Hello everyone :) Hope you enjoy this chapter!
It has been hours since Miguel and the rest of his family started searching for Socorro. It was way past midnight, but that did not stop the Rivera family from making sure Socorro returned home safely. Abuelita sadly asked the mariachi who she previously attacked years ago, "Are you sure you haven't seen our precious Socorro?"
The mariachi who was now good friends with Abuelita replied, "I'm afraid not, Elena. We should look near the river outside of town."
Miguel just happen to overhear the word river. That immediately triggered memories of when La Llorona a.k.a Maria threatened to curse Mama Imelda in Miguel's head. His tense muscles eventually loosened up for he just remembered that Maria was now a good spirit. That all happened thanks to Mama Imelda's pure loving heart.
Miguel's tears began to worsen. Despite the huge urge to sob, he prayed, "Please Mama Imelda, Papa Hector, Mama Coco, and the rest of our deceased family… Bring Socorro back to us before it's too late…"
As he finished his prayer, he looked up at the night sky. He gulped nervously. It was only a matter of time before sunrise…
Papa Hector was frantically searching the Master Bedroom he shared with Imelda for shoe polish. Earlier, he had the idea of disguising Socorro with skull makeup. Hector said to himself, "It's got to be in here somewhere."
Suddenly, Dante flew into the room to deliver the shoe polish! Hector happily petted the rainbow dog on the head. "Muchas gracias, Dante." He then paused in utter confusion. "Why did you have it?"
Dante simply smiled and wagged his tail.
Hector sighed in disbelief before running into the living room where the rest of the Riveras were taking care of overdue shoe orders. A curious Socorro peeked over Mama Imelda's shoulder. Imelda was currently hammering the heel of a boot that Mama Coco crafted.
To everyone's surprise, Hector cleared his throat loudly. Socorro rushed to Papa Hector to look at the shoe polish. She asked in awe, "So you actually painted my big brother's face with this same polish?"
Hector nodded rather sadly. He then took Socorro's hands and told her in a serious tone," Socorro… once I finish putting the rest of your makeup on, we're going straight to the Aztec Marigold celebration. With just one marigold petal, we can send you home! And don't worry, mija. That dumb trickster spirit won't be able to recognize you."
Feeling a sense of gratitude, Socorro embraced Papa Hector in a hug. "Papa Hector…? When I do return home, will Miguel be really mad at me?"
Hector simply hugged his great-great grandaughter more. He said gently, "Miguel loves you so much, Socorro that I believe anger would be the last emotion he feels."
When Miguel had memories of La Llorona, it was a reference to my Fanfiction, La Llorona.