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Chapter Text

Alma Madrigal had been given a unique opportunity to see the world through an outsider's perspective.

She was given the chance to change her future. The power to fix the things she had broken unintentionally. To repair the bonds she had lost within her family and learn how to love them completely and without any strings or conditions attached.

Granted with a vision of what could be, she would handle this with maturity and wisdom. Devise a plan for each child she failed and make sure they each know that they are loved and that she is proud of them.

Alma took a deep breath to calm herself. Her heart began to steady as she thought over what to do.

And then she heard Mirabel knock on her door.

Eyes widening, she took off across the room and accidentally collided with her door. She bounced back and rubbed her nose for a moment.

"Abuela?" Mirabel's muffled voice floated up to her.

Throwing the door open in her haste she rushed down the few stairs, almost tripping before landing against the door at the bottom. Her entire weight forced it open and she spilled out into the upper balcony, eyes searching frantically for her nieta.

Mirabel stood a few feet from her. Eyes impossibly wide as she stared at Alma in complete bewilderment. Her hands clasp to her chest, she was leaning away from the torrent of flailing limbs of her Abuela when she burst through her door.

"Mirabel?" Alma whispered breathlessly. She looked her mariposita over before her face crumpled in relief. "Mirabel!"

She pulled the shocked girl into her arms and began running her fingers through her curls. Mirabel's glasses were squished against her face as she was pressed into Abuela's shoulder.

Mira blinked rapidly, unsure of what was going on. She'd never seen her grandmother cry before. Last night had been the closest thing she could recall. But now the matriarch clung to her, whispering apologies into her hair as she grasped at the back her head and rubbed her upper back.

It was…nice. After a few moments Mirabel melted into the contact.

"I'm so sorry mi vida, mi mariposita, I promise no more. No more." Worry began to bubble up within her as her shock ebbed away. "...so proud of you…te quiero mi chiquita."

Trying to turn her head in the tight embrace, Mirabel's words were muffled against Abuela's shoulder.

"Abuela…are you ok?" 

A strange sort of half laugh half sob fell from Abuela's lips and she squeezed Mirabel tighter, making the girl squeak.

"Me?" She asked Mira. "Are you alright?"

Alma pulled back and held Mirabel's face in her hands, squishing her cheeks together.

Mira's eyebrows were drawn down in confusion. "M-fine." She muttered through fish lips.

Sighing, she immediately descended to pepper Mirabel's face with kisses. When she pulled away she gave her nieta a gentle smile.

The smile she got in return was a little more awkward and uneasy than she hoped for.

"Are you sure you're ok?" Mirabel asked carefully.

Coming to her senses, Alma realized how she must look. Hair loose and wild, still in her nightgown while frantically showering her nieta in more affection than she's gotten in far too long.

"I…" Alma sighed, wondering how to explain herself. "....nightmare."

Mirabel's gaze grew concerned as her nose wrinkled and her brows drew down.

"Oh…"

Gathering herself she took a step back, and immediately regretted the look of hurt that flashed in Mira's eyes.

"I'll see you at breakfast." She caressed her cheek and planted a brief kiss on her forehead, hoping that would help to dispel the hurt in her nieta's heart.

Nodding once she turned back around to head up into her room and get dressed for the day.

As she walked up the steps she thought about where to start. Bruno came to mind first…but…but Luisa seemed the most pressing…

Alma pulled on her day clothes and set at her vanity to fix her hair.

I need to speak with Guzmáns and then Dolores…Luisa's requests will need to he regulated…Isabela…I need to pull Isabela aside and speak with her…I'll make some announcements at breakfast…

…I need to apologize to Mirabel…and Bruno…

Her hands stilled as she thought over how best to approach her son. 

How do I convince him not to run at the sight of me?

She stared at herself in the mirror, lips trembling as she steeled herself for the long road ahead of her.

Walking along the upper level, Alma slowed as she passed the painting hiding Bruno's hole in the wall. Staring at the innocent picture of a potted plant, Alma couldn't remember where it had come from.

