Late in the afternoon, the middle school bus arrived at the stop and the students disembarked.

"Finally, the school day is over," Miguel cheered with relief as he stretched his legs.

"Too bad it had to end. I was enjoying the music class." Rosa said, holding her violin case.

"Me too. It's better now with Papa Héctor as our teacher." Miguel said, grabbing his guitar case from the bench.

"I agree. He adds a lot of fun to the class," Rosa replied. "I'm grateful we have the opportunity to get to know him."

"Yeah, it's way better than De la Cruz's."

"Totally. Do you think he'll still come to dinner tonight?"

To their surprise, they saw Héctor in the shoe shop dancing with Imelda with the curtains slightly closed. Miguel couldn't help but smile, thinking of how far they had come.


The kids continued to walk home where Abel was waiting.

"There you guys are. Abuelita's been getting antsy."

"Sorry. We had some band practices after school." Rosa said.

"That's right. I guess she's not completely used to us having music again."

"I agree."

The kids went inside and to their rooms. They began changing out of their school clothes and then started doing their homework. Just after they finished, they began doing some chores when they heard a knock on the gate. Elena came to answer it. She was surprised to see Héctor standing there with a nervous smile. Ms. Cordwain was there too, holding a pot.

"Abuelita, what a surprise." Elena smiled.

"Yeah, I thought I might come with Héctor for dinner." She said.

"Oh, yes, of course. Come on inside." She said, before leading them into the house.

Miguel and Rose took a peek. "Hey, they both came."

"I know, right."

"I just hope that everyone likes him."

Hector was nervous about making dinner with his granddaughter after so many years. Elena gave him explicit instructions on what to do.

"It might take some time for him to get used to this." Ms. Cordwain said to Elena.

Elena decided it was best if she just finished the cooking herself.

"I'll get Héctor a seat." Ms. Cordwain said.

"That's alright, mi amor. I can get it myself."

Miguel and Rosa listened in.

"You think it's going well?" Miguel whispered.

"I don't know." Rosa said.

"Should we do something?"


Dinner finally came and it was a full-on meal from their homeland. Ms. Cordwain and Héctor sat in the middle.

"Have some more." Elena said, piling extra tamales onto Héctor's plate.

"Ummm...No gracias." He said, declining. "One's enough."

"I asked if you would like more tamales." She said firmly.

"He would love some more." Imelda said.

"She does it to me too. Just go with it." Miguel advised.

"S-Sí," Héctor said, grinning.

"That's what I thought you said." Elena said, smiling.

Miguel rolled his eyes remembering that moment in his previous life. Of course, for Héctor, it was pretty awkward being with a family since the curse lifted. Especially getting to meet the members of his living family after being estranged for so long.

"So, Miguel and Rosa." Luisa said, trying and start a conversation as she poured her cup of coke. "How was music class?"

"It was great, Mama. I'm so glad Papa Héctor is our teacher now."

"I heard," Victoria said. "What did you do during your first class with him?"

"We learned to loosen up if we get nervous before a performance." Rosa explained.

"And how's the new class look?" Oscar asked.

"They're quite talented," Héctor admitted, "and show potential."

"Like what?" Enrique asked.

"Like to be great musicians one day."

"Seems cool." Abel said.

"Especially you two." Héctor gestured to Miguel and Rosa.

"Well, they did give a wonderful performance on Dia de Los Muertos." Luisa said smiling.

"They did?!" Héctor said in excitement.

"You should've seen it, mi amor." Imelda added. "It was just like when we saw them play back home."

''I wish I was there." Héctor said, eating half of his dinner.

"It's not your fault, Abuelo." Victoria said. "We were cursed. Though we did take some pictures."

"We can show you the photos after dinner if you like." Rosa suggested.

"Yes! Yes, I would love to see them!" Héctor said excitedly.

Ms. Cordwain smiled warmly at this moment. It was great to have the family back together.


After dinner, they thought about looking through some photo albums and having tres leches cake, buñuelos, and pan dulce for dessert. While Elena prepared the desserts, the rest of the family gathered in the living room.

"I can't believe I have that memory of me kissing a body pillow of Michael Jackson." Rosa said, chuckling nervously as she looked at the photo of her cursed memory.

"Ooh! Rosa's got a crush." Abel teased as Miguel made a disgusted face.

"¡Abel!" Ms. Cordwain said, hitting him with her shoe. "It's not funny!"

"Sorry, Mamá Imelda." He said, cringing.

Miguel chuckled, rolled his eyes, and found another photo relating to his cursed memories. "Hey, this is when we performed at the school talent show."

"Really?!" Héctor said, surprised. "What was your performance about?"

"I played a guitar version of 'Carmen'."

"That's my chamaco!"

Miguel smiled, flattered. He found another photo only this time, it was of him, Rosa, and Hilary alongside their friends.

Héctor smiled at the photo and then recognized one of the girls. "That's your friend from America you told me about." He pointed to Violet.

The next photo was from Halloween. Héctor loved Miguel's mariachi costume but was confused by Rosa's costume.

"Looks like you didn't meet Selena when you were dead." Miguel joked.

Ms. Cordwain shook her head. "No. We were still under the music ban."

"I secretly listened to her music during my free time during that point." Rosa said, remembering listening to Selena Quintanina's songs and singing out loud at her friend's place or sometimes putting her headphones on and listening to the radio back with the ban was active.

"What?!" Imelda and Elena both said at once.

"Ummm... nothing." Rosa said, lying. Her parents both gave her a look.

After going through a few more photos, the desserts were already done. Elena brought over a tray filled with churros, conchas, paletas, flan, tres leches cake, fresas con crema, and other desserts from their land, along with cups of coffee and hot chocolate.

Héctor was surprised at the large number of desserts. "T-that's a lot of sweets, Elena."

"Of course. This way there's enough for everyone." She explained.

"Looks like you couldn't decide which dessert the family wanted so you decided all of them?"

"This is actually normal." Victoria spoke up. "She always makes everyone's favorites."

"Well, then shall we eat?" Héctor wondered

"Sí, por favor, sírvase." Elena said, nodding.

Everyone began to dig in. It all looked so good that Miguel couldn't decide, so he a piece of each one.

Héctor took one of the buñuelos, took a bite, and got some hot chocolate. "Mmm! Elena, these are maravilloso!"

"Muchas gracias, Abuelo." Elena replied.

Héctor smiled, filled with emotion that she had called him 'Abuelo', knowing for sure that she didn't hate him anymore.

They smiled and chatted as they continued to look through old photos of each other, having a fun time. None of them wanted the night to end. They also played a little music while looking at photos. Abel and Rosa dug out their accordion and violin and joined Miguel on the guitar. Héctor began to join in, along with Imelda, who started singing. Victoria got her violin and also joined in. The rest of the family started to clap along to the music. It seems like the old days when life was so simple.


The fun went on for several more hours until it was time for Imelda and Héctor to go home.

"Aww, do you really have to go?" Miguel asked, disappointed.

"Well, It's getting late." Héctor said.

"Can't you stay here with us?"

"I don't know, chamaco. I already have a place to sleep with your mama Imelda."

"Oh. Ok."

The family tried to convince them to spend the night since they hadn't done that in years.

"We can make space for them, can we Abuelita?" Rosa asked.

Ms. Cordwain had work the next day, but after recent events, she could use some relaxation. "Taking some time off would be nice."

"But, we didn't pack any night clothes." Héctor said.

"I have an extra pair that you can borrow." Enrique offered.

"Gracias."

"I have a spare nightgown you can wear, Mama Imelda." Luisa offered.

"Muchas Gracias." Imelda said.

The family started figuring out a spot for the two to sleep. One option was the couch. Although, with two people, they weren't sure they would fit. Another idea was that Miguel and his cousins share a room so that Imelda and Héctor could have a proper room.

"Sounds good."

"Yay!" The kids cheered.

Everyone began getting ready for bed. Elena brought some extra pillows and linens for their guests. The family agreed that Imelda and Héctor would take Miguel's room for the night, so Miguel moved some of his necessities into Rosa's room. He brought his sleeping bag and set it on the floor by the bed. Miguel began setting up his room. He made his bed and made sure everything was neat.


