have borne witness to it all. And of course, no one believed her, not even their own family.

Antonio was disappointed, but not in her, but in his relatives. Evidently, no one knew her as well as he did. Some seemed to believe that she had done this purposefully to ruin his night. But he knew better, Mirabel wasn't capable of such a feat. She would never lie about such matters. Everything she did, she did for the sake of their family. Now if only everyone else could believe that. Unforntately, he didn't have the chance to talk to her about what she saw. He had been ushered away by his parents, clearly trying to salvage his gift day. But his curiosity had been peaked, what secrets was their Casita was hiding? And why would it willingly it keep them from the family it had protected for nearly fifty years? It just didn't make any sense. But he wouldn't have time to question it since his family's focus shifted to another.

A formal engagement dinner was to be held in honor of Isabela and Mariano Guzmán the day after his ceremony. The tension had returned, only this time it was far worse than he could ever have imagined. Unlike the humans, his animal friends had been more than willing to help him in his endeavor. They had scattered around Casita and the Encanto, overhearing anything that could answer his questions. He was more than grateful for their efforts because they been more than enough, and now he realized what was going on hide behind closed doors. Cracks had been forming in his house for some time now, they were just hidden from view. It seemed like the magical dwelling had done its best to conceal its scars, trying to hide its imperfections. If Antonio didn't know any better he could have sworn that the house was mimicking the traits of his family. It was trying to keep it all together, doing its best to hide the blemishes that may have revealed that they weren't as perfect as they lead people to believe. Maybe that's why the cracks had disappeared by the time people tried to see them. Or maybe Casita was reflection of what they desired and the efforts taken to ensure everyone that everything was alright. If everyone believed that things were fine, then Casita would reflect that belief.

But not even that was enough. Thanks to his animal friends Antonio had come to learn more about the other secrets surrounding his household. Such as the person who had done their best to heal Casita's scars. A person he never had the privilege of knowing, for he had disappeared nearly ten years ago. An uncle, one linked to him by blood rather than marriage, who had been given the gift of prophecy. Someone no one talked about for that very same reason. It turns out Bruno Madrigal hadn't left at all, he was still there! His uncle hadn't abandoned his family as he had been lead to believe by his grandmother. Bruno's whispers among the rats had confirmed what Mirabel had seen… the magic was in danger! She was right! And what's more there was a vision concerning that very fact, something Mirabel had acquired in her efforts to save their home.

He had to do something, he had to help Mirabel. But alas, his attempts to do so were shadowed by the dinner. He knew that he couldn't say anything pertaining to the matter in front of everyone. The last thing he wanted was to put Mirabel in a horrible position, even more so when there were some who believed that she was somehow the cause of the misfortunes that were befalling them. The youngest Madrigal didn't believe that in the slightest, and he would do anything to make sure that he was nothing but supportive of her.

Now if only he could have said the same about his relatives. Never more had he been disappointed in his branch of the family. The animals had spoken of Dolores's knowledge concerning the whereabouts of their uncle for the past ten years, she had managed to keep it a secret due to her desire to protect him from further scrutiny. But if that was the case then why hadn't she extended such a courtesy to Mirabel, she was their family too even if she didn't have a gift! Dolores knew how their prima was regarded in the eyes of their grandmother, why add to that? And what's more she even went as far as to blurt out her belief that Mirabel would somehow be the one to destroy the magic. She had started that line of gossip to the rest of their relatives. And that was something he just couldn't look past.

As for Camilo, he just had to add fuel to the fire didn't he? He knew his brother loved his fair share of drama, he was practically the king of it. However, at least before he could say that his sibling meant well. Camilo had often told him that drama could be harmless and fun, as long as everyone was in on the joke. But where was the humor in putting a negative spotlight on their cousin? His brother was old enough to know that there was a time and a place for everything. If he was worried, then he should have just waited until after dinner to bring it up. But no, what did he expect from the person his sister seemed to trust most of all when it came to their secrets? He was just as bad as her.

And then there were his parents. They were the grown-ups, they were supposed to have the answers. They were supposed to know better! But if that was the case, then why hadn't they been more careful with their reactions concerning the vision? He could give his mother some leeway compared to his padre. After all, she couldn't help the fact that her emotions were constantly on display for all to see. However, that didn't excuse what she told Mirabel after that disastrous dinner. Mirabel hadn't done anything! She was only trying to help, which was more than he could say for her and the others. As for his father, he knew he had better manners that the ones he showcased at the table. Usually the man had proved to be more understanding of Mirabel, he clearly regarded her with some importance. He had even seen his father defend her on some occasions, he declared time and time again that she was just as special as the rest of them. He even complimented her artistic talents. But if that was the case then why was he so quick to join their train of gossip?

He couldn't deny that some of his animal friends had contributed to the cause, they had acted on his orders but unfortunately didn't realize, much like his brother, that there was a time and a place for everything. They may share a communication link but at the end of the day they were still animals and they didn't go through the same dilemmas as humans. Which is why they didn't think things through.

The dinner had ended on a sour note but his hope had been somewhat restored when he finally had Mirabel alone, and with Bruno by her side. The three youngest members of their branches were united in their mission to strengthen their home. They would restore it to its former glory, and everything would truly be okay. He had often dreamed of the day where every single one of his relatives could live under the same roof without the tension. It would be a day where all members of the Madrigal family would be blessed knowing that they had one another. And in the end that's all that should have mattered. Because for all of their faults Antonio had believed that they held some form of love for one another.

That belief had been completely destroyed alongside Casita. As he stated before, nothing made sense anymore and nothing would ever be the same again. Everything he had ever believed was no more. His house was gone, his room and gift had disappeared, his animal friends were scattered about, his family was in ruins… and Mirabel hated them all. She hated him.

And you know what, he found himself sharing such a sentiment as well. Because he knew exactly who to blame for this mess, and it most certainly wasn't Mirabel. It was everyone's fault! The only exception he could make was his Tío Bruno, he at least was looking out for her. But no one else could say the same. Tía Julieta and Tío Agustín just stood by and allowed their own child to become the scapegoat of Alma's wrath. They knew how the old woman treated her and they did nothing to stop it! Isabela and Luisa disregarded her more times than he could count despite seeming to share a bond with one another. She was their sister too but they acted otherwise! Mami and Papi acted like their love for one another was boundless and yet that affection didn't seem to extend to Mirabel. They hadn't sided with her when she needed them the most! Dolores and Camilo had failed to keep her safe when it truly mattered. They didn't put her first when he knew she had extended that favor to them several times before!

As for Abuela Alma… just thinking about the woman was enough to make his blood boil. He had given her the benefit of the doubt too many times in the past. The grown-ups had spoken of the tragedies she had experienced to get to where she was today, how she not only lost her first home but the love of her life as well. She had to raise three children on her own, all the while taking care of the people who relied on her for hope and guidance. Plus there was the fact that she had to protect the miracle that was given to them through sacrifice. Overall, he knew that his grandmother had her reasons for being the way that she was. But that only explained her actions, it didn't excuse them.

His fingers fiddled with the scarf draped around his neck, as he did his best to swallow back the tears. His face burned with a mixture of anger and sorrow, his eyes began narrow and his body shook. Small whimpers escaped his lips as he struggled to find his voice once more. He heard his mother and brother calling out to him, their tone clearly expressed their concern for him. But he couldn't find himself caring about that at the moment, everything around him became a blur as he focused his attention onto what he believed had been the true source of all this heartache.

The cracks started with her. Bruno left because of her. Luisa lost her powers, Isabela was out of control because of her. He didn't know why she believed that she was the only one who cared about this family, but it was not an excuse for her to hurt them the way she did. Antonio had a voice, he had been given one because of his gift and Mirabel. She had always been his role model, she set a foundation for him to follow. And so he lived up to the example she demonstrated earlier.

"The miracle died because of you Abuela."

Antonio had a voice, and he was make sure he was heard from now on.

---

A dark paint started to accent the sky, swirls of blue and black became entwined with orange and pink. It almost looked like a painting of sorts. Tiny specks of starlight became more evident as the minutes passed. Their shining bodies lighting the way to parts unknown. A gentle breeze could be felt, causing the brush to provide a quiet rhythm for the crickets to sing. On any other day, it would have been the perfect time to just stand in Casita's hallway and take in the heavenly scenery that could only belong to the Encanto.