Should I go see him…? He needs to eat…does he have enough blankets back there? I don't remember seeing a bed…maybe I should-

…no…I might just chase him further away…

She resisted the urge to reach out and pull the painting away from the wall. Instead she clasped them together at her waist. She'll gather Bruno later…when she figures out how without scaring him further.

Alma sighed and turned to walk away. She took a single step and when she looked up she was startled see see Dolores staring at her nervously.

They made eye contact and held it silently. Pepa's eldest had her hands clasped and shoulders hunched as she looked at her Abuela in pure disbelief. 

The only person worried about the magic is you…and the rats talking in the walls…

…I know Tío Bruno…

…I can hear him now…

…DOLORES KNEW… KNOWS … she knows Bruno's in the walls. Has she known this entire time?!

Alma took a step forward and it broke the spell on her nieta.

Dolores squeaked and rushed off before Alma could say a word, leaving her with one more worry on her plate.

Her lips thinned as she grew lost in thought, her feet taking her down the stairs and outside where her family was setting the table for breakfast. The sounds of the family's usual hustle and bustle of the morning filled the air. 

Squaring her shoulders she stepped out into the yard. I can do this…I can fix things…

"Alright everyone," She called out to her family. "To the table!"

Chapter Text

"Now," Alma walked around the side of the table, heading for her seat at the end. "I have a few announcements to make for today. Many things have come to my attention-" Dolores flinched making Isabela eye her. "-and I'd like to discuss them before we begin our d-Oh!"

As she bent to sit she felt something in her seat making her jump. Turning to look at her chair she saw the mischievous coatis' sitting there. 

Ay, I forgot the coatis…

"I told them to warm up you seat." Antonio told her with a smile and she returned the soft look. Such a precious niño…

"Thank you mi ángel." She chuckled. And Antonio grinned at the endearment.

Pepa startled and gave her mother a look before glancing at her sister. Julieta didn't seem to think the behavior odd if her non-reaction was anything to go by.

Mamá wasn't one for gushy endearments. Why start now?

Alma shooed the animals and sat down. "As I was saying. I've been speaking to the Guzmáns about Mariano proposing to Isabela."

Isa straightened at hearing her name and gave Abuela a soft smile. But Alma could now see the way her brows were slightly pinched with anxiety. She tried not to let her own self disappointment show and have Isa think it was directed at her.

"I believe I've been a little… hasty in the preparations and have overlooked a crucial detail." She looked at Isabela's wide eyes as they darted back and forth, trying to figure out what was wrong.

Do I ask her in front of everyone? Would she admit it out here? If I call her out it could embarrass her, but…she deserves an apology…but would she actually speak her mind in front of la familia?

…no…

"I wish to speak to you about the matter in private, if that is alright, mi flor." 

The sound of Pepa's fork clattering to her plate caught everyone's attention and she mumbled a few apologies. Mamá admitted to being wrong? It was a roundabout way but…

Julieta finally took notice of the strangeness happening around her. She glanced down the table at her hermana and raised a brow. Mamá was…what was she doing that had Pepa so flustered?

"Of course Abuela." Isabela answered smoothly.

Alma nodded and opened her mouth to speak once more when a loud bang resounded.

"YOU DO!" Mirabel pointed a finger at Luisa. The other hand on the table from where she had slammed it.

"Mirabel!" Alma shouted without thinking. Then she remembered what was happening. Now the whole family was staring, waiting on her to continue.

"Casita." She said calmly, and just like before Mirabel's chair removed itself from beside Luisa and scooted her in by Alma.

Abuela cleared her throat. "I know that the town often relies on our gifts and I'm proud of how this family helps the community-"

"Right, I'll help Luisa."

"-no. Luisa will be accompanying me today."

Luisa paused, mid sip. She looked at Alma as if she was in trouble and her eye twitched.

This is going to be harder than I thought…even Luisa is anxious around her…but I can't let the people to continue to treat her like some dog …

Switching gears, she looked to Mirabel, who was just sitting in her seat staring up at her.

