Chapter 31

31 years before Encanto


Julieta came home after working all day as town healer. She went up to her room to get changed, and didn't come back down. Bruno sat by her door, speaking softly to her until finally she opened the door and let him in.

Pepa had wanted to be the one to comfort Julieta, but instead she'd been assigned to what was, in her opinion, the worst part of the plan.

Pepa had to prepare Mamá.

"What did you want to talk to me about, mija?" Alma smiled, sitting down beside her in the front garden. Pepa took a deep breath.

Clear skies, clear skies. You can do this.

"Mamá," Pepa began, her hands fidgeting. "Why did you change your mind about Félix?"

Alma looked at her in confusion.

"When you first met him," She explained. "You wanted to send him away, but then you changed your mind." She looked up at her. "Why?"

Alma smiled. "Because I saw you, darling." She stroked her daughter's face. "How happy he made you... I want to see you happy, mija. You have such a beautiful smile, hm?"

Pepa liked hearing that. She leaned into her Mamá's hand and closed her eyes, wishing they could just stop the conversation there. She didn't want Mamá to be upset with her.

But she had to do it. For Julieta.

Pepa sighed.

"Mamá," She spoke carefully. "Why is it different for Julieta?"

"Pepa." Alma's eyes hardened as she became defensive. "Don't. We've discussed this."

"Agustin makes Julieta happy, Mamá." She pushed. "Why won't you change your mind about him, too?"

"Félix is a good man-"

"So is Agustín." Pepa insisted. "He loves her, Mamá."

"Pepa, it's not about that." Alma groaned, starting to lose her patience.

"But you said-"

"End of conversation, Pepa." Alma held up a hand, her tone final. "Things are different with your sister."

Pepa's eyes filled with hurt and confusion. Mamá had always treated them differently. Pepa took a deep breath.

"Why?" Pepa asked, afraid of the answer. "Why is it different with Julieta?"

"Pepa-"

"Why, Mamá?

"It's not-"

"Why, Mamá?"

"Because Julieta can do better!" Alma exclaimed, holding her hands up in frustration. "Ok?"

Pepa went quiet.

She'd always known deep down Julieta was better than her, but hearing Mamá say it out loud crushed Pepa.

Rain began to fall as Pepa sat very still, water running down her face. She shuddered, wishing she could just disappear.

Seeing the dark clouds over her daughter's head, Alma realised Pepa had misunderstood her.

"-Than Agustin." Alma clarified. "Julieta can do better than Agustin. That's what I meant, mija. You know that, right?"

Pepa didn't look up. She held her hair, her fingers trembling. Alma gently wiped tears from Pepa's face.

"Cariño... You are such a good girl." Alma reassured her. "That's not what I was talking about." She took a deep breath. "What I'm trying to say is Julieta's a good girl too, and she deserves more than just some... Some boy."

Pepa took a shaky breath as the rain fell heavier.

She hadn't helped at all. Mamá wasn't prepared for Agustin's visit, if anything Mamá was more defensive than ever. Pepa had just made things worse, like she always did.

Alma sighed, gently bringing her daughter in close. "Pepa, I didn't mean what you think I did. Please don't make this harder than it already is."

Pepa swallowed, leaning against her Mamá.

"He's not just some boy, Mamá." She said softly. "He's our friend."

"Pepi. Alma sighed, gesturing at the rain. "No more, ok? This conversation is just upsetting you."

Pepa closed her eyes. It was too hard. Mamá was never going to listen to her. Pepa wasn't good like Julieta. How could she convince Mamá to approve of Agustin when Mama didn't even approve of her?

"Pepa." Alma stroked her hair. "You're still raining, corazón. Here, let me help you."

"I can't." Pepa's voice broke a little. "Julieta is hurting, Mamá, and you won't even try. I don't know what else to do."

Alma put her arms around her daughter, resting her head against Pepa's. She'd never admit it, but Alma didn't know what to do either. She wanted to protect Julieta, but she could see how much this was hurting her family.