He would never forget the day such a wondrous place had been conceived. He had been so small at the time, he was about to turn three that year, an event his padres had already started planning with great anticipation. But it wasn't long before such happiness had been clouded by tragedy. He could only remember bits and pieces of what had occurred, but he could never forget the fear his family had felt as they struggled to pack what they could and the sorrow etched on their faces as they were forced to bid goodbye to everything they had ever known. His mother held him tightly as his father loaded their belongings onto their beloved donkey. The creature had proved to be a loyal pet as they refused to leave their side, even in times of turmoil.

The next thing he could remember was the sight of people running, scurrying away from the fires that had consumed the buildings that crafted their former community. He had caught a glimpse of his first home being overtaken by the roaring flames. Such a sight saddened him, for he knew how hard his parents had worked to create that loving environment for him. Precious memories had been born there, only for them to be taken away simply because of humanity's greed and lust for power. He recalled people shouting, men, women, children, infants. No one was spared. Félix saw that red had decorated some of the areas around him, bodies slowly collapsed to the ground, letting out sickening thuds as they did so. It was all too much, it had caused him to cling tightly to his mother. He let out a series of whimpers as she did her best to shield him with her arms. All the while, his father did his best to guide them away from the horrors taking place all around them.

The rest was blur as he tried his best to drown out the suffering, he didn't want to hear or see anymore. No child should ever have to experience that. His parents had been the ones to fill him in on the details on what had occurred after that event. Apparently, they had found refuge with a group of survivors, people who had been their friends and neighbors. They had all been united in their grief, but they also shared a determination to save themselves from the terrors that had taken their community away from them. Things had settled down enough to where the people carefully made their way through the brush. Each of them did their best to remain as silent as possible as they were guided by a single light. That very light would shape the foundation of their future home, and it was in the possession of a couple known as Pedro and Alma Madrigal. He had only encountered them several times in the past, the man was a shopkeeper who specialized in the art of sewing, and the woman was an apprentice under a local florist. He had been the one holding the light while she carried their three newborn children within her arms.

Nobody realized, not even himself, that one of those newborns would go on to become his wife.

The next thing he knew, he was being carried across a stream of colorful water. Félix Castillo would never forget how peaceful, yet sad, the moment was. Even though they were escaping from tragedy, he couldn't help but admire the assortment of colors that seemed to be shining in the watery way. Various hues of red, yellow, blue, and green rippled together as the people made their way through them. And just when all seemed to be safe enough, the nightmare had returned. From the distance, they hear and feel the vibrations of the enemy. Everyone had turned, their eyes widened with horror as terrified gasps escaped from their lips. The horsemen had found them! And they seemed to be determined to take more from them than they already had. Pedro Madrigal had shouted for them to run, to escape with their lives if they could. Félix could feel his mother's grip on his tighten once again as she ran through the currents, all the while his father did his best to guide them and their donkey to safety. Felix could only watch helpless as people did their best to run, some tripping over themselves while others discarded anything that could have weighed them down. Once again the atmosphere became filled with dread, the end seemed near.

But just when all hope seemed to be lost, a miracle had occurred. At a cost of course. The hero known as Pedro Madrigal had willingly walked towards the enemy, in an attempt to slow them down. Even though he had only been a young child at the time, he would never forget the sight of the horsemen cutting him down with their weapons. The man didn't even let out a cry of pain, he had accepted his fate the moment he stepped into those waters. Tears had welled up in his eyes as he watched the man's body fall into the currents, his blood accented the hues with its own color. The people had let out a series of cries and gasps as they bore witness to the seen before them. But none of their reactions could ever compare to the one that belong to Alma Madrigal.

Never in his life had he heard such a horrifying yet heartbreaking sound, it was something that remained true even to this day. Her shriek of anguish as she reached for her fallen spouse, all the while doing her best to hold onto her babies, would forever haunt his nightmares. The poor woman had lost the love of her life within a matter of seconds, before they had the chance to start the new chapter of their lives together. Her sorrow consumed her as she fell to her knees and continued her cries.

And that's when it happened.

The candle that had been guiding them through the darkness became something entirely new. A bright light surrounded it, emitting a special kind of warmth no one had ever felt before. The flame seemed to glow stronger as a wave of magic poured from its new body. This power had been enough to push away the evil and secured their new home. Félix would never forget the feeling of salvation that washed over him as the Encanto's boundaries were crafted, and with it, a place he would one day inhabit as a member of the Madrigal clan. The Casita.

Such an event marked the beginning of new chapter for all of them. The older generations tended to remember the day with more clarity, but despite that fact, it still left a mark on him as well. Félix had a made a promise to himself when his padres and him established their new home within the confines of the Encanto. He promised that he would never allow such tragedies to befall them again, he refused to feel as helpless as he did that day. He declared that no one would ever suffer the way the Madrigal had all those years ago. He would never allow for Pedro Madrigal's sacrifice to be in vain. And yet, such promises didn't seem to matter anymore, not when they had experienced yet another series of losses. Only this time more people were affected than before. Everything they had ever worked for, and everything that they were, was gone now.

Which led them here, it was why he was currently tearing himself apart at the moment. He was breaking into a sweat while his voice grew raspier with each call. Then there was the state of his body, he lost track of many cuts and bruises he owned after all this. Not to mention the new accessories he now possessed. His hair seemed to be decorated with an assortment of leaves and sticks as mud adorned his shoes and pants. At any other moment this would have been hilarious, but now it was just inconvenient. He had always considered himself to be a lover of nature, someone who didn't mind getting down and dirty when it was necessary, but this was something entirely new. Plus, he normally wasn't under this amount of pressure.

But it was at that very thought he placed a palm over his face as he let out a deep sigh. He had to think about that more carefully, because a part of him knew that statement wasn't entirely true. If there was one important thing he learned because of his marriage into the Madrigal family, it's that burden came with the name. For all of their blessings, there had been a fair share of conflicts and mishaps that stemmed from them as well. And it was something he truly comprehend until he met her. He would never forget the day he finally became acquainted with the middle Madrigal daughter. He was more familiar with her siblings, for they always seemed to be located at specific areas of the community, but she was different. Her duties were scattered all around the Encanto, she wasn't settled to one area like her sister and brother. Every now and again he would visit Julieta at her food stand, or run into Bruno as he was seemingly doing his best to escape the growing crowd. But Pepa was something of an enigma. You knew she was there because of the fruits of her labors were displayed for all to see, and yet she was never where you thought she would be. Her schedule was fixed and yet constantly changing based on whoever needed her and her gift.

But despite that fact, Félix had his fair share of encounters with her, even if she never realized it at the time. Even as a child, he knew that she was different compared to her siblings. Unlike them, her gift wasn't as straight forward as theirs. There seemed to be a lot of experimentation involved with her magical talent. Julieta could cook or bake anything and result would still be the same as long she willed it. Even food that she had accidently burned or undercooked would still heal people. Granted it wasn't the best of outcomes, but it still got the job done. As for Bruno, all he needed was a wide open space with the proper conduits and he was fine. His visions weren't influenced by the environment or whoever bore witness to them. Instead, they were specifically tailored for the individual who requested it. Nothing else needed to be done.

And then there was Pepa, someone whose gift was more reliant on her rather than on who needed her ability. If someone wanted her to water the fields, that didn't mean she could do it just because they said so. Rather, she needed a way to make herself conduct those rainfalls. But that lead to the most important question: how did she make herself feel the emotions that set the proper conditions for the weather? That was something he could only guess as he caught glimpses of her performing her duties to their home. And what he saw both intrigued yet disheartened him. He would watch as the child literally forced herself to experience every single emotion within the span of minutes just so the people would be satisfied.

She would whisper things that would make her feel sad like how she got her new dress wet too quickly, or how that book she had invested so much time into ended. Rain had been the result of such efforts, just enough water to nourish the crops. But too much could become a problem, so she had to think of something that made her happy like how Julieta had cooked her favorite meal for her that morning or how Bruno had allowed for her to play dress up with him. The sun had risen and granted the plant life the energy they needed to thrive. However, she needed remind herself that a lot of sun could do more harm than good, so she had switch it up again. Wind was needed to set a strong foundation for the growing seedlings. And so, she made herself a nervous wreck as she contemplated a time where her mother had disapproved of her actions, and made her promise to do better. She spoke about how she wasn't enough to strengthen their home. Such thoughts gave birth to gusts of wind that assisted the crops with their growth. This was a routine she would repeat time and time again, how could someone have such control over their emotions and yet still not be in control?

All in all, Félix had seen enough that day to realize that people took Pepa Madrigal for granted. They either didn't see what she went through, or they just didn't truly understand how difficult it could be to master such a gift. But without a doubt Pepa was doing her best, and she did for the sake of their home. He saw her in a new light, and learned to appreciate both her actions and her. To him, she was probably the strongest out of her siblings. She was always trying to find a way to keep it all together even when faced with constant demands and requests. That was her burden, something she would later confess to him when they started their courtship. He confirmed her admission, yet admitted that it was something that made him fall in love with her over and over again. Everything about Pepa captivated him, both the good and the bad. He had come to appreciate and love her for her rather than what she could provide.