The next morning, Miguel and his family were downstairs preparing a surprise breakfast for Imelda and Héctor while they slept. Elena was at the stove, planning to make Huevos Rancheros. Lusia was using some ingredients for chilaquiles. The kids helped make conchas and atole.

Héctor woke up with Imelda sleeping by his shoulder. He smiled, thinking about the old days back in their world. Imelda had a bit of bedhead, but he didn't mind. They began getting out of bed, getting dressed, and brushing their teeth and hair, all before going downstairs for breakfast.

As soon as they got to the kitchen, they were surprised to see a large spread of food on the table.

"Buenos dias, Papá Héctor y Mama Imelda." Miguel said, getting plates for them.

"Buenos dias, Miguel. Did you do all this?" Imelda asked.

"Well, the family made it together." Rosa said.

"Oh, that's so sweet." Héctor smiled, flattered.

"Anytime." Gloria said. "We saved you a seat."

"Gracias." Imelda and Héctor both took their seats at the head of the table.

Héctor was amazed at the various options on the table. "Wow. You guys really went all out."

"Yes, we want to make something special for you guys." Elena said.

"Well, we appreciate it, mija." Imelda smiled.

Everyone else sat down and began to pick from the breakfast spread. Elena made sure that everyone had plenty of food on their plates.

"Esto es delicioso! You all did a great job." Héctor said, tasting one of everything.

"Gracias." Elena said with a warm smile.

After breakfast was over, everyone cleared the table and put the dishes to wash. Then they began cleaning up the table. Miguel had an idea that the family could do something fun together since it was the weekend.

"What are you suggesting, mijo?" Enrique asked

"I don't know. Maybe go somewhere."

"We can go around town." Rosa suggested.

"That sounds great. How about going to the park?" Héctor recommended.

"Sounds good." Victoria said. "We might have a picnic for lunch there."

"Wonderful!" Elena said excitedly.


Later, they began getting ready to go to the park. Elena packed lunch in a basket and Luisa brought some blankets. The family got ready to go. They had to take multiple cars since they couldn't all fit into one, and soon they arrived at the park. After they were helped out of the car, the younger twins ran right for the swings. The adults started looking for a spot to set up. The kids started kicking around a soccer ball. The adult began setting up the site while Abel watched the kids.

"Come on, mijo, let's join in." Héctor suggested, heading toward the kids.

"Well, the playground is for kids." Miguel said.

"No necesariamente." Héctor said, getting onto the swings.

Miguel rolled his eyes and smirked as he got his guitar, joining in. His cousins continued playing with the soccer ball. Miguel noticed other kids in the area playing and figured he could get the twins to play with them. He made sure to remind them not to run off too far. Héctor began singing to some other kids.

Imelda couldn't help but smile as she watched them. The family began spending some time playing around and singing songs until it was lunchtime.

"Niños, time to eat!" Elena announced.

The kids stopped playing and rushed to the picnic bench for lunch. The adults started unpacking food from the basket. Luckily, they did heat some leftovers before heading out along with drinks. Everyone helped themselves to what they wanted. They then began talking about many of their memories, both cursed and real.

"I could remember the time when you met Frida Kahlo." Héctor said.

"The famous artist? You actually met her?" Luisa looked amazed.

"Yeah." Miguel nodded.

"That's amazing. What's she like?" Gloria asked, curious.

Miguel spread out all the details to his family and how he had some creative output and was told by her that he had the spirit of an artist. The formerly dead members also put in their impressions of having met Frida. Oscar and Felipe felt slightly embarrassed at it. They remembered when they all dressed up in Frida dresses. The living relatives started chuckling at the moment.

"And it was actually my idea to disguise as Frida to get Héctor's photo back." Miguel mentioned.

"The impression was quite hilarious." Victoria said.

"Yeah, but ripping off that unibrow really hurt." Miguel winced.

"Ow! Hope your face is okay." Rosa said, being more sympathetic.

"My face is okay. It was only for a minute." They all laughed at that moment.

"It's a good thing-"

"-we had no skin." The twins mentioned.