Should I tell her about being the next Candleholder? It would make her so happy wouldn't it…

Alma looked around the table at her family, trying to figure out the best way to go about telling them her thoughts on Mirabel.

"But first," She stood from her seat to address them. "It has also been brought to my attention, that Mirabel is quite close with Casita."

Julieta reacted to that. Head swinging around to look at her mother, worried about what she would say next. What idea had Mamá come up with concerning her baby? She wouldn't…she wouldn't push such responsibilities onto a fifteen year old…

"La Casa Madrgal favours you mariposita, sí?" Alma looked over to Mirabel who looked confused as she sat with her mouth open.

"Uh…I guess…" Mirabel's eyes glanced around, unsure of where Abuela was going with this.

Alma clasped her hands more firmly together. "Yes, and as we are all well aware. I will not always be here."

The whole family recoiled at that implication.

Augustín choked on his drink, Julieta gasped, Dolores squeaked, Pepa began to thunder, Camilo looked to his father then Antonio and they all glanced at one another. Luisa's lips trembled, Isabela's eyes widened and Mirabel went rigid as her hands grasped her seat.

Her Abuela had been so frantic this morning, she had looked so scared. Did…was she really ok? Abuela…she wasn't dying was she?

"I believe," Alma started slowly. "That Casita has chosen Mirabel to be take my place…as the next Matriarch of the family."

"WHAT?!" Julieta stood, hands slamming onto the table as she gaped at her mother.

Chapter Text

Julieta had stormed past her mother with a whispered, I need to speak with you, before heading into la cocina.

Alma…was confused. But she stood to go speak with her daughter anyway. "Luisa, wait for me to go into town."

"Y-yes Abuela." Luisa stammered out.

Walking into the house after her eldest, Alma didn't know what Julieta was going to say.

"Are you loca?!" Julieta yelled at her mother. "You've always been hard on Mirabel, but expecting her to take over your duties? And so soon? It's too much for her!"

When her baby, sweet little Mirabel, hadn't gotten a gift Julieta was torn. Torn between sorrow, her corazón was hurting , and relief. 

After all, Mirabel would get to live a normal life. No expectations, no duties, no stress or worry. She would get to be a child, something that Julieta, her siblings and her children had been robbed of.

Julieta wasn't blind, she knew Mirabel felt left out, and it killed her to watch as she kept drifting away from the family as she tried to do everything.

Her hija is a kind hearted, hard working, beautiful young girl who wanted to fit in and be helpful more than anything. And Julieta was torn between helping her, and hindering her. Mirabel didn't need a gift, but she wanted one and as her mother she felt guilty for being glad that she hadn't gotten one.

But…If mamá has her way, then she knew her daughter would grab this opportunity with both hands…and drown under the workload. Mirabel would take on everything and try through sheer determination to do every little thing asked of her. And it wasn't fair.

Alma flinched at her words but didn't get angry. It threw Julieta off to see her mother so calm. Very rarely has she ever dared to raise her voice at her own madre but she wasn't about to let her hurt her daughter either.

Mirabel may be fifteen, but she'd always be Julieta's baby girl.

"I don't expect her to take over right away." Her mother stated evenly. "Mirabel gets easily carried away, so I thought it would be better if I started teaching her now."

She felt her anger deflate a little, unsure of how to take her mother's new attitude.

Julieta debated on whether or not to refuse to let Mirabel take on this burden at all. But in the end, she knew it was her daughter's  choice.

"...fine." Julieta relented. "But if I see her struggling I will step in."

"Good." Her mother sighed.

Good? Julieta thought, confused. What in heaven's name has gotten into her? She doesn't think…she's not…ill is she?

Even if she asked, she knew mamá wouldn't admit that anything was wrong. Julieta will just have to keep an eye on her and Mirabel.

"Right, well…" She brushed down her apron. "I have buñuelos to make." With the conversation over Alma left la cocina.