Now if only everyone else could see what he saw whenever he gazed upon the Madrigals. To him, they were the picture of a blessed family that came at a cost, a series of sacrifices that had to be given in order to maintain peace. Through his wife had come to see how an empathic talent didn't allow for her to express herself as freely as she would have liked. Too much or too little emotion could possibly do unintentional damage. And it also because of her than he viewed his in-laws differently too. Because if she had such burdens, then what was stopping them from having their share of it too?

Julieta was always out to be the responsible one, the person who had to keep everything and everyone grounded. She was pretty much another parent to not just her siblings but to the Encanto as well. Every single morning she had to get an early start just to ensure that she had enough food for the day. When she received her gift, she had to focus her efforts on providing healthy yet delicious meal for her family three times a day: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. On top of that, she had to serve enough good for those who were in need of healing within her community. And her duties didn't just stop there either, Julieta was also in charge of providing catering to special events such as weddings, quinceañeras, birthdays, baby showers, and whatever else the community had planned. He recalled his sister-in-law silently dreading those days, for she had to produce thrice as much food for those days. Enough for her family, the Encanto, and the event. Overall, it was no wonder the woman seemed to have more defined gray hairs compared to her siblings.

Which is why he was more than grateful for his brother-in-law Agustín. The two men shared a bond that stemmed from their status as a Madrigal spouse, someone who had to further the line while providing support to those born within it. The younger man, although clumsy and accident prone, provided a good outlet for Julieta. He balanced her out, and always seemed to find ways to brighten up her day. It was obvious his mother-in-law disapproved of him, for she just couldn't understand why her perfect daughter would choose such an imperfect man. That's where Agustin's burdens stemmed from, much like everyone else, he was trying to live up the example the Madrigals set. He always tried to prove himself to their mother-in-law, even after all these years. He wanted to show her that his wife hadn't made a mistake in choosing him to be her spouse. He found ways to contribute to their community through various chores, much like him, but the end results could be mixed depending on the circumstances he found himself in. What could he say, the man was more accident prone than Bruno. However, even with nature working against him, Alma couldn't deny the role he played in making Julieta happy. And if a Madrigal was happy then that meant a more positive outcome for the Encanto. However, even with Agustín at her side, there was no doubt that for Julieta, it was a never-ending cooking session.

Then there was Bruno, someone who didn't like crowds and yet had a gift that attracted them. There was always a burden placed on him to fit in with everyone else, to make a vision that would please the individual, and give them hope. Instead, everyone failed to realize that just because they lived in a paradise, doesn't mean they were invincible. Bad things could happen at anytime and anyplace, isn't that something the elders should have learned from the destruction of their first home? Besides, Félix knew the kind of visions Bruno crafted, and compared to what his padres, and the first inhabitants of the Encanto went through, they were nothing. They were just simple inconveniences that honestly could have been prevented had the individual taken the proper steps to avoid them. After all, a vision's purpose was to warn people not create a self-fulfilling prophecy, but they didn't see it like that. Instead, they viewed it as a way to prevent themselves for taking responsibility for their own mistakes. For example, Señora Osma was guilty of forgetting what time she needed to feed her pet fish. In all honesty, she had always been labeled as a forgetful one even as a child. She probably wasn't best suited to care for a pet. Señor Ortiz, while attempting to go on a diet several times in the past, always ended up giving into his cravings. Working in confectionery probably wasn't the best profession for him, seeing as how some of the product ended up going to him. Whatever the case, if he was as determined and persistent as his hardworking family, maybe he would lose a few pounds. And Señor Flores just came from bad genes, the men in their family typically went bald during their youth. He had seen it happen to his father, brother, and nephew, he should have just accepted that it was a part of life and nothing to be ashamed of, there were a handful of bald men in their community. Overall, people should have learned that maybe the problem wasn't with Bruno, but with themselves.

And last, but not least, there was the woman at the head of it all… Alma Madrigal, the matriarch who dedicated every day of her life to preserving their miracle. While she remained a closed book to everyone, even her own family, there was no denying that she had her fair share of burdens as well. Burdens that carried a heavier influence compared to the rest, because if something affected Alma, it affected all of them as well. This was a woman who watched helplessly as her birthplace went up in flames, a woman who didn't have the chance to properly heal from her labor or spoil her newborn children, a woman who had no choice but to stand by as her husband was struck down, and a woman who was granted a miracle that was supposed to be as strong as the love she held for her family and the Encanto. With all of this in mind, Félix had regarded her in a different light compared to the other Madrigal relatives, something not even his wife could claim. After all, she was only a newborn when the world came crashing down. But Félix, even though he was a mere youngling at the time, still remembered the events of that day… the important parts at least… the parts that had given birth to what they had now. Well, what they did have. And maybe that's why he hadn't done more to stop Alma when it came to her treatment of their kin. He allowed himself to become to her faults to a degree simply because he felt sorry for what she had to experience in order to gain their miracle. Plus, she was a living reminder of what could happen if they didn't protect all that they had. And the last thing Félix wanted was return to such dark times. He had come to accept that the Madrigal family had been united in their purpose to strengthen their home.

However, for all of her strengths, Félix couldn't deny that Alma was the type of person to never see burdens for what they truly were. Rather she would refer to them as "blessings" because a Madrigal was not defined by such negativity. Which was a factor in their current situation, Alma just didn't want to admit that their family had problems just like everyone else, and that maybe some of those problems stemmed from the gifts they had been given. But even with the knowledge he had acquired from his wife and in-laws, it couldn't prepare him enough for the next generation. He didn't realize how the burdens would extend like the cracks had, their ugly fingers hooking themselves into the children he had sired and the nieces he had inherited.

And speaking of nieces, one of them was missing for that very reason. The burdens became too much for her. They had caused her to crack and break… just like Casita.

"Mirabel!" he shouted.

He let out a strong cough after that exclamation, he was sure his throat would be sore when this was all over. Even for someone who had been deemed the life of the party, he wasn't used to using his voice in such a manner or for so long. But nevertheless, he was persistent, for they had come too far to turn back now. He panted a little as she strode forward, all the while making sure that his eldest child was still with him. The last thing he wanted was to lose yet another loved one at this point. But thankfully, she seemed to have no problem keeping up with him as he could always hear the familiar sounds of her docile yet quick footsteps. Which is more than he could say for her, even after everything, the poor child seemed to be convinced that she could still hear far beyond her reach. Every now and again he could catch a glimpse of her putting her hands against her ears. However, after several seconds, she would only shake her head as her shoulders slumped in defeat. Her expression was the definition of disappointment.

Félix Madrigal may have been a strong man, but not even he was immune to the sight of his family in pain. At that very thought, his mind wandered to his missing niece as he replayed the events that had led to her disappearance. He recalled the expression on her face as Alma hurled hurtful accusations towards her. He watched as a formerly proud and hopeful look slowly became despondent with every word Alma had spoken. Félix always considered himself to be an understanding person, especially concerning his mother-in-law, but even he knew when to draw the line. He knew that Alma viewed Mirabel differently compared to her other grandchildren, but to actually blame her for all the events that had transpired was absolutely inexcusable. Félix felt guilty for allowing such a heated encounter to occur, especially with someone as innocent as Mirabel. Normally he was pretty good at being outspoken when the situation called for it, but that whole interaction had left him stunned. He had no idea Alma thought so negatively of Mirabel, especially when the events she was describing weren't within her control.

Even though he had never actually seen the cracks before they became too obvious to ignore, he had an idea that had been taking shape for some time now. After all, if there was one thing he came to learn during his time in Casita, it's that the house seemed to reflect the family's status. Whenever they were in a certain state of mind, the areas would shift to suit the group's disposition. So he began to question whether or not the burdens were starting to be expressed through Casita as compensation for the family's inability to express them themselves. However, he wouldn't have the time to voice such a theory as everything occurred far too fast for him to do so.

