I don't own any characters or song lyrics.

~O~O~

Dolores stood at the edge of the walkway, nervously staring at all the guests. It was time for her to walk up to her door and receive her gift. Slowly, she began, her heart thumping in her ears. After what seemed like an eternity to the five-year-old, she reached her door.

Abuela spoke the traditional words. "Will you use your gift to honor our miracle? Will you serve this community and strengthen our home?"

"Yes," Dolores said, placing her hands around the candle. She reached for her doorknob next. The door illuminated in a brilliant light as her name and picture appeared on it. She could almost hear it shine. No, that wasn't her imagination. "I can hear it shimmering," she told Abuela excitedly. "I can hear everything!"

"We have a new gift!" Abuela announced to the crowd. Everyone cheered, and Dolores covered her ears. It helped a little.

As the night wore on, Dolores grew more upset over her new gift. She was hearing everything at once: multiple conversations, the sound of people's feet as they danced, fireworks, even a random cough. It was impossible to filter through all the sounds. Her heart rate increased due to the stress, which only added to the noise. The pain, it hurt so much! Her breathing became rapid and shallow. She started to cry. "Make it stop! It's too loud!" she screamed, hurting her own ears. She pulled at her hair in frustration and collapsed in a heap on the floor.

Dolores felt strong hands pick her up. She was carried to her new room. As soon as the door closed, the cacophony of noises stopped. The hands set her gently on her bed. They were Papi's hands. He and Mami were here with her.

Pepa wiped away Dolores's tears. "What's wrong, Lola?" She kept her voice low for her daughter.

Dolores sniffled. "I could hear every sound at once. I couldn't think. It made my brain hurt."

"I know how it feels to have a power you don't always like," Pepa said. "I need to always feel happy so the sun will shine. But there is something your gift is good for. I'll sing to you."

Dolores closed her eyes and listened to Mami's soothing voice.

Soñar es desear la dicha

en el porvenir

lo que el corazón anhela

se sueña y se suele vivir.

Si amor es el bien deseado

en dulces sueños llegará,

no importa cuan difícil sea

en cuanto tú lo creas,

será realidad tu soñar

The lullaby banished all the bad memories of tonight. Dolores was nearly asleep, but she had one last reflection. Not all sounds are painful.

A/N: The song Pepa sings to Dolores is the Spanish version of A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes.