Mirabel is discovering her penchant for denial is not the best way to deal with stuff. Camilo pays more attention than people give him credit for. Isabela is becoming impatient with her life and Bubo is a little more complicated than I previously thought. Mariano, it appears is a troublemaker at heart.

I swear they'll get the heck out of that house in the next chapter…probably.

What do you see?

Mirabel sat on a stool next to the hammock where Isabela was sleeping. Her mother asked her to keep watch and give Issa a small bottle of something she'd made in case her sister woke up with a headache. Isabela had overused her Gift, and no, she did not know when her sister might wake up. Mirabel was to remind Issa to take it easy for the next few hours. Mirabel had nodded and watched her mother head for the stairs, and Mirabel wondered where she was going. Mira actually had a few things she wanted to get started on, but reminded herself that Isabela was only like this because she'd been protecting her. If she was going to rely on her family's strengths, then she needed to be just as generous with her time.

Mirabel started to hum a song she couldn't remember all the words to, to keep herself occupied, and Casita clapped its tiles in time with her song. She thought about the meeting and was still surprised that her suggestions were taken just as seriously as anyone else. It did not hurt that Isabela would notice when she would want to say something but didn't. Her sister started gently nudging her to encourage Mirabel to just spit it out. None of the adults shushed her or made her feel she shouldn't be speaking up. She should probably stop being shocked by that. Maybe one day she would be just as confident as the front door depicted her.

Paola was a whole different problem. Bubo Márquez definitely recognized her, and it worried Mirabel that he didn't say anything about that, but readily identified the man he thought was his Tío. Of course, she didn't know how long it had been since Bubo had last seen Paola. Kids can change a lot in a few short years. Perhaps he was just unsure they were the same person, but if he did, then it was likely he knew Paola was a boy. Her bigger worry was the look of concern Bubo had as he looked at the sketch of Paola after he'd recognized his Tío. She was starting to think it was Paola and Jose's relationship that she should be nervous about. She was sure it had to be something related to Paola being a boy but wanting to be a girl. If he was of the belief that Paola seeing himself as a girl was a sin, then that was the bigger issue. There were plenty of folks in the Encanto that believed that was a mortal sin, and those that felt that way would be doomed to hell and should be excluded from the town. Mirabel personally did not see what was so terrible about it. She wished she'd asked Bubo when she had the chance, but Issa appearing had made that fall out of her head, since her sister stayed and chatted with Bubo once they got past their awkward start.

Luisa came in shortly after that to see how Issa was doing. She was no longer wearing the pants and thanked Mirabel again for taking the time to make them for her. She sat and chatted with Mirabel about the mission that was to happen later. Luisa was happy because she'd taken care of several of the tasks she'd scheduled for today and did not feel fatigued at all. She stayed for a little longer before she went to the kitchen to help Tío Félix with supper.

Mirabel returned to her humming, and Camilo wandered down from upstairs. He'd stopped randomly shifting after the meeting, so put all that down to nerves. He was holding a half-eaten Pitaya, and they talked about his new job at the school. The teacher he would eventually replace was the literature teacher, Señor Hernández. It was Camilo's favorite subject when they were still in school. Mirabel knew he once had a secret pile of stories in his room. She wondered if they'd survived the breaking. Mirabel shuddered, she had to stop thinking about that, had to stop remembering.

Camilo had stopped talking and had put a sticky hand on hers and said, "Mira? Mirabel, you in there?"

"Huh?" Mirabel jumped and realized her hands were knotted up in her lap. She forced them apart and placed them flat on her knees. "Oh, sorry, just got lost for a minute."

"More like ten," Camilo said and pulled up another stool.

"It was not ten minutes, don't exaggerate."

"I wish I were," He sounded serious and then tossed the remainder of the pitaya in the direction of a small wastebasket, and Casita bounced it, so the fruit would land inside and not on its tiles. "What's going on in that fluffy head of yours?"

"Nothing," Mirabel said in an attempt to change the subject.

"Nothing certainly explains you completely blanking out in the middle of a conversation."

"I did, didn't I," Mirabel said.

"Yup, so what were you thinking about."

"Your box of stories."

"Really?"

"I was wondering if they survived the breaking and..."

"And what?"

"And nothing, next thing I knew you were asking if I was in here," she said, pointing to herself. "I'm not actually sure I was."

"Well, that sounds, a little different. And about the box, it did not. However, there was another box under my bed that you should probably see. You'll get a kick out of that, for sure."

"Oh, what was it?"

"Nope, you'll have to come see it for yourself," and he added, "when you come up to help me study tomorrow night. You know, assuming the 'people on the mountain thing' goes well. "

"I'd like that," Mirabel said and smiled because this was something Camilo really wanted to do, and she was glad he wanted her to be a part of it.

He left and Mirabel went back to her humming and after about another half hour, Isabela finally woke up and yawned. From the way she rubbed her temples when she sat up, she did indeed have a headache. Isabela looked around and groaned, realizing where she was. She moved to smooth her hair, and something fell out of the hammock. Mirabel picked it up and Isabela noticed her then.

"You okay, Issa?" Mirabel asked as she handed her sister the bottle. After she explained it was from their mother, Issa popped the stopper of the bottle and drank every drop. Issa sighed and Mirabel handed her the half smushed flower and Isabela looked at it and smiled. She threw off the blanket and Mirabel caught it, then Issa got out of the hammock. She turned the flower in her fingers, and it perked up and looked almost brand new.

"You did pretty well at that meeting, Mirabel," Isabella said, stretching.

"Thanks, but that was only because you were there to help me."

"Give yourself a break, hermanita, you'll get the hang of it. You just have to remember you're supposed to be there," Isabela said as she ran a finger along the stem of the flower. She turned to Mirabel and asked, "What time is it?"

"About five o'clock," Mirabel replied.

"Wow, three hours… Have you been sitting here the whole time?"

"Yeah, Mamá was pretty adamant I not leave until you woke up."

"Well, thanks for that, Sis," Isabela said. She was examining the flower again and asked, "Ummm, do you happen to know…" and Isabela stopped, as her brow furrowed. She looked again at the flower and let out an exasperated sound, then asked, "Do you know where Señor Márquez is living?"

Mirabel blinked and stared at her sister and asked, "I'm sorry, what?"

"Seriously, Mira, do not make me ask again," Isabela said, sounding irritated.

"Oh umm, I'm pretty sure he lives with Señor Aguilar, the fishmonger. They came together in that first group from outside."

Isabela nodded as she put the flower in her hair and said, "I'd kinda like to go talk to him," and added quickly, "You know, about insects. They are actually essential to some plants. I wonder if he knows anything about bees." Issa paused and Mirabel noticed her sister was blushing and asked Mirabel directly, "What do you think, should I go talk to him? About the bees, I mean."

"Oh yeah, yeah, you should definitely talk to him… about the bees," Mirabel replied, nodding. She wondered if she sounded that way when she would ramble sometimes. Bubo Márquez had definitely thrown Issa off enough that she was actually asking Mirabel for advice. This day had definitely gone sideways at some point after breakfast, and this was a side of her sister she didn't think existed. Mirabel had rarely ever seen Isabela nervous or unsure of anything.

"I think I will… tomorrow. Well, enough about that. I am starving. You think supper is ready?" Isabela asked and gave Mirabel's arm a tug.

They walked out into the plaza proper when the front door opened to reveal a sight Mirabel never thought could happen. Her Abuela and Abuela Valentina came in, followed by their father and Abuelo Joseph. Abuela was wearing different clothes than she had worn to the meeting, and Mirabel realized that her Abuela was a lot thinner than she had been. Mirabel looked at her sister, and Isabela had a similar look of astonishment. The women were chatting, laughing, and both were being nice to one another. They were carrying bundles and after a quick greeting the group headed toward the stairs, Mirabel assumed to go to the Tower.

Their Tío Félix came out of the kitchen just as the front door opened again. This time it was his parents, Esteffi and Juan Pedro Martinez. They were carrying covered baskets, and both looked up as Dolores greeted them from the balcony above them. When Abuela Esteffi noticed them, she handed off her basket to Félix then came over and gave them both a hug, saying, "It is good to see you up and around already, Isabela."

"Thanks, I think so too," Issa replied.

"Mirabel, you did so well today," she said, and Mirabel was so taken aback she could only manage a weak sounding "Gracias, Esteffi."

Dolores and Camilo appeared, and Esteffi gave out more hugs. When Antonio and Paola came into the courtyard with Parce, Antonio immediately ran to Esteffi as he wrapped his arms around her and shouted, "Abuela!"

His Abuela picked him up and planted a kiss on his cheek before she set him down and asked, "Toni, who is this lovely young lady with you?"

"Oh, sorry, this is Paola. Paola, come here," Antonio said, waving to her. Paola was standing behind Parce and looked very nervous at the summons, but came forward reluctantly. "She's staying with us for a bit," Antonio said as Paola came up next to him. He turned to her and said, "This is my Abuela Esteffi," then he pointed and said, "That's my Abuelo Juan Pedro, and my dad, but you met him already."

Paola nodded at each name, and Mirabel wondered what happened to Paola's flower crown. She nudged Issa and said, "Her crown is missing."

"Why, so it is," Isabela said, and waved a hand. The crown reformed, only this time with white daisies, and it settled gently on Paola's head. Paola reached up and touched the flowers. She looked up at Isabela and smiled, but it was a very nervous and uncomfortable smile. Mirabel reached out a hand and Paola took it, and she moved closer to Mirabel, once again holding firmly to her arm. Mirabel looked around and decided there were just too many people. She leaned over and said to Paola, "You wanna come with me out back?"

Paola nodded yes, so Mirabel said she'd see everyone at supper and led Paola to the back garden. Mirabel sat on the swing that Tío Félix built for her, Tía Pepa. Her Papá had made some nice cushions for it, and it was a very comfortable place to read. Paola remained standing, so Fura squeaked, and Paola's eyes drifted to the rat as she barely shook her head no.

So, she can understand Fura, Mirabel thought. That's neat. It certainly explained the rat's attachment to her. Fura squeaked again, sounding like a chiding tía and Paola gave the rat the side eye, then climbed up on the swing. They sat in silence for a bit as Mirabel gently rocked the swing. She started humming that song again, and Paola moved a little closer to her. Her behavior reminded Mirabel of Antonio in the weeks leading up to his Gift ceremony. Stressed and afraid. She'd brought him back here many times to just escape the chaos that was their family as they began the preparations for it. Paola moved closer still, and Mirabel held out her hands and Paola slid into her lap and curled up in a ball and said, "Can I tell you something?"

"Of course."

"You won't get mad at me?" Paola had her face in Mirabel's shoulder now.

"Should I be mad?" Mirabel asked, and gently moved her, so she could see her face. "You've been a perfect little lady since I met you," Mirabel replied.

Paola's brow furrowed, and she reached up with shaky hands and removed the flower crown from her hair. A tear rolled down her cheek as she looked at it before she offered it to Mirabel. Mira could see Paola was struggling with whether she should say what she wanted to say, but before she could, Mirabel took the flower crown and said, "If you're thinking what you want to tell me is something I don't know, I do."

"You do? How?"

"Secrets have a hard time surviving in my family these days. We learned the hard way that secrets lead to unwanted misunderstandings and hurt," Mirabel said and pushed the swing with her feet. Paola nodded, looking thoughtful, and Mirabel said, "you told my Mamá they named you Paola. So, how about we start over with something easy, like, your actual name?"

Paola sighed and said, "I'm not supposed to…"

"I see, well, don't take this the wrong way, but I'm guessing that you know Bubo Márquez. I noticed how you hid behind me when he was looking our way earlier. I only say this because my Tío drew some pictures of his visions. There was a child who looked a lot like you, and Bubo seemed to recognize that child. He seemed worried about that child because he also recognized another man in those sketches that he believes is his Tío José. Do you know either of them?"

"Then it was him…" Paola stopped and Fura let out an angry sounding squeak. Paola glared at the rat as Fura chittered and pulled at Paola's ear. Paola shot the rat a look and said, "Bubo is my primo and if he says the other person is my Tío José, he probably is." Paola said in a flat, defeated tone. She sat back on the seat and Fura was squeaking and tugging on her hair until Paola sighed and said all at once, "My name is Tuli… Tuli Márquez."

"Oh, that's a beautiful name. So unusual. Were you named after someone?" Mirabel asked.

"My abuela," Tuli said and opened the locket she was wearing. Mirabel looked at the small smiling face and said, "You look like her. You both have the same eyes."

"She was always kind to me."

Tuli closed the locket and said with a forlorn expression, "Never thought I'd run into someone who knew me here. I just wanted to be…" again Tuli stopped and smoothed her dress, "When I saw your sister talking to Bubo, I tried to hide, but he saw me, and he's sure to tell our Tío that I'm here. I don't want to get you or your family into trouble. You've all been so kind to me."

"Well," Mirabel said carefully, "Is there a reason you wouldn't want your Tío to know you're here?"

Tuli didn't answer, only smoothed the dress again, but eventually and reluctantly she shook her head. She was now clutching the locket with her eyes closed.

Mirabel lifted Tuli's chin and said when she opened her eyes, "I don't think it was by chance you ran into your primo here. God does work in mysterious ways to get us where we need to be."

"Primo Bubo was always nice to me and would play with me when we both lived with my Abuelos. But he went away to school, so I didn't see him anymore. He did write me letters sometimes," and she whispered, "Please, I don't want to go back. I don't want to be alone anymore."

Casita clattered some tiles, but Mirabel wasn't listening as she looked at the crown of daisies still in her hands. She could feel the magic Isabela had used to make them. That made them precious. Her sister had given a part of herself to their making, a part of herself when she was protecting her. This was something Mirabel previously had taken for granted, and Mirabel determined she would never let that ever happen again. As she thought that, the daisies perked up and seemed to sparkle like they were still in a field covered in morning dew. They weren't like that when Tuli handed them to her and Tuli, eyes wide, whispered quite seriously, "Antonio says you're magical. I think he's right."

Mirabel quirked a half smile, feeling a bit embarrassed as she shrugged and said, "While that is technically true, in the end I'm still just Mirabel Madrigal and that's all I'll ever need to be. It's okay, Tuli, if you see yourself differently than everyone else does."

"But I'm already doomed to hell. Everyone says so and I-"

"Tuli, I don't think anyone as kind as you could end up in hell. Jesus says we're all God's children, and he wants us to love each other the way he did. Unconditionally, so who am I to judge. You don't have to justify who you are to me or anyone else." And Mirabel repeated the words her mother would say to her every day when she was growing up, "You are perfect, just like this. You are just as special as anyone because you see yourself as God intended you to be. Promise you'll talk to Bubo before he goes to talk to your Tío. It might be that he can help."

Tuli nodded, but then shook her head. She pulled back and said in a sad voice, "I don't know if he can help me. I am a cursed child."

"Probably not cursed," Mirabel said, and Tuli looked up at her. "I mean, I understand why you would think that. When I didn't get a Gift, like the rest of my family, I used to believe there was something wrong with me too. The miracle that saved our family, refused me, and I thought I was not good for much of anything. When I think back on those years, I remember feeling very alone and out of place."

"I used to fight with my Tío, and Antonio said your house broke because you were fighting with your Abuela."

Mirabel thought of her primo then and said, "Yeah, I can see how Toni would see it that way. I'd kinda reached the end of my patience waiting for a miracle to happen for me. I said some things I maybe shouldn't have, or at least I should have tried to find a better way to say it. It wasn't until after our house broke that I figured out why I was wrong."

"How were you wrong?"

"Because I already had what mattered most. I just didn't see it because I was looking at the wrong thing. My family loves me and always did."

"You're so lucky, my family doesn't really like me. My Tío says he cares about me but worries because he thinks I'm odd, and I can't fit in unless I change my way of thinking about myself. I know he is trying to help me, to save me from hell, but I can't and… I don't want to," Tuli said while petting Fura, who had scampered into her lap.

Mirabel could feel the hopelessness that seemed to come at her in waves from Tuli. No one should feel that way about themselves. Especially not a child and Mirabel couldn't hold back and hugged Tuli causing Fura to squeal, and Mirabel said when she released her, "Sorry Fura. Tuli I'll do my best for you, and just so you know, even though it's been less than a day, I've grown quite fond of you, Señorita Tuli," Mirabel pulled back and set the flower crown back on Tuli's head and said, "I've always secretly wanted a hermanita."

Tuli scrunched in on herself and laughed when Mirabel tickled her. Casita again clattered its tiles and Mirabel sighed and said, "Okay, okay, we're coming. It's time to eat. We'd best get in there or Camilo and Antonio will eat everything and leave us none." Tuli giggled and took Mirabel's hand when she got up, and together they went to see what Tío Felix had made for them all.

Mariano Guzmán watched a little surprised as Bubo Márquez finished his third glass of wine in less than an hour. He'd asked him to have dinner at his house, since his Mamá was at the Madrigal's. Since he'd started dating Dolores, he hadn't really made time to spend with his friend. Bubo looked unusually thoughtful and accepted the invitation, then had to be reminded that he'd done so. Whatever was bothering him probably went beyond his obvious attraction to Isabela Madrigal. Most of the young men in the Encanto harbored that fantasy. But Isabela had made a point of talking to Bubo at lunch. This almost surprised Mariano, but then, Dolores had it right, even though he and Isabela were at one time supposed to get married, he did not know much about her.

Nope, Bubo looked more like he was at war with his conscience. It was clear that his friend knew who Paola really was. What was unclear was how he knew her. Bubo emptied the last of the wine into his glass and Mariano said, "You might want to take it easy on that, we're supposed to be heading up the mountain tomorrow. You look like you're struggling with something. Tell me what's bothering you."

Bubo frowned as he gave the bottle a final shake in an effort to get every last drop, then set the bottle down with a slight thump. Mariano reached over and set it aside and Bubo said in a remarkably clear voice, "I have a conundrum, Mariano, my friend. I have to decide if I am going to tell my Tío about my primo Paola being here."

Mariano wondered then why Bubo had referred to Paola as a boy and asked, "Primo?"

Bubo realized what he'd said and frowned, "I meant prima." Bubo took another sip of the wine, closed his eyes and said, "I don't know what I mean, but I am very certain that the child I saw in that sketch this morning was my cousin Tuli and my problem is this: This is not the first time Tuli has run from our family and if Tuli leaves here with our Tío, I am very sure it won't be the last."

"He didn't harm her, did he?"

"No," Bubo said, then added, "not physically. But our Tío is very conservative and has issues with how Tuli sees himself. He was never one to sugar coat things, and his bluntness is legendary. He is the one who took to calling Tuli, Paola, and forbid him to use his actual name. When I heard that name at the meeting and after seeing those sketches…"

"So, what you're saying is that Paola…or rather Tuli is a boy?"

"Yes, but that has always been rather complicated," Bubo took off his glasses and set them on top of his head.

"I don't understand."

"Since he was small, almost as soon as he could talk, Tuli's insisted he's a girl, not a boy, and no one's ever been able to change his mind about that. Least of all our Tío. After the latest troubles in Colombia started and his mother was killed by insurgents, he lived with his father, who re-appeared for a few months. When Tuli was four, his father joined the Colombian army, and that's how Tuli ended up with our Abuelos. Word came that Tuli's father had gone missing and our Abuelo worried that fighting in the nearby villages would spill into theirs, so when Tuli was almost he was sent to live with our Tío José in Bogotá. That was probably a year and a half ago."

"Have you spoken with anyone about this?"

"Only you. Bruno Madrigal asked if I knew Paola's real name. I was a bit taken aback, so I did not answer. Probably should have. Anyway, Bruno also said the Madrigal's know that 'Paola' is not a 'traditional girl'. It makes me wonder why my Tío would pursue Tuli this far. Granted, Tuli is barely eight years old…I need to talk to them and see what they want to do. I mean, Tuli can stay with me if it came down to it."

Mariano did not interrupt Bubo as he seemed to talk himself into his answer, and said when he stopped, "So you are planning to stay in the Encanto?"

Bubo paused and replied, "I guess I am."

"While that is good news, I think perhaps you should sober up a little before you talk to anyone."

"I am not drunk," Bubo said and stood up. This caused him to sway enough that he had to place his hands on the table to steady himself.

"No?" Mariano asked.

Bubo slowly sat back down and said, "Perhaps, a little drunk." Mariano pushed a half-eaten bowl of rice and beans to him, and Bubo picked up his spoon and started eating.

Mariano picked up his own glass and took a few drinks and then said, "You know, the night's still young, and I was going to go over to Casita to pick up my Mamá and see Dolores later."

"Oh, sorry, I'll finish up quickly and head home. I don't want to keep you." And started eating faster.

"Bubo, I meant that you should come with me. Kill two birds with one stone. Your primo is there and who knows, we might even run into Isabela while we're there."

Bubo choked and went still. Mariano just laughed and said, "Ah, there it is, thought so."

Bubo leaned back in his chair as his head dropped back, his hands were now covering his face as he said, "Dios Mio how that woman terrifies me, and at the same time fascinates me… does that even make sense?" he asked then scrubbed his face in frustration and added, " I've never met anyone as interested in insects as I am, certainly no one that is of the female persuasion," Bubo said as he returned his glasses to his face and gave himself a shake. He sighed then took another long sip of the wine and said, "She is not at all what I was expecting." and he picked up the spoon and continued eating.

"That's probably a good thing, Bubo. Isabela is a complex woman, for sure. It might be best if you let go of who you think she is and just talk to her. She'll be… uh, less likely to lose her temper with you," Mariano said this as he rubbed the side of his nose.

Alma came into the dining room and noticed Mirabel and Paola were not there. "Casita, where is Mira?" There was an answering clatter of tiles, and Alma asked Casita to let Mirabel know that supper was ready. Dolores, who was sitting next to Alma, leaned in and said, "Paola just told Mirabel her name. It's Tuli Márquez, and she is Bubo Márquez's prima."

Alma nodded, and Dolores returned her attention to Señora Guzmán. She waited a little longer, then asked Casita to nudge Mira along. There was an answering clatter and shortly after that, Mirabel and Tuli came into the dining room. Mira helped Tuli to her seat, then sat down next to her and Alma stood then and said, "Before we begin, Mirabel, do you have something you'd like to share?"

Mirabel looked surprised, but she noticed Dolores's wink as she stood up. "Just an update, really. Everyone, I'd like you all to know that our guest Paola has a new name. Well, not really new, but you understand. Everybody, please welcome Señorita Tuli Márquez."