After lunch, they began taking a walk. Héctor smiled while holding Imelda's hand. Miguel smiled at them. It was strange to Elena, as she never imagined her grandparents that way.

"You'll get used to it." Victoria said with a smirk.

"It just goes against everything we believed growing up." They laughed together. "It's such a shame el pobre chico died so young." Elena still couldn't get over the fact.

Miguel started to hum a song when he noticed Mei and her family having a picnic. "I'll be right back, everyone. I'm gonna go say hi to a friend." He said before heading over.

"Oh, hi Miguel!" Mei said. "Let me guess, you're on a family picnic too, right?"

"Hola, Mei. Yeah, I wanted us to do something fun together. Coming here was my Papá Héctor's idea."

"Oh, Mr. Rivera?!" Mei said.

"Yeah, from music class."

"Well, it's good to get out of the house."

"Yeah, and a great way to spend time with family too."

"Mei, is this your friend from school?" Ming said, coming over with the dumplings she brought from home.

"Yes. Mom, this is Miguel." Mei introduced him. "We're in the same music class."

"Well, nice to meet you." Ming said. "We're having a picnic, as well."

"Nice to meet you too, Señora." Miguel smiled.

"Well, Mei told me all about you and your music." Ming said, "And I see you're with your family."

"Yeah, I've been playing most of my life. I get it from my great-great-grandfather." Miguel said, flattered. "Yeah, and I see you guys are too."

"That's cool." Mei said. "I can't believe I was much older than you in our previous lives."

"Really?" He looked surprised.

"Yeah, with me being 28 in my last life."

"Wow. So you were around Papá Héctor's age."

"Yeah, plus Vivian had always talked about you and your love of music."

"Thanks. It kinda runs in my family."

"Same with my panda."

"But for years, we lived under a music ban, so I had to play in secret."

"Mine, well, generational trauma, forced us to seal in our pandas for years."

"Wow. That must've been tough."

"MIGUEL! LET'S GET MOVING!" Enrique shouted from afar.

"Coming!" Miguel called back. "Sorry, Mei, I gotta go."

"Well, see you at school, Miguel."

"Adios, Mei. See you in music class." Miguel said before heading back to his family. He got back just as they were about to pack up the cars. After he helped them load up, they were ready to go.

"What should we do next guys?" Enrique asked the family.

While everyone tried to think of something, Héctor looked out the window and off into the distance.


They stopped at a building with people coming in and out.

"What are we doing here?" Rosa asked.

"We better check it out." Luisa suggested. The family got out of the car and entered the building.

"It's the homeless shelter and nearby the senior center." Miguel said. "I visit there sometimes, plus Abel sometimes volunteers."

"Oh, that's a great thing to do, mijo." Héctor smiled, proud.

The place was a little packed, mostly people they didn't know, who were probably there before the curse broke, while a few were noticeable from their past lives.

"Excuse me, do you sign in for visiting time?" Asked the woman from behind the front desk.

The family looked at each other, thinking they had heard that voice before. They then turned around to see a hefty woman wearing a pink dress with a blue jacket and a flower headband.

"Tia Rosita!" Miguel said, hugging her.

"Migueli-ti-ti-ti-ti-to!" She cried and gave him a bear hug.

"Oh, I miss your big hugs."

"Well, don't worry. I've got plenty."

The family had a big hug. Victoria and Elena were the most emotional.

"I missed you guys so much." Rosita said. "I missed so much about what's been going on in the family because I have so much work."

"It's ok, Tia. We're all together now." Victoria assured her.

"What are you doing here?" Rosita asked.

"We had lunch in the park earlier and wanted to drive around town."

"Well, you never knew about me working at two jobs." Rosita chuckled.

"We tried to look for you after the curse was broken, but didn't hear anything." Imelda explained. "We just recently got Héctor back."

"H-Héctor?!" Rosita asked them and then looked at Hector for the first time in years.

"Hola, Rosita. It's great to see you again." He said, smiling. She gave him a great big hug. Despite feeling squished, he managed to hug her back.

"Is that cousin Héctor?" One woman asked.

Héctor turned at the sound of a familiar voice and it took a moment to recognize who it was. He went inside to find two skinny women, one tall with a braided updo, one with braids, and a plump one with a messy bun, playing Lotería.