"Pepa," Félix's voice spoke up. "Are you ok?"

They both turned to see Félix and Agustin approach.

"Now's really not a good time." Alma sighed, wiping Pepa's face.

Pepa sobbed in relief. She disagreed. Now was a very good time.

She got up, rushing over to Félix and throwing her arms around him, her body shaking.

"Ay," Felix's voice was quiet with concern as he caught Pepa, holding her close. "You alright, amor?" He rubbed her back, looking into her eyes with a worried expression.

"I'm sorry, Félix." She whispered. "I couldn't do it. It was too hard." She took a shaky breath. "I ruined my part. I ruined everything."

"Hey." He smiled, kissing her face. "You didn't ruin anything." Felix whispered back, resting his head against hers. "The only thing that matters is if you're alright." He looked her in the eye. "Are you?"

Pepa took a shaky breath and nodded, hugging Félix tight. His presence was so comforting. The feel of Felix's body pressing against hers softened the pain in her chest, and the sound of his voice soothed her. Félix always made Pepa feel like she was enough.

"Hey Pepi." Agustin approached with a gentle voice, handing her a flower. "Breathe in this. It always helps me."

Pepa's face softened in gratitude. She loved flowers.

As she smelled the flower, Pepa felt her body relax. She took another deep breath, her emotions becoming calmer as her senses focused on the aroma and texture, instead of on her thoughts. It helped to ground her and get out of her head. As Pepa breathed deeply, the weather relaxed too, the rain slowing down into a sprinkle.

Alma watched in surprise.

"Wow! Look at you go, mi vida." Félix smiled, kissing her face. "I'm so proud of you."

"Pepi," Agustín grinned, putting a hand to her shoulder. "You really won't believe this."

She turned to him, then gasped as Agustín proudly held up a bowl of Ajiaco. The rain stopped.

"You didn't burn it!" Pepa couldn't help but laugh. "Or yourself!"

"Not even once." Agustín beamed, showing off his unscathed hands. "You're gonna have to improve your arepas to keep up with me now."

Pepa groaned playfully, the sun shining over them. "Did Félix do it for you?" She teased, reaching for the dish. "Hm? Let me see."

"Don't!" Agustin jumped back with a laugh, protecting the dish from her. "You're just jealous, Pepa!"

"I don't know any Botegá recipes." Felix grinned. "It was all him."

"I wanted to show Julieta I care." Agustin explained.

Alma's face softened as she saw her other daughter come out the front door.

"But I already know that." Julieta spoke up, overhearing them.

They all turned around to see Julieta and Bruno approach.

"What are you guys all doing out here?" Julieta smiled, her face lighting up as she saw the dish. "What's this food?"

"This... Might be my ninth attempt." Agustín laughed nervously, handing it to her. Julieta took it with a grateful expression.

"Ajiaco! Wow." She grinned. "That's a hard one."

Agustín glowed a little.

Julieta turned the bowl in her hands, admiring his work. "This dish marinates for eight hours." Julieta commented, taking a piece of chicken out and breaking it open to check inside. "Which I can see you've done."

She ate the chicken, then nodded in approval. "Que bueno, Agustín!" She smiled at him with proud eyes, then turned back to the dish. "But there never would've been time to practice this nine times over."

"Not today." Agustín laughed, his voice genuine. "I've been trying to learn it for a while now... I know how much you like it when my Abuela makes it. She's been teaching me."

The others turned to him in surprise. He'd never told them that.

"Hope you enjoy it." Agustín smiled at Julieta, then took a flower from his pocket, holding it out for her. "And this. It's for you."

Julieta gasped softly in gratitude as she took it. "Thank you."

"I got one too." Pepa spoke up, proudly waving her flower.

Julieta grinned. Bruno glanced hopefully at Agustín, but didn't ask.

"They told me how things have been hard for you." Agustín explained. "I want to help make it easier," He gestured to her flower and food, "And this is the only way I know how."

Julieta's eyes softened. She pulled Agustín in for a hug, resting her head against his chest. "I just love you so much."

