Slowly but surely, the cloud started to disappear. They started to head back to the Encanto. Another smaller cloud appeared above Pepa's head. She was feeling anxious about the state of her son. She felt she would be lucky if he even looked at her.
The sun was starting to set when they arrived. Everyone turned to the group of women. Earlier that day, Abuela finally told the citizens of the Encanto what happened. Some people were starting to chastise her like they did her brother. Most people understood that this was an accident. They knew Pepa wasn't a bad person. She would certainly never hurt one of her children on purpose.
A young teen girl approached them. She was holding a rose. "Give this to Camilo, please," she said. "I hope he gets better soon."
She handed the flower to Dolores. "Hola, Senora Madrigal," she said. She ran off.
"Someone has a crush," Luisa stated.
"Oh, I've been hearing all about it since we passed the threshold," Dolores said. "Camilo's got a lot of new admirers. A lot of girls around here seem to like guys with scars. Especially guys with a soft spot for their mothers."
"He has a scar?" Pepa asked.
"Yeah, but's he's fine," Dolores said. 'Clear skies, clear skies, clear skies,' Pepa repeated in her mind. They finally made their way back home.
"Mama," Antonio cried. He ran over to her. He through his arms around her legs. She put her hand on his back.
"Pepa," Felix called. He ran to his wife and kissed her. Pepa kissed back for a few moments before breaking the kiss. Most of the family was eating dinner outside that night. Pepa was alarmed by who was missing from the table.
The rest of the family approached them. "Who is this?" Abuela asked after greeting the returning Madrigals.
"I'm Sophia," Sophia introduced herself. "I found Pepa. I'm related to your husband. He's my great grandfather."
Pepa interred the house. She walked up the stairs. She slowly approached Camilo's door. With caution, she opened it. To her surprise, Camilo was sat up in his bed. All her motherly instincts were kicking in. Even in the darkly lit room, she could see the damage done to his face.
"Mama, you're back," Camilo said. Pepa walked over.
"Hijo, your face," Pepa said. She cupped his head in her hands. Her thumb brushed over the burns. She had done this. She pulled away immediately when she saw her boy cringe in pain. "I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry for all of this. You don't deserve this."
"Mom, I'm fine," Camilo said. "I'm fine."