Their eyes lit up when they saw him. "Héctor!"

"Tía Chelo!"

"It's been too long!" The tall one said, hugging him. "How have you been?"

"I missed you guys too." Héctor said, hugging her back. He told her about being in a coma, waking up and reuniting with his family after the curse was broken, being kidnapped and almost sent over the town line, becoming the new music teacher, and their family fun day.

The women found it fascinating. "What an interesting life." Tia Stella, the other woman said. "Others like us had to live at not only the retirement home but the shelter as well."

"That's better than being in a coma for 28 years. But, hey, at least none of you are being forgotten."

"With no jobs." Tia Margarita, the pump one added. "But on the bright side, some of us were in town this whole time."

"Well, maybe my family and I could help you guys find jobs, and maybe even your families."

"Really?" Tía Chelo said, surprised. "But I thought some of our family forgot us."

"I think that's a great idea." Imelda came over and took his hand.

Rosita began to notice some of the elders trying to get up. "Here, let me help you." She went over to each one and held their hand as they slowly stood.

"Do you want to join us in a game?" Tía Chelo asked.

"I'd love to." Hector agreed and took a seat with the other old ladies.

They all began playing the game, as well as catching up on all the things that were happening during the curse and after breaking it. The women were shocked when they heard what Héctor had been through.

"Crazy, eh?" Hector said.

"Definitely. Thank goodness you two were rescued in time."

Just then, Rosita began to bring two elderly people out of their rooms. One was a short man with a bushy white mustache, and the other was a woman in a wheelchair. "Hey, look what I brought?" Rosita announced.

The entire family looked at the elderly couple in complete shock.

"Elena? Miguel?" The old woman asked. "Is that you?"

"Mamá! Papá!" Both Elena and Victoria said at once.

"Girls!" Julio said, coming to hug his daughters. "I missed you both so much."

A whole family gathered for a hug.

Héctor turned to his daughter and touched her cheeks, full of emotion. "Coco, mi niña preciosa. I finally get to see you in the living world." Imelda smiled warmly as she watched.

"Papá! Papá!" Coco cried with a big smile. He opened his arms and gave her the biggest hug.

The family all sat down and began catching up. Rosita, Julio, and Coco told them all about their cursed lives. They talked for hours until sundown.

Soon it was time for the residents to have dinner. The family had to go back home, but Miguel didn't want to leave yet. Héctor didn't want to leave either.

"Come on, we have to get home." Luisa said.

"But we're finally all together again." Miguel argued.

"I know, but it's going to get late and Tía Rosita had to send dinner up for the other residents." Elena said.

"Besides, we can always come back and visit again." Luisa added.

Then Rosita got an idea. "Maybe we could all live together just like we used to." She suggested.

"But, what about work?" Victoria asked. "I heard you have an apartment and Mamá and Papá have their own rooms. It's going to take time and money to move."

"Plus, I don't know if we could make room for you guys." Rosa said.

"What if you stay with us?" Héctor asked, gesturing to him and Imelda.

"Really?" Julio asked, "But how?"

"We have a guestroom that you can use."

"But we need to figure out what we're going to do about the living situation." Julio said.

"Papá, Abuelo's offering for you guys to stay with them." Victoria explained.

"Maybe that's a good idea." Rosita said. "I will move in with Victoria, and Coco and Julio will be in the guest room. Sounds good?"

Everyone agreed that it was a great idea since it meant having the family together. They all began checking out and heading back home, dropping off Héctor and Imelda first.


The next day, the family would help them move. Victoria helped out with Rosita's place. The kids helped pack boxes and the adults carried them out.

Meanwhile, at the senior center, everyone said goodbye to Julio and Coco as they were about to leave. Everyone gave their congratulations and well wishes.

Everyone was feeling excited as they got the guest rooms ready, just in time for the movers to start getting the boxes and moving to the new homes.

Soon, there was a knock on the door. Both were answered to reveal a truck and a few movers.

"This is the Hernandez residence?" One of the movers asked.

"That's our cursed name, but yes." Elena answered.

"We're here to move Rosita."