That could have gone…better…

Alma sighed as she walked with Luisa into town. She had asked after Mirabel, but her nieta had apparently run off. She worried about her sneaking into Bruno's room while she was away. But… but she'd gotten that idea from Luisa…and Luisa was going to be with her. So there was no way for her to know about Bruno's vision or to go after it.

Satisfied with that thought she turned her attention to Luisa and the matter at hand…or rather out of hand.

She hadn't thought the announcement at breakfast through properly. She had just wanted to see Mirabel happy.

But her mistakes ran deep, she could see this. What she couldn't see was a better way to go about fixing them.

Should she continue on with her plans to talk to Isa and Dolores? She should probably include Pepa…her behavior this morning was worrisome.

Alma straightened as she stepped over the bridge and into town.

Now, to deal with these clowns…

"Where are you taking me primo?" Mira asked as Camilo dragged her into the courtyard. "I wanted to talk to Abuela."

"You were asking Dolores about something hurting the magic, right?" Mirabel nodded, looking at him a little suspiciously. "Well I wanna help."

This morning the incident at breakfast had thrown Camilo for a loop. Abuela was hard to read on a good day, but this morning she seemed…all over the place.

Something had to have happened last night to cause this. Something was up and the only thing that made sense…was that Mirabel hadn't imagined the cracks. The magic really was in danger and Abuela knows and is trying to fix it while not telling anyone.

Camilo turned back to look at his youngest prima, a little angry with himself. "I'm sorry."

She blinked at him. "What?"

"I'm sorry I didn't believe you. About the cracks." He elaborated. "I didn't think you were trying to ruin Antonio's night either , I just thought you might've been freaking out." He rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly.

Mirabel blinked again before suddenly grabbing him in a hug.

"Thanks." She whispered into his shoulder and he hugged her back.

Pulling back he motioned for her to follow him as they snuck around the corner and peered into the kitchen. He put a finger to his lips, telling her to be quiet.

Dolores stood, facing the family portrait as she spoke quietly to the painted wood. Straining their ears they could barely make out what she was saying as she whispered to the wall.

"...knows something!" 

"...worried about you. We should tell…"

Who was she talking to?

"You saw this in a vision?!" She squeaked harshly. "Tío-"

Tío?

"Dolores?" Julieta made all of them jump. She had stepped out for a moment to grab a few things from her room. She hadn't expected to see anyone, except maybe Augustín, when she came back.

"Tía!" Whirling around she stared at her aunt, lips trembling and eyes wide. Was she gonna spill? 

"Are you alright?" Julieta asked as she began setting out her supplies.

"....yes." She barely managed to squeeze out before turning tail.

Dolores rushed through the doorway where Mirabel and Camilo were ducked behind. As she walked past them she turned to look at them.

They flattened themselves against the wall, startled.

Dolores' lips thinned and she wiggled.her fingers, nearly flailing her hands as she thought while somehow also staring them down.

"You heard nothing." She harshly whispered before rushing away.

The two blinked before removing themselves as quietly as they could from outside la cocina. Heading upstairs they ducked into the nursery to talk.

"You heard her right, right?" Mirabel rushed out.

"Was she talking to someone… in that walls?" Camilo asked aloud.

"Milo," Mira grabbed him by the shoulders. "Do you know what this means?"

"There's a vagrant in the house?"

"What? No." She shook her head. "Tío Bruno had a vision about what's happening." His eyes widened as he stared at her. "We need to find out what it was."

"...how are we going to do that?"

Mirabel let him go to pace around them room. "I don't know."

She made loops around the room, muttering to herself about people she could ask and who would know about it that would talk to them.

"Ya know." Camilo's voice stopped her and she turned to look at him. "We could always snoop around his room. It's not like he's using it."

Just outside Casita, Dolores halted in her tracks.

"Camilo! You're a genius." She grabbed his hand and took off out the door. "Let's go see what we can find."

Dolores squeaked and flailed about, unsure of what to do. 

She needed help. Now.

Stepping back into the house she rushed upstairs and knocked frantically on Isabela's door.

"Dolores? What's wrong?" Isa's smile dropped at the look on her prima's face.

"...I messed up…"

Chapter Text

The requests started the moment Luisa was spotted.

"Luisa, can you help me carry my groceries?"

"Luisa, I need help unloading my cart."

"Luisa, I want…"

"Luisa, I need…"

Alma grit her teeth as Luisa stuttered out that she was currently helping Abuela and that she'd come back later.

Another villager walked up to them, opening his mouth to ask for help with something he could do himself.

"No." Alma said simply, passing the man.

"Excuse me?" He asked, turning around to gawk at her.

"You're excused." She didn't bother looking back at him.

She could feel Luisa staring at her as she continued to deny the people Luisa's help. Alma made her way to the center of the square where everyone was milling around. People began flocking toward Luisa, always asking for more.

Alma glared at them until they quieted down. She looked over the people with a frown, raising her voice to address the crowd she stated in no uncertain terms...

"From now on, any… requests," She spat the word. "You have for my granddaughter will come to me first."

Murmurs started among them and complaints sprang up instantly.

"But what about the furniture I need moved?"

"I can-"

Alma held out a hand to stop Luisa. "As I recall, you have three hermanos. You don't need Luisa."

"I need her help transporting the supplies from the mill!"

"That's what wagons are for!" Alma was getting more and more worked up. "Is there anything that only Luisa can help you with?"

"Doña Madrigal," Her glare deepened. This man… "The donkeys got out again."

Alma turned to him with a scathing voice. "And you are incapable of fetching them yourself ?" She asked through gritted teeth.

"W-well it's just-just easier if she does it. After all, it's not hard for her to do and everything gets done faster. It's for the best, sí?"

"Oh, so it's easier to take advantage of a young woman than to do things yourselves?!" The entire crowd seemed to flinch. Some of them shuffled their feet, unwilling to look her or Luisa in the eye. 

"It's not like that!" He insisted. "More work gets done if Luisa does it for us, it's better this way. Take my advice-"

"I'm not taking advice from a man who can't keep track of his own ass!"

Several gasps escaped the crowd, as well as a few snickers. Luisa stood behind her looking scandalized. 

"Anyone else?" She called out to the crowd, daring them to rethink asking for such petty things.

"Uh, p-perdón Señora?" A slight man held his hat in front of him nervously, as if it would shield him from her ire.

"Yes?"

"My-my house…I-it's leaning to the left. Might I make a request for your nieta's assistance por favor?"

"Of course." The man's shoulders dropped in relief. "We are happy to help…when you actually need help."

"Woah," Camilo uttered under his breath.

"That's a lot of stairs." Mirabel agreed with him as they craned their necks upward.

When they first snuck into the room, Mirabel had no idea what to expect. After all, each room is unique to whomever it was given to. But this…this was…

"...a lot of sand…" Camilo shook out his ruana again. The little granules still clinging to the fabric from their fall.

"Mirabel!" 

They both jumped and turned around as Isabela's voice rang out into the cavern. It bounced around the stone walls in an angry echo.

"Mira-AAH!" The call cut off as two figures fell out of the curtain of sand and tumbled down the sand piled up outside of the entrance.

Mirabel and Camilo gave each other a look before busting out laughing. Bent over, trying to catch their breath at the sight of their older sisters falling head over heels.

Dolores and Isa sat up as soon as they could, spitting out sand and straightening their skirts.

Isabela growled as she stalked over to the two giggling teens. "I swear you live to make my life harder! What are you two doing in here?! Tío Bruno's room is off limits."

Mirabel's laughter died as she scowled at Isabela. "Really?" She deadpanned. "Well, I don't recall asking you to come so you're the one making your life harder Isa." 

Camilo walked past his prima with a roll of his eyes as he helped his sister out of the sand. 