When Bruno disappeared, he never considered the idea that it was somehow Mirabel's fault. She was only a child! Yes he was aware of the possibility that Bruno had left because of a vision that pertained to the miracle's status, but he never gave it too much mind simply because there was no solid proof. That and the fact that Alma had ordered for everyone to stay away from her missing son's room, so it's not like he had a choice in the matter. When Alma gave an order, everyone was conditioned to follow it. But then the dinner had occurred, Félix slapped his face as he recalled how disastrous that event had turned out. And he was ashamed to admit the role he played for that outcome. If Alma should have been blaming anyone for ruining Isabela's engagement it was them, his family and him had been the ones to start the domino effect not Mirabel. True she had discovered the vision, but Agustín had only been trying to protect his daughter by keeping it a secret until the time was right. However, he felt guilty knowing that he couldn't contain himself, he should have waited to tell Pepa and he most certainly shouldn't have been so obvious with his reaction. He didn't have any other reason for doing what he did other than he was afraid for what could befall his family if they weren't warned of the possible danger. When Camilo's whispered Dolores's findings into his ear, all he could focus on was the past.

The burning buildings. The petrifying screams. The color red. The bodies falling. The small moment of peace. The water's currents. The gallops of the horses. The running. The blood. The silencing scream.

That's what happened when he lost everything the first time. And the possibility of it happening again had guided his actions. When he was younger the one thing he hated about that day was that no one had warned them. No one had alerted his village to the dangers that were coming to take their legacy away from them. Everyone was forced to find out by themselves, with the signs only becoming more and more obvious until it was too late. That's why he had felt the need to warn the others, but he failed to understand the cost of such caution. He had thrown Mirabel into a bad spotlight with his choice, something he would never forgive himself for. She was his family too, so such a need to protect all that he had should have applied to her as well. And now he felt as if he understood another side of Alma. He wondered how many times she never took her actions into proper consideration. Did she truly not realize the damage her measures could cause until it was too late?

As for Luisa and Isabela, he couldn't speak about the events that had transpired between them and Mirabel for Alma to say such things, but he didn't believe the teenager would ever do anything to hurt her sisters. She looked up to them, partially worshiped them despite their obvious differences, and she always tried to live by their example. Which is why Félix just couldn't believe that they were losing their powers because of Mirabel. And most importantly, Mirabel had never shown bitterness towards her hermanas or primos to warrant such harsh allegations. She had always expressed pride over the fact that she was related to them and that they were able to serve their community. Which is why she had always done her best to show everyone that she was just as much of a Madrigal as them.

However, realizations didn't come in a timely manner. He should have done more to support his niece in the same way he had for Pepa and their children. He hadn't been there for her when he truly needed someone to be by her side. Even now he didn't blame the child for how she reacted to Alma's accusations. As far as he was concerned, she had every right to be angry at them. Félix should have known that if anyone was no stranger to burden it was her. Sometimes it was easy to forget such a fact simply because he was surrounded by more obvious burdens. She didn't experience the horrors of the outside world like Alma and him. She didn't have to be constantly producing food like Julieta. She didn't have to keep her emotions in line like Pepa. She didn't have to always be looking into the future like Bruno. She didn't have to constantly be on guard like Agustín. She didn't have to be stuck being perfect like Isabela. She didn't have to be continually hearing things like Dolores. She didn't have be strong like Luisa. She didn't have to be someone else like Camilo. And she didn't have to be worried like Antonio.

Félix slapped his face yet again, he couldn't believe he had allowed himself to become so blind to it all. He had become no better than Alma at this point. He could only imagine how Pedro Madrigal would have felt knowing that the family he gave up his life for had ended up like this. He never had the pleasure of knowing the man personally other than a few glimpses, but he knew for a fact that he would have been more than disappointed. Much like Alma, Félix had allowed himself to forget what had given them their paradise, what had made them worthy of their miracle. It wasn't their magic or their dedication to the community, but rather, it was the love they had for one another. Pedro had died for his family, Alma had devoted her life to her children… in the end it all came down to that. That's what made the miracle candle burn so brightly, and why their foundation hadn't been as stable as they believed it to be. Endless love soon became replaced with a need for perfection.

After all, could you truly say that you loved someone or something if you only adored bits and pieces of them? The answer was no, you couldn't.

Such a lesson was literally the structure of his relationship with Pepa. He had fallen in love with her by witnessing her experience both the good and the bad. If he said he only favored her sunny and rainbow dispositions, then he would be denying all that she was. It would be no different than telling her that she was only beautiful when she smiled or that she was only fun to be around when clear skies hovered above her. Pepa wasn't the embodiment of eternal happiness and stability, as much as Alma would prefer her to be, and that was perfectly fine with him. True and unconditional love, like Pedro's, meant standing by the people you adore through better or worse. And sometimes it took the bad events for you to experience the good ones.

Maybe that's what this journey represented. Maybe everything had to happen the way it did in order for them to see the light once again. When Pedro Madrigal died, something broke inside Alma, something that never been tended to. As a result, she was forced to live through the pain of possessing a wound that hadn't healed properly. And sometimes the only way to remedy an injury was to reset it, to break what had already been broken, and to cut away more than what had been taken. Pedro had been the one to start such a tradition and it had been Mirabel who had taken his place. She would inherit her grandfather's burden, she would act as a catalyst for the good that was about to come. Félix didn't know how or what would happen when they found her, but he was sure that she would mark the beginning of a new chapter for them all.

"Mirabel," he whispered. "You are our miracle. You will be our light in this darkness."

With that, he wiped the sweat from his brow and continued to trudge forward, now all the more determined to find the missing piece of their familia. He refused for this to be the end of their story. He would stop at nothing until Mirabel was by in the arms of their loved ones. Only this time, he made a promise to himself like he had all those years before, he wouldn't allow for her to disappear just like Pedro had. They would bring her back and they would strengthen their home the right way… the way it should have been.

However, before he could repeat his call for his missing sobrina, something else garnered his attention. The familiar sound of his daughter's squeak. He turned around just in time to bear witness to Dolores fumble, her foot getting caught on a hefty root. He was more than quick to react as he grabbed ahold of her hand before placing his own against her back. The young woman had clearly been caught off guard as the father of three could practically feel the hectic vibrations of her beat. Her body swayed a little, but he never loosened his grip, as she did her best to find her balance. Félix maneuvered her away from the protruding root and scanned the area for a place to rest. He refused to keep going when there was a possibility than his child could be injured. Thankfully, fortune seemed to be shining on them as he managed to locate several pieces of smooth rock at the side of some brush. Without anything needing to be said between them, the father ushered his daughter to the quiet area. She didn't put up a fight as she was gently placed onto the makeshift seat. As soon as she was settled the man took the liberty of inspecting her foot. He carefully rotated it from side to side, while his fingers cautiously prodded the skin. He let out a sigh of relief as there was no sign of obvious trauma, just a small scuff mark.

"That was quite the ride huh mija?" he questioned, his tone clearly trying to lighten the mood.

Even in the toughest of times, Félix couldn't help but attempt to insert some positivity into the situation. It was something his padres had done their best to instill into him when they acquired their new home. He had always appreciated the efforts they took to ensure he held onto the innocence and wonderment of childhood. They claimed that it would help him get through life's worst moments. When he became a parent himself, he tried to carry on that legacy with his own children. He taught them the importance of smiling and how the littlest of laughs can give birth to magic itself. It was something he recalled Mirabel accomplishing upon the day of her birth, for she had been the first baby to ever perform both tasks within the span of minutes after her arrival into the world.

However, he had been more than disheartened with the outcome. Instead of cracking a small smile and crafting a contagious giggle like she always did whenever he did his best to humor her, Dolores just remained still. Her gaze was fixed on nothing, and Félix noticed how her eyes seemed to be clouded as they no longer held the shine that made them so endearing. Her expression was dull, something that didn't match his eldest at all. Even though she was well-known for her quiet nature, she was by no means emotionless. What she didn't speak, she often told through her expressions. She claimed it was something she learned through her gift.

Dolores seemed to have learned a lot of things because of her gift, things that didn't just apply to simple gossip and delivering messages. When you spend so much time being the observer, you realize that people communicate using more than just their words. Their bodies had the ability to act as conduits for the things they just couldn't give life to through their voices. If anything her parents had been the first to unknowingly introduce such a lesson, even before she acquired her gift. She would watch as her mother went through various emotions a day. And even though she would claim that she might have been feeling a certain way, the weather hovering above her head would prove otherwise. Wide eyes would indicate that something was on her mind, pouty lips meant that she was annoyed or frustrated, a sway in her movements would mean that she was happy, and if her hands were ever running along her braid, you better look out. Then there was her father, a man who proved that expressions and body language could really influence those around them. Whenever her father entered the room, people just couldn't help but bask in the invisible glow that emitted from him. His presence was contagious and never failed to make everyone's day. It certainly worked for her mother and grandmother.