"Perfect. Come on in." Elena opened the doors to let the movers inside.

Rosita came with her car just in time. The movers began bringing her things from the truck into the house. They went to Victoria's room, as Victoria was moving all her stuff to the left side, leaving the right side for Rosita. The family also helped bring the boxes into the room. Rosita seemed to have her original personality, even during the curse, like her bedspread and her decorations. Compared to Victoria's plain-looking side, it was mostly pink with lots of flowers. Victoria had one vanity mirror for herself with some books and little makeup. She offered to share it if Rosita wanted to use it too. She agreed so long they had time limits on how they used it. Since they lived together before, it was an easy agreement.


Meanwhile, the movers helped move Coco and Julio. Héctor and Imelda also helped them settle into their new room. They made sure the room was decorated down to the last detail.

"Gracias, Mamá y Papá. It's perfect." Coco said as she added the finishing touches to her side of the room.

"Only the best for you, mijita." Héctor said with a smile, touching her shoulder. "We're glad you like it."

The Riveras had been setting up the room. They wanted to make Rosita feel right at home.

"It's great having you with us again, Tía." Victoria said.

"Yeah, I know." Rosita said, getting the finishing touches for her clothes in the organized closet separated from hers and Victoria's.

"I do love Elena's cooking, but I missed yours."

"Well, I hope my time cooking at both the shelter and senior Center finally pays off."

"I'm sure it will. You could share the workload with Elena."

"And it might be great to keep up with the orders."

Later, around sundown, Rosita found Elena in the kitchen prepping for dinner.

"Hey, I was wondering if you could take a break from cooking just for tonight." Rosita said. "I'll cook for tonight."

"Are you sure, Tia? You've had a big day with the move and all."

"I'm sure. You go rest up and I'll take over from here."

Elena thought about it for a moment. "Alright. If you insist."

"Gracias." Rosita smiled.

As Elena began setting up the table with the family, Rosita began preparing the meal of enchiladas and she thought about adding something sweet and special for dessert. Elena was glad to have her aunt around to take some of the work off of her, which meant she could have time for other things. Rosita was about to finish making dinner just in time for the family to sit down and ready to eat. Elena helped bring the food to the table and everyone began serving themselves. Miguel got the drinks. As usual, Elena made sure that his plate was full. Rosita sat next to Victoria.

"This is delicioso, Tía!" Victoria said after taking a few bites.

"And your horchata is good!" Miguel added.

"Gracias." Rosita smiled. "Well, Elena started it, I just took over."

"Yeah, we miss your touch in cooking, Tia Rosita." Rosa said, getting her drink.

"Well, now you get to enjoy it more often."

The family began eating and talking amongst each other. Miguel and Rosa talked about their music class.


Meanwhile, Héctor was seated at the table with Imelda, Coco, and Julio. He made sure Coco's food was cut up and soft enough for her to eat. Imelda smiled, remembering how he used to do that when she was little.

"Gracias, Papá." Coco said.

"My pleasure, mijita." Héctor smiled. He was even tempted to feed her as if she was still a baby.

"Hector, she's not a baby anymore." Imelda scolded.

"She'll always be my little girl, no matter how old she is." He gently touched her wrinkled hand.

She smiled and rolled her eyes and she began to eat, fondly watching the two, and thinking of what they could've had if Héctor wasn't poisoned and had returned home. They would've grown old together, he'd get to see Coco grow up, get married, and meet his granddaughters. But she knew that never happened, thanks to Ernesto's selfishness and greed. She decided not to think of what could've been and focus on the now and that the family was together again. They began to chat and eat together.

"So, are you two settling into your new room alright?" Imelda asked.

"Great!" Julio said. "It felt great to be in a bed with Coco again."

Hector nearly choked on his food. Imelda came and helped him. She gave him a sip of water and he managed to catch his breath and cleared his throat. "Gracias, mi amor."

"Anytime."

Héctor looked slightly embarrassed about the way he reacted. Then they brought out dessert after dinner was finished. Imelda brought a plate with different options to choose from. Hector got himself a churro. Coco picked flan since it didn't require much chewing. Julio took some flan as well. Imelda took a couple of conchas.