"I love you too."

Alma slowly approached.

Agustin let go of Julieta and turned to Alma, putting on a brave face.

"Señora." He smiled, his voice a little breathless. "This is for you, well, all of you." He gestured to the pot. "And this, ah," He fumbled into his pocket, pulling out one more flower and holding it out to her, his hand shaking a little. Alma stared at it.

"It's for you." Agustin smiled nervously as Alma took the flower. "It's flor de mayo." He explained, putting his hands in his pockets. "From my garden. I, ah, wanted to apologise for, well... Everything."

Alma looked at him. Julieta could see how scared Agustín was, so she took his hand in hers.

"Mamá, please." Julieta spoke up. "Please give him a chance. You don't know what this means to me."

"What it means to all of us." Bruno added in support.

Alma sighed. She was starting to think that maybe she did. She turned to Agustin with a serious expression.

"Agustin Rojas," Alma began.

He straightened up, his hand holding tight to Julieta's. "Yes, Señora?"

"Do you have something you'd like to ask me?"

The colour drained from Agustin's face. He had practised this with Félix all day, but now the time had come, his mind went blank. He took a deep breath.

"I- well, ah... To see her, just like, ah..."

Alma watched as Agustin struggled to get his words out. Julieta squeezed his hand in encouragement, glancing at her Mamá.

"I just. I know I'm not- I ah... I really love her." Agustín took a shaky breath, looking down at the ground. He shuddered. This was one of the most important moments of his life and he couldn't do it. He was just so scared.

"Agustin!" Bruno called out breathlessly, coming back after rushing inside to get Julieta's guitar. "You gotta tell her in song, remember?"

"What?" Julieta laughed in disbelief. "Why does this all feel so dramatic and rehearsed?"

"It's Brunito." Pepa grinned. "You are surprised?"

"Go on." Bruno smiled at Agustín in encouragement, handing him the guitar.

"I can't." Agustín muttered to Bruno, his eyes wide with stress.

"You're the real gift." Bruno reminded him, pointing to Agustin's chest. "Let her hear it."

Agustin's expression softened as he turned back to Julieta. She put a hand to his cheek.

"Do you really want to do this?" She asked softly. "Or is this my brother railroading you?"

"I want to." Agustín confirmed. "I ah, wrote a song for you."

Julieta's face lit up. She liked that a lot.

"Then play it for me." She encouraged, stroking his cheek. "Pretend it's just us here, ok? You don't have to look away from me."

Alma watched as Agustin nodded, staring into Julieta's eyes as he began to play for her, his words filled with love.

She took a sharp breath. The moment the guitar started to play and she saw Julieta's loving expression, Alma was taken by surprise, her chest becoming tighter.

Alma watched them, her eyes wide and filled with pain. She didn't see Julieta and Agustín anymore. She wrapped her arms around herself as the air became hard to breathe.

"You ok, Mamá?" Pepa whispered, recognising her Mamá's reaction and rushing to her side. Pepa wrapped her arms around Alma as she leaned into Pepa, breathing in the comforting smell of her daughter's hair as she tried to remind herself where she was.

"We got you, Mama." Bruno came over too, stroking Mamá's back and kissing her hair. Alma took his hand in hers.

Alma held onto her children as she watched Agustín and Julieta. She hadn't expected to react like this. She tried focusing on her breathing as the memories took over.


19 years earlier


"Do you think they'll hear it?" Pedro grinned.

The candlelight cast a warm flickering glow across his face and reflected off his guitar.

Alma smiled, her hand over her large belly as she lay in bed, Pedro sitting over her.

"If they can hear us," She replied breathlessly, "Then tell them to hurry up. They're sitting on my bladder, and they're so heavy I can't get to the washroom."

Pedro chuckled, gently stroking Alma's hair back from her face. Alma's eyes glittered in the candlelight as she watched him.

"Want me to carry you there?" Pedro offered.

"Can you?" Alma teased, laughing softly as she gestured to her belly.