They may have been the first teachers, but the main one would introduce itself on the day of her fifth birthday. Doors had been opened for her that day, both in a literal and metaphorical sense. Long before her birth everyone's wishes for the second generation were obvious, it was their hope that the magical blessings would grow like a mighty tree. Her grandfather had planted the seed, while her grandmother had formed the roots and trunk, and their children had formed the beginning of the branches. With the aid of the men who married into the family, those branches had been given the chance to spread. And now it was up to her older prima, Isabela, and her to live up to such expectations. For they acted as the beginning of a new set of branches, the start of the next chapter.

Isabela had been the first to perform their magical ritual, all the while Dolores and her primita, Luisa, stood at the sidelines. They watched as the eldest Madrigal grandchild was greeted warmly by their grandmother, she would never forget the look of pure adoration and love on the woman's face as Isabela touched that candle. It was an expression every Madrigal child would do their best to earn for themselves, with some succeeding more than others. Isabela's future and status as the golden child was forever cemented that day, both on her door and in the eyes of their community. But most importantly, in the eyes of their grandmother. Dolores only had one wish that day, she hoped that she too would be on the receiving end of such a look when it came time for her to have her gift ceremony. For that expression spoke louder than any words.

Sure enough, several weeks later, it was her turn. A white dress with golden accents had been tailored for her that day, with a matching bow and a pair of shoes to top it all off. The outfit differed vastly from Isabela's, for no ceremony attire would never be the same, much like the children in their family. That day was probably the last time Dolores felt so special, it was a moment where she was the center of attention in the eyes of her community and her relatives. All of the focus would be on her for a change, rather than on the favored child. Yes it sounded a little selfish, but when you constantly lived in the shadow of another, you'll take any moment you can get where the roles are reversed. Everyone was more than eager to discover what kind of magical talent awaited her, and they wondered what kind of duty she would be assigned. How would Dolores Madrigal strengthen their home?

She would never forget that moment where the lights shined upon her as she made her way to the door that had been crafted just for her. Its glow swirled with a beautiful golden hue, and a warmth unlike any other emitted from it. Soon it would hold her name and destiny. Her eyes made their way to the miracle candle, her eyes wandered to her Abuela's, and her heart skipped a beat once she realized that the expression she had yearned for was being directed towards her. Nothing could ever compared to what she felt in that moment, at least that's what she believed at the time. Once she confirmed her vows for their home, she walked towards her future. With baited breath, the small hand gently touched the surface of the doorknob engraved with her first initial. As soon as she did so, a new life was given to it. Within seconds her image appeared onto the golden surface along with her name and her gift. And it was soon revealed what it was the moment the words starting pouring into her ears. Whispers suddenly became more apparent as sounds were highlighted, the whole world seemed to be bouncing between her ears.

It hurt! Turn it down! Everyone please just turn it down!

That had been her initial reaction, much to the confusion of everyone. Her body became a little weak as her hands worked their way to block the noises. She let out a few small whimpers as she backed away from the door. Thankfully, her parents had been more than quick to react to her sudden distress as Félix took her into his arms as Pepa ran a hand along her back. They did their best to soothe their daughter as Alma directed her attention to the door, clearly wondering what could have possessed the child to react in such a manner. Her hands glided across the golden surface as her eyes scanned the details. That was when she realized what had occurred. After several minutes, the matriarch turned her focus back to the crowd, including her second granddaughter. She guessed that the child must have been given enhanced hearing as her gift, which is why she was more than overwhelmed at the moment. However, she quickly asked for everyone to settle down and be silent, so that they could confirm the suspicion. Everyone followed Alma's orders as the old woman made her way to the child. She leaned forward and took her face into her palms.

Alma, with a gentle and quiet tone, asked for Dolores to settle down and focus on nothing else other than her. Dolores, being just as confused as before, merely nodded her head. She didn't want to disappoint her beloved grandmother, for everyone worked to make her proud. The Madrigal matriarch silenced her daughter and son-in-law as they tried to expressed their concerns for their child. Instead, she took Dolores's hands into her own as she motioned for the child to follow her. Dolores did as she was told, but not without some obvious hesitation. Thankfully though her order seemed to have worked to a degree, for no one spoke, but Dolores could still hear the sounds that surrounded them. Try as she might but not even Abuela could do anything about that. However, she chose to focus her attention onto her grandmother as she was lead back to her door. Alma asked for her to open it, so that her gift could be confirmed.

Dolores Madrigal, the ever so dutiful child, followed her instructions as she allowed herself to see what lied behind that magical door. Despite the shock she experienced earlier, she couldn't help but be captivated by the magic slowly crafting a room best suited for her. Immediately, she was met by a series of gentle sounds. Soft rain, soothing rivers, cheerful birds, fire crackling, crickets chirping, and the tender strings of an assortment of instruments played all around her. A calming atmosphere awaited her, she could feel it, but more importantly, she could hear it. And so, her curiosity guided her into her new room, with everyone else slowly making their way inside as well. Dolores and everyone stood in awe as they were shown the latest addition to Casita. A large room adorned with wooden floors, surrounded by an assortment of colors that seemed to paint a scenery that belonged to nature itself, with areas decorated with gentle waterfalls and calming plants, and an assortment of beautifully lit candles greeted her. Terraces were spotted all over the place, their structure created from the very same wood that formed her floors, and a variety of pillows were settled onto their surfaces, creating comfy seats for all to enjoy. And in the middle of it all was a chamber dedicated to Dolores's needs, including a bed, several pieces of furniture, and an assortment of stringed instruments. Dolores couldn't help but let out several squeaks of excitement when she saw what was now in her possession, there was nothing she loved more than the sounds those musical objects created. Along the bed were curtains that resembled wind chimes, their elegant tunes welcomed her with different lullabies. Even the furniture itself seemed to possess sound wave motifs, something that would also adorn her person when her new outfit would be prepared. However, the one thing she would come to love the most about her room was that it was completely soundproof. When she was inside its welcoming boundaries, she couldn't hear the outside world and whoever was in there with her sounded normal, not amplified like they would be on the other side.

It was confirmed, that day Dolores Madrigal had been gifted with enhanced hearing. And that day would also define what her duty to the Encanto would be. Abuela Alma had declared that she would strengthen their home by acting as its most important messenger. She would give a voice to their people. Her grandmother's eyes beamed with such pride once she announced that, clearly more than pleased with the outcome of her ceremony. It all sounded like a dream, one where she could finally shine as brightly as the one who came before her. She had finally joined their magical constellation.

In the beginning it was nothing more than letting her relatives know when and where they were wanted. Her mother's gift was needed at several fields, Luisa had to assist with rounding up the donkeys, Tío Bruno must use his gift to craft a vision for so and so's birthday, and someone wanted to speak with her grandmother concerning the plans to build a house for a newly married couple. But it later evolved into something entirely new. After all, she could hear everything and anything, and as a result, she seemed to know everything about everything. After she acquired her gift, she started to become more knowledge about the people who inhabited her home. For example, the civilians often came to her for questions concerning their loved ones. Whether it was trying to decide what kind of present would be best for a special occasion or wanting to know if their plans interfered with anyone's schedule, she was more than happy to answer them. And then there came the more interesting cases, like when a child wandered too far away from the adults or when an elderly person fell and there was no one else around to help them, she was on the case. However, if she had to choose what aspect of her gift thrilled her the most it's that she was always up to date with the gossip that surrounded her community.

Yes, call her chismosa, but for as long as she could remember, she had always been the source of gossip in her family. But back then it was nothing more than child's play, things that the adults knew more about compared to her. The grown-ups would merely humor her as the children looked at her in awe, clearly impressed with her knowledge. However, after she acquired her gift, the roles were now switched. Now she was the one who knew more than both the children and the grown-ups. Like how Señora Guzmán seemed to consider Abuela Alma as her rival, or how Señor Ortiz always had a piece of cake as a side dish for breakfast, or how Tío Bruno had named all of his pet rats and had them perform dramatic stage plays. Things like this would never fail to get a chuckle out of her, she couldn't deny that they had brought some joy to her. When moments like this happened, sometimes it was easy to forget about the secrets she forced herself to hide.

There were times where she was at her final straw, moments where she silently declared that her power was hardly a blessing at all. Heeding to everybody's call, was there a line that she could draw?