After dinner was done, Rosita began her bath time routine, but in a 15-minute wait just to let the others have their turn. Afterward, Victoria took a brief bath as well. Rosita brushed her teeth and then wrapped up her hair with a red headwrap. The kids were told to get ready for bed.

Rosita wore a pink nightgown adorned with beautiful roses. Victoria put on her blue pajamas. Rosita noticed that Victoria had a collection of books. "Looks like you're still a book nerd, even when cursed?" She said, knowing that Victoria had been a book nerd all her life.

"Sí. I even run the town library."

"I'm sorry, I didn't notice. Besides I was TOO busy to check it out."

"That's ok. Perhaps when you have some free time, you could drop by for a visit."

"Well, can I borrow one of your books to read, por favor?" Rosita asked.

"Por supuesto. Feel free to take any that interest you," Victoria said, gesturing towards the books.

Rosita started looking for a book and finally found 'One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez'. Victoria picked up the book she had on her nightstand and continued reading where she had left off. They talked about books all night.


Julio helped his wife prepare for bed and also helped her into it, trying to make her feel as comfortable as possible. Héctor came into the room and smiled when he saw her.

"Oh, hey, Papá." Coco said, "Came to say good night?"

"Yes, I am, mija. And to tuck you in."

"No, no, allow me.' Julio said.

"Oh. Well, would my little girl like to hear a lullaby or a bedtime story?"

"What about both?" Julio asked, before looking at Coco knowing she was serious "I mean, no gracias."

"Oh. I understand." Hector looked slightly disappointed. He came over and kissed Coco on the forehead. "Buenas noches, mijita."

"Buenas noches, Papá." Coco replied with a smile.

Hector smiled back as he left the room. He then went back to his and Imelda's room. "I just said goodnight to Coco."

"I noticed." Imelda said.

"It's great to have our little girl back."

"Sí. I couldn't believe that she was in town all this time."

Héctor wouldn't believe it either. "We were cursed. We couldn't have known."


The next morning, Imelda had overslept while Hector, Coco, and Julio got up. They both helped Coco out of bed and get ready for the day.


At the same time, Rosita got up before the family did and began making breakfast. Soon, the rest of the family woke up to the smell of food cooking. They got out of bed and brushed their teeth, still in their pajamas, and headed downstairs.

"Buenos días, mi familia!" Rosita greeted them as she finished setting the table. "El desayuno esta servido!"

They were seated and saw the most delicious breakfast buffet.

"Wow, Tia Rosita, this looks amazing!" Miguel said excited.

"That looks delicioso!" Rosa added.

"Gracias." Rosita smiled. "Everyone dig in." They all sat down and began to eat.

Héctor, Coco, and Julio were also seated at the table, eating breakfast. Imelda woke up and looked around. She saw the sunlight shining through the window and an empty space beside her. She smelled something and went downstairs.

"Buenos dias, mi amor." Héctor greeted her as he got up and came over and kissed her.

"Morning, Mi amor." Imelda said, doing the same.

"Morning Mamá." Coco smiled.

"Buenos dias, Mamá Imelda." Julio said.

"Buenos dias." Imelda smiled, hugging her daughter and son-in-law. She sat down as she noticed the smell of breakfast and served herself a plate. They all began to eat breakfast. "So, how did you two sleep?" Imelda asked.

"Great." Julio said. "It's been a while since we slept together as a family."

"I know, it has." Héctor agreed, glancing at Imelda with a smile. She smiled warmly as she ate her breakfast.

Coco smiled, glad to see her parents happy together.

Soon, Rosita was back at the shelter, talking to the former shantytown folks about letting them work at the music store. While some gladly accepted, others were unsure about having a job after being forgotten for so long. Luckily, they said they were willing to give it a try and then they can arrange some rooms at Ellen's.

After hearing Rosita's idea, and discussing it with her daughter, Ellen was glad to welcome the new tenants. Even though things were going well, more was yet to come, especially for the Rivera family.


/As I've said before, I love Héctor's dad mode and I couldn't resist making him act that way around Coco. The bedtime scene is based on Bedtime by Nevuela on DeviantArt