"I knew it!" said Antonio. "I heard Fura call you Tuli when we were going to my room," he added when all eyes turned to him.

The rest of the family offered their greetings and though Tuli was scrunched down in her chair, she was smiling.

"Excellent, now let's eat," Alma said and raised her glass, and everyone said "Salud!" With all the extended family here, supper was quite loud, and Alma was pleased she was able to make that happen. It was something she'd wanted to do even before Casita was finished. She owed a great debt to these people who had taken her family in when Casita fell, and decided this sort of meal should be a more regular event. She also realized that having her daughter's in-laws here was another of those blessings. Félix's parents were much loved by all her grandchildren. There was no escaping Esteffi's hugs, and Juan Pedro, like his son, always seemed to be smiling.

Agustín's parents insisted that Alma have her clothing taken in, since her illness had left her clothes ill-fitting at best. But she did not want to impose, but Valentina told her that was nonsense and insisted that she was not imposing and that her clothing definitely needed some work. Alma realized she was right, so agreed and discovered that Valentina Rojas was much like her. She had Alma laughing as she measured her to take in her old clothes and for new ones. She'd brought her several outfits to use while her new ones were being made.

Pepa was unusually chipper tonight, and Alma noticed she was drinking small amounts of wine with her dinner. Bruno had told her it was in preparation for later and told her what Pepa had achieved earlier. Alma knew there had not been a wisp of fog Pepa had created in the town, but several people had noticed the fog on the mountain behind Casita. Alma was glad that Mirabel was able to get Tuli to open up to her. Bruno had come to her and told her what he and Bubo had almost discussed when they were bringing Isabela back to Casita. He also mentioned why he thought Bubo showed up in his latest set of spontys. He then showed her the vision tablet he'd created just before dinner. Doris and Inez were indeed trying to stay ahead of the larger group, but not for the reasons they originally thought. Still, those children needed to get off that mountain, and Alma had told Bruno she still planned to go ahead with that. He only smiled and said he never thought she would do otherwise.

Supper ended and after cleaning up, they all headed out to the plaza as the council members were starting to arrive to finalize plans for their upcoming missions.

Bubo Márquez was no longer feeling drunk, but did feel light-headed as he walked with Mariano toward Casita. With every step, he felt a little more uneasy. He had no idea what he would say to his cousin. Tuli, while never a difficult child, was very stubborn. A trait bred into all the Márquez Family. He was also not sure how he felt about potentially running into Isabela Madrigal. The thought of starting a conversation with her on his own made him want to turn around and go back home. His life since coming to the Encanto had been pretty straightforward, and he had to admit he liked that. Now, in less than a day, his world was once again upended, but this time he was actually okay with that.

He took in the front door; he was not in town the day Casita reawakened, he and the other volunteers were still watching the river where the mountain had split. He'd also been entirely too distracted by Bruno Madrigal's questions to have looked at it earlier. This was the first time he'd seen it up close, and he was surprised that it glowed slightly in the late afternoon sun. Mirabel's image stood at the center, and she was surrounded by her family. As they neared the door, it opened of its own accord, and Bubo was startled when the tiles above the door clattered what he thought was a greeting.

"Hola Casita," Mariano said to the house, and he nudged Bubo. Bubo nodded, and he also said, "Hola, Casita."

The plaza was quite busy. There were three tables arranged in a semicircle on one side. All the Madrigals were in attendance, as well as all the members of the council. Dolores appeared next to Mariano and took his arm and said, "Welcome, Señor Márquez."

"Please, just call me Bubo, if you don't mind Señorita Dolores."

"I will," she said, "As long as you call me Dolores."

Bubo nodded, and Mariano walked with Dolores to a table where his mother was speaking with old Arturo, as well as Julieta and Agustín Madrigal. Kind of at a loss, he just stood there until he noticed Isabela standing on the far side of the plaza with her sisters and their Abuela Alma. Isabela was animatedly speaking to Luisa when she caught sight of him. Isabela paused but did not stop talking to her sister, she did smile before she returned her full attention to her though. Bubo was still amazed that she had any interest in him at all. It all seemed very incongruous to him. Mariano was probably right, he needed to start shedding a lot of his assumptions about her. Probably Tuli as well. Was it really a sin to want to be someone else or, in Tuli's case, who you've always seen yourself to be? The older his cousin got, the more isolated they must feel, as fewer and fewer of their family were willing to be tolerant of Tuli's view of himself. Would he be able to? He'd never really given it any thought.