After all, she didn't seem to possess the ability to block out what entered her ears. As stated before, she came to learn a lot about the community, perhaps even more so than she would have liked. Sometimes what they had to say could be very unpleasant, especially when it concerned her family. She couldn't count the times where people would compare a Madrigal grandchild to the original number one, Isabela. No matter how hard the others worked, no one could match her. Needless to say that such sentiments made Dolores feel unworthy of their cause, and they were comments she would never express to the others in fear of hurting them. Sometimes it was better to just stay silent and bear the brunt of the world in place of others. Or how people seemed to regard her beloved Tío Bruno as nothing more than a bad omen, someone you should avoid rather than approach. Which she found to be hypocritical seeing as how it was the people who were asking for visions, not the other way around. She couldn't help but gravitate to the man because of this. She felt a certain kinship to him compared to the other adults, for their efforts to help their family went unappreciated and were often misunderstood.

And don't get her started on the things people did whenever they thought no one was looking, but she sure could hear them. They were actions that could be deemed as very questionable or at least should have been kept private. That's how she learned that girls and boys undergo certain transitions as they get older, the oh so wonderful birds and the bees talk. Dolores just caught herself blushing as she did her best to cover her ears and hide her face in shame. Second hand embarrassment was not an uncommon thing for her to experience on a day to day basis. And if it wasn't that sort of talk, there were other things that tended to make her feel awkward. Be it a person who was planning on breaking off their years long relationship, or an individual who didn't tell their loved one that they accidentally dropped their toothbrush into the toilet and put it back without rinsing it, or a child who stole a precious heirloom from their parents, it could be too much at times. Especially when it got to a point where Dolores didn't know what information people could and couldn't live without. Abuela Alma always told her that every single detail was important, and that her gift had given a voice to the smallest of matters. Which is how she gained the reputation of being the gossip both within her family and in the community, people seemed to be more careful with their words whenever they knew she was around, and even when she wasn't. She couldn't blame them for such caution, especially when she became accustomed to just blurting out whatever she had learned about an individual.

And honestly, she would come to understand how playing such a part was better than playing no part at all. She had found a way to stand out from the magical Madrigals. At least everyone knew who she was, at least they were are of what her duties entailed, and at least she could say that she had a gift. Which is more than what some people could say. Speaking of said people, her thoughts wandered to the individual who became lost in their shining constellation. And not for the typical reasons either, it was not because their gift had differed vastly from the rest or was similar in some way to the others. Rather it was because they didn't have a magical talent to call their own in the first place. Dolores's eyes closed as she contemplated how her position within the family ended up hurting someone she loved. Her primita… her Mirabel.

When a Madrigal child is conceived, a new door appears overnight, aligned with their branch of the family. The door would be blank until the time came for its occupant to take their place within its endless boundaries. But until then they were placed in the room they called the Nursery, a delicate space devoted to a child's early development. Like a seed, they would spread their roots within those green walls until it was time for them to pop out of the soil, such a milestone would occur the moment they laid their hand upon that doorknob and their destiny would be imprinted on that golden surface. And in time, they would grow into a marvelous piece dedicated to strengthening their home.

Dolores had bore witness to several ceremonies over the years, each of them yielding different results but somehow always remaining the same. And with each gift ritual, she came to believe how much less she did for the community compared to the other shining stars. Even without Isabela around, she was still in someone's shadow. Her madre had the ability to aid in the growth of livestock and ensure the weather was set at the right conditions. Tía Julieta could heal what was broken without even having to glance at a medical book. Tío Bruno was given the chance to gaze into the future and see what possible outcomes awaited an individual.

And those were just the adults, the people who set a foundation for the rest to follow. In a way she knew she could never truly live up the standards they have crafted simply because they had been doing more than her since before she was even born. But such reasoning didn't apply to her primas and hermanos. She was literally born the same year as the first miracle of her generation and yet still hadn't amounted to much compared to her. As for her other prima, Luisa, the young woman could practically hold the weight of the world on her shoulders without even breaking a sweat. Not a single day went by without someone needing her help in some way, something her grandmother was more than proud of. When her first hermano had been born she knew that Abuela Alma was looking for her to set an example for him, as she was the first born child of their branch. However, such a task was soon erased the moment Camilo mastered his gift. Their grandmother realized that the boy had inherited their father's endless charisma and charming wits. As a result, the matriarch felt as if the he was setting more of a proper example compared to her. She didn't have to say it aloud in order for Dolores to know that, her body language had been more than enough to realize that.

That gaze, the very same one that had been given to every child when they touched that candle, it was always directed towards the more obvious of the bunch. But she had only been on the receiving of it a handful of times, and it was only when Abuela came to her, not the other way around like Isabela, Luisa or Camilo. It was something that stung the second Madrigal granddaughter, but it was also something she learned to live with as well.

Then Mirabel was born, she made her grand entrance into the world on March 6th, within months of Camilo. Because of this fact, Dolores couldn't help but wonder if her new primita would fall into the shadow of her hermano just like she had. Luisa on gotten off easy since she had been the only child born within her year, which is more than she could say for the triplets, and Isabela and her. However, such doubts had been casted aside the moment she heard the hushed voices of the grown-ups, during a time where the older children had been ushered to bed after they had the chance to meet the latest addition to their family.

Dolores, being the ever so curious child, had managed to sneak away long enough to get one last peak of the new baby. Through doors and through the cracks, she saw little Mirabel being cradled in the arms of her mother as her father sat that the side. The infant had been lulled to sleep after making such an exciting introduction, thus marking the beginning of a new chapter. The baby girl's parents had expressions filled with endless love for the newborn. Tía Julieta's body told the story of a woman who just experience the hardest of labors, literally. And yet despite that obviously challenging experience, the smile on her face never wavered. Tío Agustín looked just as exhausted as her, but his behavior was the perfect example of a man who had everything he could have ever wanted. A hand was placed on Julieta's shoulder as the other was within Mirabel's tiny palm, thus showing his pride and love for both people rather than just one.

Mamá couldn't help the drizzle gently falling all around her, it matched the tears that were pouring out of her eyes at the moment. However, despite that, a large rainbow was also shining above her, with a small hint of puffy white clouds. She knew her mother well enough to know that such conditions meant that she was more than elated with the newest arrival. As for Papá, his whole being was practically an open book. She knew that he was thrilled to have another life running around their house, a new sobrina that he could spoil just like his children and other nieces. All the while he held an umbrella over his and Camilo's heads, something to keep out the rain, however light it might be. Her baby brother at the time was also asleep, his soft snores mixing with Mirabel's as his head was buried into their father's neck.

Tío Bruno was huddled in a corner of the room, his face hidden as much as possible, despite showcasing it earlier. But Dolores knew that there was a method to his madness. He was covering his face to hide the fact that he was expressing his joy to his pet rats, he quietly whispered how adorable his new niece was and how he couldn't wait to see the kind of young woman she would grow up to be. She let a small chuckle, despite his tendency to keep to himself and avoid the crowds, her uncle seemed to be an expert when it came to children. They gravitated to him, something that he just couldn't explain. Apparently all of his nieces and nephew had clung to him at one point in their lives. Isabela had always crafted flower crowns for him and his rat companions before she got her gift. Bruno even took it a step further by allowing Isabela to give him makeovers, he had been trained in such an art thanks to his sisters constantly using him as a doll when they were children. Luisa used to beg him to play with her, something that became harder to deny after she received her magical ability. Dolores lost count of the times Luisa would carry him around to join her in her endeavors. As for Camilo, the boy seemed to consider Bruno's hood as a nest. Whenever he held the baby boy, the mischievous infant always made his way into the pocket and seemed to command Bruno to lead the way with his babbles. It was a habit he wouldn't outgrow even when he gained the ability to walk. Then there was her, her uncle and her seemed to share a common interest when it came to the world of fiction. He had told her that Pepa and him used to fall asleep while reading tales filled with drama and romance when they were younger. And it was a hobby he introduced to her the day she caught him reenacting scenes with his little animal friends. She would never forget how happy he looked to see someone share a common interest with him. The case had been true for Mirabel as well. When it had been his turn to meet the infant, the little girl cooed at him as her hands traced his beard. It was obvious that the newborn loved him already, and he shared such a sentiment.

And at the head of it all was none other than the matriarch, Abuela Alma. The old woman has a contented smile on her face as she gazed lovingly at her new granddaughter. Her hands held onto one another as her stance remained tall and firm. Dolores had come to recognize such behavior over the years, and the best way she could describe it was a mother jaguar guarding her progeny. Her expression may have been the picture of adoration, but her silent mannerisms proved that she was more than ready to defend her family. The elder Madrigal may have had her faults, but in that moment, her love for her kin was obvious. And she already seemed to hold the new baby with such high regard. Such a fact would only be cemented the day she overheard Abuela Alma talking to a miracle candle. It was a habit she tended to do during the late hours of the night, when she was sure everyone was in the confines of their rooms. But Dolores couldn't resist knowing what the woman had to say to the magical object that carried their home. Besides, it was the only time she had ever heard anyone openly talk about her Abuelo Pedro. Everyone had regarded the topic as forbidden, simply because of the painful memories associated with the person. The only time it had been thoroughly discussed was the day of their gift ceremonies, and even then it was always the same story. The details never changed no matter who it was directed towards, not even Isabela could claim otherwise. With that in mind, she wanted to know more about the man who had given his life to ensure the safety of their family. Who was this hero portrayed in the tale of their miracle? Who had been the one to act as a light in their hour of darkness? Such an interest has guided her actions as she stood in the shadows and did what she did best. She waited and listened.