He understood why they didn't get along and he never liked how she'd bait her little sister. He also didn't like how dismissive Mirabel got when it came to Isa. He swore to never take sides, neither was really in the right. But for today, he was going to help Mira.

Isabela huffed. "You're coming with me and we are leaving." She flicked out her hand but nothing happened. "What?" Her powers didn't work in here? 

"Oooh, that's too bad sis. Looks like you'll have to make me yourself. And I'm not going anywhere with you."

"You-"

"Why did you follow us?" Camilo interrupted the argument.

Dolores fidgeted beside him and he knew there was something she was trying to figure out how to tell them. His sister wasn't the best at secrets, but with all the things she heard she was unintentionally good at keeping them. Mostly because  of her inability to confront people.

"Lolo?" He gave his hermana a look.

She opened her mouth but Isabela cut her off.

"It doesn't matter why, what matters is that you're not supposed to be hear and if Abuela finds out your running around and snooping where you don't belong-"

"Would you just stop Isa." Mirabel rolled her eyes. "Stop pretending you care about me." All of their eyes widened. "There are more important things going on, like- oh I don't know- the cracks in Casita."

"I'm not pretending. You are, there are no-"

"Yes!" Isa and Mira turned to Dolores. "Yes, there are!" Her lips trembled as she stared at them, her hands over her ears. "I've heard them. Ever since tío Bruno left, it's just…this is the first time they've been outside of the walls!"

"Dolores? Breathe Lolo." Camilo held her hands gently, not moving them just making contact for some comfort.

Slowly she lowered her hands from her ears as Isabela and Mirabel stared at her. Isa's jaw dropped in shock.

"I don't care what you think of me." Mirabel said softly. "But I'm not going to just sit around and look pretty when our family is in danger. If tío's vision can help, then you bet I'm gonna climb every last one of those steps to get it."

Turning around she headed for the rickety wooden planks. She made it two steps when a hand landed on her shoulder.

"Wait." Mira turned to look at her sister. "I'm coming with you."

Chapter Text

"What?!" Mirabel asked indignantly.

"You heard me." Isa squared her shoulders. "The family's in danger, like you said, so I'm not going to sit and look pretty either. Now let's go."

Isabela moved past her sister and Mirabel turned back to Camilo and Dolores.

"Milo?" She looked to her cousin for help.

"Sorry Mira." He was rubbing Dolores' back as she mumbled to herself. "I'm gonna stay down here with Dolores, see what else she heard."

Mirabel could just make out her whispered words of ' rats' and 'cracks' and 'tío' and 'do I tell?'

"Are you coming or not?" Isabela called from the stairs.

Groaning Mira grumbled under her breath. "...stuck with princesa perfecta…"

"Remember mi corazón. You are allowed to say no." 

Luisa bent over awkwardly so Abuela could smoosh her face.

"Ok 'buela." 

"I mean it mi cariña. It's important, you are important. Te quiero Luisa. I'm proud of you."

Bottom lip quivering, Luisa scooped Abuela into a hug. She sat down on the ground to make her more comfortable as she cried into Alma's shoulder. Making sure to be gentle as she clung to her.

Alma patted her hair and spoke soothing words in her ear as she let it all out. They sat on just the other side of the bridge, down the hill from Casita.

She sat there in the dirt with her granddaughter patiently, willing to wait as long as Luisa needed. Alma listened to her breathing, using it as an indicator for when she was ready to stop.

"Come now," She wiped away the last of Luisa's tears as her nieta finished crying. "Your chores are done for the day. Why don't you head home and enjoy the afternoon."

She sniffed. "You're not coming back with me?"

Luisa didn't want to leave Abuela by herself. Her words this morning had scared her. What if she wasn't there and something bad happened?

"It's alright Luisa." Abuela moved to stand and Luisa helped her up. "I just need to speak to Padre Flores about a personal matter."

As Alma dusted off her skirt she missed the panicked look Luisa gave her. When she looked back up, her nieta was giving her a strained smile.

"I can go with you." She asked more than said.