Abuela Alma had said Mirabel would be looking after Paola. But he did not see the child who had been with Mirabel earlier, so his attention went back to the doors on the second floor. Bubo could not help but stare at all the colorfully shining doors upstairs as he entered. Mariano had told him of the magical candle that had once resided in a window directly across from the front door. He said it glowed with a magical golden light, and spoke happily of the Gift Ceremonies he remembered attending over the years. There was no window up there now, that had been replaced by a small balcony that overlooked the plaza.

Mariano also included the story of the days before the magical candle had burned out and Casita had collapsed. After Antonio got his Gift, Mirabel had seen cracks in Casita. It clearly terrified her, but no one was able to see them but her. So naturally, everyone thought she made it up. Turned out, she was right. Dolores told him that she thought the house would have fallen with or without Mirabel's warning. Still, the magically built house somehow managed to get them all out and even saved Mirabel when the tower finally gave way as she attempted to save La Candela. When Mirabel went missing afterward, Dolores said she'd never seen her Tía Julieta so angry with their Abuela because there was no way she would allow her mother to blame Mirabel for that.

Mirabel, it seems, blamed herself and ran away and left the Encanto through the mountain split. Luckily, she was later found by her Abuela who brought her as well as her son Bruno, who had gone missing ten years prior, back to the town. Or perhaps it was Mirabel's willingness to forgive that brought them back. It was remembered as a very dark day that left its mark on all the people of the Encanto. Even as the search for Mirabel was underway, the townsfolk were gathering tools needed to start clearing then rebuilding Casita. These people who had done so much for all of them, the Madrigal's lost not just their home, but their Gifts all at once and everyone wanted to be a part of the rebuilding.

Bubo looked at the people all around him in the plaza, most were standing near the tables and when Mariano returned, he handed Bubo a cup of coffee and said, "Here you go, mi amigo. Dolores's Tía added something for that soon to be headache."

"Thanks," Bubo said and took a long sip. He really shouldn't drink wine, he thought, he always ended up with a raging headache the next day. He took another sip and noticed the small cuts that had been on his hands from being in the wilderness were gone, and he no longer felt even the slightest bit woozy. He looked at the cup and took another sip, but it was just coffee. Then it clicked, Mariano said Dolores's Tía had added something to it. He'd never been magically healed before, and he marveled at his uninjured hand.

"Bubo, I'll be right back," Mariano said, and walked toward where Dolores's father was discussing something at a table that had the map from the meeting on it. Bubo noticed Mirabel had moved to the far side of the plaza with her sisters and Dolores. The young girl still with her was now glomped quite firmly onto Mirabel's arm, and Bubo paused to look at the girl again. Her shoulder-length hair was separated into two matching braids, tied with gold ribbons. The dress wasn't fancy, but had a pattern of white and yellow daisies on the pale green skirt. He realized she was watching him with a fearful gaze, and Bubo raised an eyebrow as he suddenly recognized this girl was his cousin Tuli. He…no, Bubo thought, he needed to get this right. This child had braved the mountains alone just so she could be who she needed to be, and she was afraid of him. Bubo did not like that, even if he understood why.

He managed a small smile and wave, and she immediately disappeared behind Mirabel. This caused Mirabel to look around and when she saw him, she smiled. Bubo realized that, for whatever reason, Mirabel understood his problem, she then turned and knelt in front of Tuli. She said something to her, and Bubo knew he had to wait Tuli out. He did not move from where he'd stopped, and drank the rest of the coffee and took to turning the cup nervously in his hands. Tuli looked over at him again as Mirabel spoke, and Tuli had an almost angry set to her features, but when she looked back at Mirabel, Tuli slowly nodded. Mirabel's sisters were listening intently to what Mirabel was saying to Tuli, and they both looked up at him with mild astonishment.

Now Bubo was very nervous as Tuli stood still as stone. Mirabel touched her arm, and Tuli lifted something small and black from her shoulder and handed it to Mirabel's sister, Luisa. She turned back to Mirabel and hugged her before Tuli turned toward him. She had her hands balled up in front of her as she slowly started forward. When she was more than halfway to him, Bubo knelt and set the coffee cup down next to him. He never liked when he'd have to look up to speak to someone. Tuli stopped in front of him and smoothed her dress as she looked at the floor and said, quietly, "Hola, Primo."

"Hola, Tuli," Bubo reached up, but Tuli took a small step back to stay just out of reach and continued looking at the floor, so Bubo let his hand drop and said, "It's good to see you. Are you well?" Bubo asked.

Tuli looked at him, her expression seemed confused, but nodded and said, "I'm okay."

Bubo nodded and said, "That's good to hear. My friend, Mariano, told me you got to ride a jaguar today. That sounds remarkable."