She looks just like you Pedro.

She couldn't believe her ears, and yet there was no mistake that it had been said. Upon further investigation, she learned that Alma considered Mirabel to be the child that resembled her late husband the most. This was a fact that had surprised her to say the least, seeing as how several other relatives seemed to possess traits that matched Pedro's. Bruno was practically his spitting image just with longer hair. Julieta had her father's eye color and structure. Even her little brother's nose was identical to his. But apparently all of that failed to match with what she saw in Mirabel? The child had just been born and yet she was already making her mark on the family, she wasn't sure that even Isabela could make such a claim. It seemed that yet another child was destined to outshine her, and they hadn't even received a gift yet. Dolores could only imagine what fate had in store for the grandchild who appeared to capture Pedro's likeness in precise detail.

None of them could have possibly been prepared for what was going to happen during Mirabel's gift ceremony. All this time Dolores had believed that the little girl would find a way to shine as brightly as the door that awaited her. She recalled the look on Abuela's face the moment the child's hands touched the candle's surface. The deep pride she expressed as Mirabel agreed with the vows that had been passed onto her. Everything was all coming together… until something happened. Something truly heartbreaking. The shock and horror she felt as she watched that shine slowly fade into oblivion the moment Mirabel touched its handle was indescribable. But all of that paled in comparison to what she saw when she gazed upon their grandmother. Dolores couldn't recall a time where the Madrigal matriarch looked so uncertain than she did in that moment. For once, the half she had worked hard to keep hidden all these years became apparent. The second eldest granddaughter saw a vulnerable side to her grandmother. Something she didn't think was possible, and yet she had noticed the smallest of signs pointing to such a fact long before that event. She just didn't want to admit that it could be true… because if Abuela was vulnerable, didn't that apply to them too? However, her attention soon turned to Mirabel. Her heart ached as she watched her expression become filled with the same uncertainty that plagued their grandmother. But unlike Alma, there was also a hint of desperation on that small face. Desperation that stemmed from wanting to know if the Madrigal family would still love her even if she didn't get a gift or a room. And Abuela just couldn't provide an answer, because she didn't seem to understand how communication could also be silent.

Before Dolores had a chance to answer her primita's quiet inquiry, that's when the waves of confused whispers and terrified tones flooded her senses. The atmosphere had shifted as the celebration came to an end as the air became intense. Everything was heavy, the world had become unbalanced, and at the center of it all was Mirabel. Suddenly, she found it hard to breath, it was difficult to get a word out as she did her best to block out the negativity. Her body shook as the vibrations kept hitting her like an endless sea of rocks, each leaving a mental scar as she worked her way through the crowd. And within the deep depths of bewilderment, Dolores could have sworn that she heard the faint sound of a crack.

Everything is way too loud, the roar of whispers in every crowd. She was so sick of all the noise right now… can someone please just turn it down?

She wouldn't have time to dwell on such an observation as she made her way to her room, eager to turn everything down. She hid within the safe haven that was her room, a world out of reach from all the noises. Once everything had been rendered mute by her door and its invisible boundaries, she allowed herself to let it all go. A string of squeaks escaped her lips as the tears flowed down her face, staining her blouse and skirt in the process. Her hands ran through her hair, creating a disheveled picture filled with anguish. In that moment appearances and the standards of perfection didn't matter anymore. Instead, Dolores chose to mourn for what had been lost, something she wasn't sure could ever be returned. And if she wanted to, Dolores wasn't sure what she could have done to help. After all, her gift was only useful as an observer and not a participant. Through doors and through the cracks, she always listened but never acted. And though she wished that she could just turn it back, the rumors were already speeding through a narrow track. She was just too weak, she was nothing like the other Madrigal grandchildren. She couldn't help her primita in the way they could. Instead, she would resign herself to stay in the shadows, something she had been used to doing for so long now. And she would have to do what she did best, she waited and listened. For once, Dolores Madrigal didn't know everything about everything. But she did learn several things during the aftermath of such travesty. Mirabel hadn't gotten a gift, so she was forced to stay in the Nursery. And while Dolores couldn't stand all the noise at times, it turns out there was something she couldn't tolerate even more… and that was the silence. The once lively atmosphere of their Casita was suddenly replaced with an ear piercing silence. That didn't match her home, and so she found herself often being away from the premises.

Which is how she became acquainted with the man of her dreams, someone who would supposedly be out of reach. Betrothed to another, as Bruno had told her all those years ago. Truthfully it was a vision she never gave any mind to simply because she was still too young to concern herself with real romance. She much preferred the courtships of literature, because at least in fiction, everything seemed to work out for the better. Most of the time, the girl got the boy, and the boy got the girl. So imagine her surprise when she heard his voice openly discussing such a topic. Mariano Guzmán, an individual she had met and interacted with a handful of times, was speaking in a manner similar to a poet. She didn't think he was capable of possessing such a trait. While she couldn't deny that he was a sweet soul, he was also a little naïve and childish as well, but in a good way. If her father was anything to go by, it was good to hold onto some of the innocence you had when you were young. It gave him a pep in his step, and allowed for him to view the world in a positive manner. And as he spoke, she could hear the familiar scratching of pen against paper, he was writing. Mariano Guzmán was a writer? And he appeared to like romance, just like her? That certainly caught her attention, she forced herself to try and focus on his voice in particular. She would come to learn more about the man who would claim her heart. Mariano had made it a habit of writing poetry every night before he went to sleep, apparently it was something that helped him get through the night without incident.

He talked very loud, but still maintained a kind and approachable demeanor. He often tended to his mother and made sure she was comfortable first before he paid any attention to himself. The woman could always state how proud she was to have such a fine gentleman for a son, especially considering that his father had passed away during his early childhood. It seemed that was the source of his strong yet considerate disposition. She also learned what his hopes for the future were, such as finding a perfect wife that he could fawn over. Someone who would love him for him, and who would never forget to express it in the way he would never forget to remind her how much he loved her. And he wanted children, little lives that he could help mold into the best of people, beings that would dote on until the end of his days. She may have exaggerated the precise number during the initial discussion of the engagement, but he still wanted more than one child. Something she just couldn't help but smile over. The man would make a wonderful husband and father, and anyone would be lucky to have the chance to be by his side. And that's how she fulfilled the prophecy given her so long ago, for it wouldn't be until later on that she discovered her Abuela's intentions concerning the young man.

But at the time, it also helped give her an idea on how she could provide Mirabel support in her time of need. With that, Dolores hurried home and got to work. She pulled out as much paper as she could and gathered all the writing utensils she could find. Inspired by Mariano's voice and her favorite works of fiction, she came to craft a piece of poetry that best suited the little girl. The child would be her muse. And even though she knew that openly discussing their deceased grandfather was forbidden, she could still hint how similar she was to the man, something their grandmother seemed hesitant to bring up for whatever reason. And so she would give life to that sentiment.

Weeks went by before she was sure she had done the best that she could, and it came at the perfect opportunity. Mirabel had started to finally come out of her room after a while, thanks in part of their relatives offering different methods of cheering her up. Now it had been her turn to soothe the child's worries, something she had wished he had been able to do in the beginning. She gently took the girl's hands into her own as she guided her to the safety of her room. They couldn't be distracted while in there, all of the noises would be blocked out, so Dolores could focus all of her attention onto her primita. Because she had to be the star of the show, and Dolores Madrigal would prove just how special she was, how differently she shined compared to the rest. Mirabel looked more than confused at first, but seemed to accept the gesture as Dolores sat her down on her bed. The second eldest Madrigal cousin then pulled out the carefully folded paper, and soon revealed its contents to the individual. For once it felt like Mirabel had been the observer while she was the participant. After all, a Madrigal's purpose was to help those around them, and to Dolores, that also applied to their family.