Pedro exhaled in a puff, then smiled playfully. "Maybe I need a trolley."

Alma groaned as Pedro laughed.

"But honestly," He continued, his hand stroking her face. "Do you need help?"

"No, it's not that bad." Alma sighed, leaning into his hand. "I'm just being dramatic."

"Dramatic? That doesn't sound like you." He teased, laughing as Alma tried to grab him, but didn't have the strength to sit up. He wiggled his eyebrows, knowing he was out of her reach.

"Lucky." Alma muttered. "They're all on your side, weighing me down."

Pedro kissed her forehead, then smiled. "I wrote this song for you."

"Not for them?" She grinned.

Pedro laughed endearingly. "For you, Mariposa."

Alma's expression softened. She loved when he called her that.

"I have plenty of songs waiting for them," Pedro grinned. "But they have to come out first, so they can hear them." He chuckled. "This one's for you."

Alma watched with bright eyes as Pedro began to strum the guitar, his voice warm as he sung for her.

"Dos oruguitas enamoradas, pasan sus noches y madrugadas..."


Alma's memories of the song started to blend into a montage. Pedro's singing continued as Alma saw him playing the guitar for her that night, then playing for her again as she held three babies in her arms.

"Navegando un mundo que cambia y sigue cambiando, navegando un mundo que cambia y sigue cambiando."

She remembered him playing for her when they'd first met, the two of them on the rooftop as the candles glittered through the town below.

"Ay, mariposas, no se aguanten más. Hay que crecer aparte y volver, hacia adelante seguirás."

Fire burned through their casita. Their children screamed as Alma held them close, her eyes wide with terror. Pedro put his hand to her back, leading her outside.

"What about your guitar?" She whimpered. He kissed her face.

"Only take what we can't replace." He whispered, gesturing down to the babies, then rubbed his face against hers in encouragement. "Come on, Mariposa. You're ok."

As they left the room together, Alma glanced back with a shaky breath, watching as the flames spread up the guitar and the curtains, burning everything they owned.


19 years later


Agustín finished his song, and Julieta wiped her eyes. She never wanted to forget this moment.

"Was it ok?" He whispered nervously. She laughed and nodded.

Julieta stroked Agustín's face, then took a deep breath, prepared to defend him. But when she turned to Mamá, her face softened in concern at what she saw.

Alma was crying.

Julieta rushed over, joining Bruno and Pepa as they held onto their Mamá. Julieta rested her head against hers.

"I'm here, Mamá." Julieta spoke softly. "What do you need?"

"I'm so sorry, mija." Alma whispered, looking back into Julieta's eyes. "I'm sorry for hurting you. I was just trying to protect you."

"You always protect me, Mamá." Julieta reassured her. "You protect all of us."

Pepa and Bruno leaned into their Mamá in agreement.

"We love you, Mamá." Julieta smiled. "We understand."

Alma hugged her children tight, feeling grateful to have them.

Agustín glanced at Félix, not knowing what to say.

Alma quickly wiped her eyes, feeling a little embarrassed before regaining composure again. She turned to Agustín.

As Alma stepped forward, Agustín still felt a little scared, but he also felt compassion. For the first time it felt like he understood where she was coming from. He realised that Alma was just as scared as he was, she just had a different way of showing it.

"Señora." He put on a brave face. "I promise, I'll never hurt your daughter. I love her, and I want to care for her. I want to look after her... For the rest of my life."

He glanced at Julieta, who smiled proudly at him. He smiled back, then turned to Alma, holding his breath.

Alma watched him, then glanced at her three children. They watched her hopefully.

She turned back to Agustín.

"Agustín Rojas." Alma sighed.

He watched her carefully, bracing himself. "Yes, Señora?"

Alma held out a hand.

"Welcome to La familia Madrigal." She nodded, her eyes warm. Agustin's face lit up as he took her hand in his.

Alma looked over at her children and Felix, who were all beaming with happiness.

"Come on," Alma smiled at them, holding Agustin's hand as she led him towards the casita. "Let's go inside."