It was a bright autumnal day, about a week before the school year would begin. The breeze was crisp and sent leaves dancing and tumbling playfully in the streets, even as the sun still shone merrily. Miracle city was somewhat beautiful and a seemingly exciting place. Even the people there were seemingly compulsive. They even talk about interesting things such as the newest Broadway musical or their travels from other parts of the world.

Carlos have already adored the new place. However, he did hear horrific stories from word of mouth about children playing around on equipment supes left behind and hurting themselves. Perhaps more dreadful were the stories of children falling into old booby traps or boarded up wells left by supes. Nobody found them until months later, if they found them at all. Thankfully, nothing all that bad had really happened in the end, but that just made Carlos and the 4-year-old Consuela feel the need to be all the more vigilant.

The whole day for instance, the whole day had been the most peaceful day that the troubled boy had seen in years. The peace was welcome. Carlos was loath to admit it, but so far the day had been perfect. However, he couldn't relax. The soothing sounds of the city around his home in a late autumn night should've been enough to lull anybody into peaceful slumber.

Although, the usual sound of crickets and owls were absent tonight. There was only one sound to the silence, a very loud knock on the front door. This caused Carlos and his younger sister, Consuela, to give a startled jump to the sound. Without thinking, they both ran under the safety of the long tablecloth in the dining room and only peeked out. Their parents came downstairs to answer the front door. Who could be out this late?

They opened the door to see a man with a pitch-black sombrero and sheriff attire. He had deep golden skin, jet black hair, long mustache, and earth red eyes. The most striking trait about this man is... his eyes seem to glow in the dark. Why does his eyes glow? Why does this man have an otherworldly feel to him?

The man spoke with a welcoming smile, "¡Hola! Soy tu vecino Simón Rivera and I'm sorry I never got to introduce myself to you earlier! I was very busy with some...errands. Nonetheless, I had enough time to bake sugar cookies to welcome you here, with the help of mi híjo, Jorge!"

A chubby boy with glasses, the same age as Carlos, appeared at the door holding a big lastic cellophane treat bag. Howbeit, this boy didn't want to be here, despite the solemn face he worn. Unlike his father, he had umber-colored eyes and have a much darker feel that rang loud and clear to the siblings' young heads: danger! Best for them to steer clear of this one, for he could bring nothing but trouble for them in the future.

Bridgette was the first to accept their gift with a genuine smile.

"Thank you, Simon and your lovely son, Jorge! We appreciate your gift! I'm Bridgette Suárez and this is my husband, Mauricio", Mauricio gave a nod to acknowledge the Riveras.

"Please come in, make yourself at home!"

Just as the Riveras were about to enter, Simon's wrist watch alarm rang. He looked down at it and sighed regretfully.

"Lo siento Sr. y Sra. Suárez, but I'm afraid I can't. It's Jorge's bedtime and I have so much work to do tomorrow! Perhaps another time?"

"O-oh yes! Of course! I understand you're a very busy man Mr. Rivera, please come here anytime!" Mauricio gave an awkward laugh as he bashfully smiled.

Carlos, Consuela, and Jorge sighed in relief.

Perhaps another time does sound better, giving them enough time on how to interact with each other. Both parents bid their farewells and as the Riveras were out of sight, Mauricio closed and locked the door. Bridgette went to the kitchen, leaving Mauricio and the Suárez children alone together.

"They're gone niños, you can come out now".

Both children left out from under the table and went to hug the father.

"I thought they'd never leave", said Carlos in a Gleeful tone.

"Especially with that meanie, Mr. Rivera was with" Consuela agreed. Their father giggled.

"Aaww, what's wrong with the Riveras? They were nice!"

Carlos looked up at him with a pouty face, "I don't trust those two, mostly that boy with him", Carlos hugged his dad tighter, as if worried.

"Yea he looked evil", his sister finished.

Carlos rolled his eyes with a smirk. He shouldn't be surprised with his kids reactions to newcomers, but they can't always judge a book by it's cover. He touched down to their eye levels.

"Hey, just because they look spooky or a bunch of meanies, doesn't mean they're harmful and bad people. Mr. Rivera is nice and is harmless. His son, Jorge, might turn out to be a great guy and you might be wonderful friends with him!"

He ruffled his children's hair, this made his daughter squeal in laughter, but his son was unconvinced. Mauricio groaned tiredly, he should know his son isn't too keen on strangers, he do know what kind of people to be around.

"Míjo, I know you don't like newcomers, but you should know that if they maltreat you, tu madre y yo will always be here for you and your sister. Once we're no longer around, I want you and you sister take care of each other, can you promise me that?"

"I guess so", Carlos replied hesitantly.

"I knew you would, now let's go see what your mama is doing. I bet she's making yummy Bullabesa!"

He held both siblings gently by the hand and walked to the kitchen.

-Carlos doesn't seem to be a fan of the Riveras

-Yes, Jorge is a chubby kiddie

-Consuela is 3 years younger than Carlos

-I headcanon any living being that's not mere mortal, has glowy eyes in the dark, like how nocturnal and other predatory animals (felines and canines) eyes glow.

-the next page is very brutal, so brace yourselves.