Hi, everybody! I'm so sorry for the very long wait. College and other stuff in my life has kept me extremely busy. But, thank you so, so much for your patience! At long last, I give you the 5th chapter!

Socorro froze completely at the sight of her deceased family.

"What in heavens name were you thinking Socorro?" Imelda asked as she quickly approached her great great granddaughter.

Socorro knew she was in big trouble, so she hid herself under the blanket that covered the lower part of her body.

Mama Imelda swiftly tossed the blanket to the side, causing Socorro to cry out in fear, "Please don't hit me!"

Imelda's face immediately softened. "Oh, mija... I could never do such a thing."

With a disapproving frown, Tia Victoria went up to Mama Imelda's side and told Socorro, "But, that doesn't mean we're not angry at you."

Socorro quickly said, "But, I only wanted to see Mama Imelda!" She looked straight at Imelda who's mouth began to drop in disbelief. "So she could keep our family from..." She gazed at her family's heartbroken expressions. "Tearing apart again..."

"Mija, I know you had noble intentions, but... hasn't Miguel told you what happens when you steal from the dead?" Hector asked worriedly.

In the same nervous manner her brother expressed 15 years ago, "Maybe..."

"Not only have you took our photo off the ofrenda…" Mama Coco and Papa Hector looked at each other nervously. They knew Mama Imelda's temper was beginning to rise. "You deliberately ran away from home just like Miguel did!"

Socorro cupped her mouth with one hand as she gasped in shock. "My big brother loves this family! There's no way he ran away!"

Mama Coco sighed softly. "Mija, we need to talk."

Socorro felt rather confused, but nevertheless followed Mama Coco. Imelda put her hands on her hips and asked in suspicion, "And just where are you two going?"

Coco straightened her posture, for she knew her Mama had an intimidating presence. "Mama, with all do respect I think the last thing Socorro needs is criticism. Let me take care of this, please."

Imelda sighed in defeat. She didn't want to disappoint her daughter. "Alright Coco… but time is of the essence.

When Mama Coco and Socorro left the living room, Rosita said sadly, "I can't imagine the heartache Miguel must be feeling right now…"

Tia Victoria went on over to comfort her Aunt.

Meanwhile, inside the kitchen, Mama Coco had prepared a cup of freshly squeezed orange juice for Socorro. She asked her great grandmother, "Is it true what Mama Imelda said? You know, about Miguel…?

"Si, mija… You see, before you were born, my Mama left a no music rule that passed down through multiple generations. She only did it to avoid serious heartache when my Papa left. But, the truth is, I never lost hope that Papa Hector would come back one day."

Socorro found herself saying, "That's amazing Mama Coco…"

Coco's smile soon curved into a disappointed frown. "Unfortunately, Miguel idolized my Papa's murderer so much, that he ran away, hoping to become a musician." Socorro crossed her arms at the mention of Ernesto de la Cruz. Coco continued calmly, "Miguel was here 15 years ago Socorro. That day he learned that nothing is more important than the love for your family."

Socorro could only blink in astonishment. She said with deep remorse, "Oh, Mama Coco…. I'm… terribly sorry for all of this."

Suddenly, Papa Hector and Mama Imelda entered the kitchen.

"I hope you fully understand the consequences of running away with a family photo, mija." Imelda said softly..

Socorro nodded as she used a tissue to wipe the tears from her eyes.

TO BE CONTINUED…