Tuli pursed her lips and asked, "Why would you care? You're going to yell at me."

Bubo shook his head and he said, "You've done nothing for me to be angry about."

"But I'm…" and Tuli looked both ways then dropped her voice to a whisper and said, "I'm dressed wrong."

"Are you?" Bubo asked and decided to make a show of looking her, up and down. He indicated she should hold out her arms and turn around. Tuli's shoulders dropped as she rolled her eyes. She still did as requested and had an angry frown on her face when she stopped. She crossed her arms and tilted her head in defiance as she waited for the scolding she was sure was coming. Bubo adjusted his glasses as he tilted his head and said with a shrug, "You look beautiful, Tuli."

Tuli almost smiled, but, as if fearing a trap, slipped back to that sad frown he'd so often seen on his cousin's face. She was obviously wary, so he continued, "Did Señorita Isabela make those flowers for you?" Bubo asked, looking at the sparkling daisy crown on Tuli's head. He scratched his chin and said, "Have to say, I'm not sure what part of your outfit is wrong…"

Quite suddenly, Tuli rushed in and wrapped her arms around Bubo's neck, and she whispered, "Why did you have to go away? I thought you hated me, and I didn't have anyone to talk to anymore."

Bubo felt an immense stab of guilt as he wrapped his arms around Tuli and said, "No, no, no, Tuli, I could never hate you."

"But you left and Tío said it was because of me and, and…"

"I am so sorry Tuli, I didn't realize…" But even as he said it, Bubo's guilt stabbed at him again because he knew he had realized it. He knew what would happen once he was at college full time. Why else would he have written those letters? Knew he should have visited once Tuli came to live in Bogotá. But he hadn't and felt a moment of anger, but could not decide if it was for their Tío or himself. It was why he felt such a strong urge to protect the people around him. Because he'd failed to protect his own family and Bubo hugged Tuli just a little more. He was getting a second chance to do the right thing. The thing he should have before. Bubo unwrapped Tuli's arms, so he could see her face, and said, "We are family and I promise I won't leave you again, Tuli. Will you forgive me, Señorita?"

Tuli's tearful nod made Bubo smile as he handed her his handkerchief and he lifted her off the floor. Mirabel and Isabela came over then, and Tuli said to Mirabel, "You were right, he wasn't mad at me."

"That's good news," Mirabel said, and she looked over at Isabela and said, "Tuli, can you come help me with something? It'll only take a few minutes. Antonio is saying we need to have a celebration for Fura. Something about kittens?"

"Oh, that's right. Bubo, is it okay if I go?"

"Of course," he said and set her back on the floor. Tuli immediately grabbed Mirabel's hand and pulled her in the direction of her, Tío Bruno. He was holding up the black thing Tuli had handed to Luisa and was smiling, and Bubo realized it was a rat. A larger than normal rat, but what did a rat have to do with kittens? Bubo watched Tuli and felt weirdly calm, even though he'd just taken on raising a child without giving it a second thought. Of course, now he had to convince his Tío, but Bubo knew he was not going to leave Tuli with no one ever again. Isabela, who was still next to him, cleared her throat and Bubo remembered she was there.

"I apologize, Señorita Isabela," Bubo started to say, but Isabela waved that off and said, "You've done a good thing tonight, Bubo." She had her hands knotted up in front of her as she asked, "Can I call you Bubo?" Her question had once again startled Bubo into silence, and he could only nod. Isabela relaxed, and she continued, "Great, to start, just call me Isa." Bubo nodded again. "Second, I need to thank you for your assistance earlier today. So, thank you, Bubo. And third, are you doing anything tomorrow? I mean, after you get back from the mountain, that is."

Bubo shook his head and Isabella smiled and said, "That's good because ummm, my prima Dolores asked me to go out with her and Mariano, but I don't really want to be the third wheel, and since you're friends with Mariano I was wondering if you'd like to come along?"

Bubo blinked, and it took a moment for him to put together all the things she was saying. She waited almost impatiently, and he said, "Oh… Yes, yes, I would be delighted to accompany you, Isa."

"Okay, then I'll see you tomorrow night," she said brightly, then promptly disappeared into the kitchen.

Bubo stared after her, still trying to piece together what just happened, when Mariano came over then and nudged him out of his stupor. "You okay, mi amigo?" Mariano asked with a wide smile on his face.

Bubo shook his head. "I have no idea what just happened," Bubo said, still staring in the direction Isabela had gone. He turned to Mariano and asked, "Is she always like that?"

"Actually, no, not at all," Mariano said, clapping him on the back and laughed at Bubo's look of abject terror.