Through her words, Dolores gave Mirabel a voice. Abuela Alma had claimed that had been her purpose after all, to provide a voice for the littlest of matters. And what better example than Mirabel? She spoke sentences filled with passion and sincerity as she discussed how truly special the little girl was. She admired her sweet brown eyes, she adored the way her face was shaped, she fawned over the fact that she always possessed a curl that refused to be tamed, she claimed that her glasses seemed to hold all the secrets of the world, she had the desire to kiss every single freckle that had adorned her face, she savored the moments they shared together, she relished over the fact that she bore a resemblance to those who came before… and most importantly, she declared that she loved Mirabel for who she was. And the entire time she read her words aloud, Dolores's face and body spoke of the affection she held for the littlest Madrigal. Mirabel may have not been an expert in all types of languages like she was, but that didn't mean it didn't matter. Dolores wished to showcase just how important it was to her for Mirabel to believe her statements.

Needless to say that by the time her reading came to an end, Mirabel was reduced to tears. The child did her best to wipe away the small droplets and clear her glasses, but it hadn't been enough. And Dolores didn't even try to stop her from expressing how she felt in that moment. Over the years she had learned from her mother on how to keep it all in, especially when she seemed capable of holding all the information in the world. And through her father, she learned how important it was to never forget how to smile towards those who needed it the most. That's when Dolores did the one thing she did best, she gathered the little girl into her arms and listened. The youngest Madrigal grandchild continued to cry as she buried her face into the safety of Dolores's blouse, her words were incoherent at first but slowly she gave life to them as well. Mirabel and her had spent the entire day in her room just talking about everything that had happened, how it made them feel, and how they wondered what kind of destiny awaited them in the future. And while no one could provide the proper answers, that didn't stop them from talking. They would listen to one another without any judgement or interruption, all of the attention was where it needed to be. In that moment, nothing else mattered, only the bond they shared together. That's how it was meant to be, that's how it should have been.

But it wasn't.

Much like the rest of the Madrigals, Dolores would soon forget where her loyalties should have lied. She got so caught up in the moments that would pass after that day, that didn't remember that Mirabel still needed her. Because deep down, she was still that little girl who watched her future fade along with that door. She was still the child who needed to be reminded of how loved she was. The second eldest grandchild just shook her head as she contemplated the special memories that could have been made between the two had she allowed herself to defy the expectations that had been placed on her. At the end of the day, despite all that she wished, Dolores couldn't deny that a deep part of her yearned to be on the receiving end of pride and appreciation. She had desired to come out of the shadowed and be recognized for who she was rather than who she could be compared to. Perhaps that's why she had given Mirabel a hint on where she should start her journey on saving the magic. She just couldn't stand at the side while there was a possibility her home was in danger. Maybe that's why she had lied about Mariano's desire for having five children, she wanted Isabela to be aware of what she getting herself into if she chose to keep lying to herself about the matter. It wouldn't be fair to either of them if they were stuck in a loveless marriage just for the sole purpose of adding more magical blessings to their community. And both of these events had most likely influenced the way she acted during the proposal dinner. She thought that she was helping her family bit instead it only seemed to make the cracks in their foundation more obvious, and at the center of it all was Mirabel. She hadn't meant to throw her to the mercy of their relatives, she just wanted to do what she thought she could to save their family. After all, no one had taught her the other ways she could serve their community other than being the messenger.

Alas, such a role had hurt someone she loved. Dolores understood why Mirabel would think that she didn't care for her, despite that not being true. However, it's not like she gave Mirabel a reason to think otherwise, especially when there had been other occurrences that led to their estrangement. For all of her advantages when it came to communication, Dolores couldn't deny that she wasn't exactly a master of the craft either. She was aware of the steps, but not how to work them herself. Which is why she tended to just blurt things out, especially when distressed, or how she couldn't read the room at times, which is what caused her to speak so nonchalantly about some matters. Those were the reasons people choose to be wary of her despite all of the things she did for them, and maybe that's why Mirabel had every reason not to trust her. In the end Dolores thought she was doing her best for her family, but it turns out she was doing the exact opposite of that. She found it ironic how she had received what she most truly desired, but at a serious cost. The silence had returned once more, only this time, Dolores wasn't sure it would ever come to an end. Because without her gift, she couldn't find the person needed to strengthen their home… strengthen it in the way it truly mattered.

Finally, after all this time, Dolores found her voice once more and gave life to her hidden feelings for the first time.

"I wish someone would turn it up."

End scene

These past two chapters were so difficult to write, everyone wants to shine! And of course this one had to be longer than the other, despite my best attempts to lessen the work for myself. But of course I'm a glutton for punishment, so I just kept at it.

Pepa's piece was probably the most fun to write because there were so many ideas I could work with in order to explain her behaviors and actions. In the end I found myself constantly rewriting and organizing her part just so I could properly portray her positive and negative attributes. Because while Pepa is a very doting person to her family, there's no denying the struggles she has to face just so everything can be in order. To me she's an individual who, much like Isabela, wasn't allowed to experiment with her gift. And it's because of this that she wasn't able to have a healthy relationship with her emotions. As a result, her family was just as affected by her feelings as she was. And deep down she knows she messed up with Bruno and Mirabel, she ended up pushing them away simply because she couldn't handle how conflicted they made her feel. It's not an excuse, but it might help explain some of her behaviors.

As for Félix, his portion was entirely something else. The creator has confirmed that he is older than the triplets and Agustín, but he didn't specify how much older he is, so this made me play around with the idea that maybe he remembers the day of Pedro's death. And in keeping with the theme of the movie, I made him almost three years older than the triplets, while Agustín will be three years younger than them. However, it's because of this fact that he has a better appreciation for the Encanto, and by extension, the Madrigal family. It's also the reason why he's such a protective individual, he may have been a child at the time, but he's seen glimpses of the horrors of the outside world. It's also why he has such a close bond with Alma compared to Agustín, he feels like he understands her due to sharing a common past. And it's also because of this relationship that he was able to gain a better understanding of the burdens that plagued the Madrigal family. I think the man has more than proven himself to be an example of love conquering all, have you seen the efforts he goes through to defend Pepa despite knowing how she is? You can't tell me that he doesn't have unconditional love for his family.

Then we have their children. First is Dolores, oh good lord, her piece was a roller coaster. Out of all the characters I think we can agree that her gift holds the most annoyances. Say all you want about Pepa and her ability, but at least she isn't constantly overloaded with information to the degree Dolores is. I wanted to focus on that in particular while also dedicating portions describing how she sees herself in the family, how overshadowed she feels since her gift isn't very practical compared to the others. At the end of the day, Dolores was nothing more than the messenger of their community, especially since we don't see her doing anything else. However, I also wanted to expand on her gift because I think out of all the Madrigals, Dolores is the person who can read body language better than anyone else. Also, go listen to "Turn It Down" because it helped motivate me to write this portion.

Camilo, on the other hand, his portion was by far the most difficult out of all the characters. Only because we unfortunately don't see him interacting with Mirabel too much compared to the others, in fact we don't see him too much in general! That is an inexcusable crime! So I had to make do with what I had. Listening to the song "Camilo's Interlude" certainly helped me come up with ideas as to what kind of relationship I wanted them to have. In the song it's Dolores and Camilo interacting with one another, but I felt like Mirabel could have easily replaced Dolores since her love for her family is unconditional. Mirabel is the type of person who she doesn't see her relatives as the definitions of their gifts, but as they people they are. And to him, that's probably a special kind of gift. It's something this version of Camilo has taken to heart, even if they drifted apart due to their differences in their duties.

As for Antonio, our sweet little Toñito, the poor child has been through the ringer and yet I still find ways to torment him. The one thing I admire about this child, and something the creator has confirmed during a Q&A, is that Antonio doesn't view Mirabel in the same light as others. Because he was born after her ceremony, and was raised with her in the Nursery, he doesn't hold the same opinions of her as everyone else. He's probably the only person in the family who sees Mirabel for who she truly is, something I don't think her own parents or sisters were capable of. I see Antonio as a child who's more knowledgeable than people give him credit for. However, I also wanted to show his point of view with some bias. Despite seeming to be wise beyond his years, you have to remember that he's still only five years. He doesn't know the bigger picture concerning Mirabel, he only knows what he's seen personally. As a result, he can't help but blame everyone for her breakdown. Without a doubt Mirabel's words hurt him the most, but he's more than determined to get her back because that's the kind of person Antonio is. In a way, I think he's a lot like Mirabel than anyone else in their family.

The upcoming chapter will focus on our favorite rat man Bruno and Alma once more, then we'll get right back to Pedro and Mirabel! In the meantime I do plan to make some edits concerning the second and fourth chapters because I feel like there are certain things that need to be expanded on. However, please enjoy this chapter because now I need to go eat some turkey with my family.