"Luisa, it's a beautiful afternoon. Enjoy it." Maybe she just needs to get used to not working?

Alma hoped that was all that was wrong, but if not…it not then she'll handle it later. One thing at a time. She gave Luisa a warm smile before patting her arm.

Now, to give Flores a piece of my mind…

  "Welcome to the family Madrigal~"

"Could you not sing?"

"... there's so many stairs in Casa Madrigal."

Isabela crossed her arms and continued stomping up the stairs after her sister.

Luisa strode up the hill to the house, a worried frown on her face as she thought of Abuela… alone in town…talking to the priest…

"Luisa?" She looked up to see Tía Pepa  behind her, coming from the fields. "Where's Abuela?"

"She…she's talking with the Padre."

Pepa stilled. "A-about what?"

"I don't know." Luisa admitted quietly. "She said it was personal."

Wringing her hands, a dark cloud began rumbling above Pepa's head.

"Do you need any help.with anything Tía?" Luisa asked hopefully. "Tía?"

Pepa jumped a little when she realized Luisa had been talking to her.  "N-no, no. I'm fine." She waved away her cloud. "Clear skies, clear skies…"

She passed Luisa and into the house, clearly frazzled.

"Pretty…magical…" Mirabel huffed, out of breath. "…how many…stairs fit in here."

Isa wheezed.

"Not so…. easy… doing things…without…your powers…"

"Shut…up."

"Parce, no!" Antonio called out as the jaguar chased a rat around the courtyard.

"Don't eat him!" He cried in fear.

Parce stopped pawing at the butterflies in the stone wall between the courtyard and cocina and pouted at Antonio.

The little rat squeaked fearfully from its perch high up in one of the butterfly cutouts.

"It's ok hombrecito," He called out to the rodent. "You can come down. I won't let Parce hurt you."

Carefully, while giving the large predator a wide berth, the grey furred creature wound its way down and into Antonio's outstretched hand.

"Hola, what's your name?" He asked as he stroked its head.

"Well it's nice to meet you." The rat squeaked frantically and Antonio gasped. "Really?"

Isabela had learned that, while she couldn't get any plants to grow in the room, that didn't mean she couldn't summon plants at all.

While reduced to crawling up the steps she had reached out a hand to grab the railing when a vine shot out from her fingers to grasp the wood for her, pulling her to her feet.

That gave her an idea…

"ISA!" 

Isabel raced past Mirabel up the stairs on a sled made of vines. A length of vine in each hand was rhythmically reaching out along the wall and railing on either side of her to haul her upward.

"CHEATER!"

Alma exited the church and let out a breath. Her conversation with the priest had reduced the man to tears, but what she had said had needed to be said. She had no more patience for him or any other stupid people.

Stepping out, she made her way to the Guzmáns next. The engagement dinner needs to be canceled.

"MirAbElllll!" Isabela slid backwards past Mira on her vine sled.

She was losing all her prgress as the railing had pulled loose from the stairs from age and her wweight.

"It's called karma!" 

Isa threw out a hand in a panic and a vine latched on to Mirabel's leg, pulling it out from underneath her. Hitting the stairs she grabbed a hold of the old planks and held on.

The resistance pulled Isabela off the sled, but stopped her descent down the stairs.

Slowly they both stood up. Mirabel whirled around to glare at her sister.

"Are you tRyInG to kiLL mE?!"

Isabela looked properly contrite. "... sorry."

At the bottom of the stairs Dolores gasped suddenly before wincing.

"Lolo? Everything ok?" Camilo's hand stilled on her back.

She let out a breath. "They're fine."

Camilo looked up at the spiraling stairs. His eyes widened as he watched rope and splintered wood fall with a clatter.

"...right. They're fine."

Knocking on the door, Alma waited for someone to answer. She hoped it wasn't Mariano himself.

"Oh, Señora Madrigal." Rosa Guzmán greeted her. "Come in, come in. We were just discussing dinner tonight."

Smiling politely, she walked into their home. "That is actually why I am here."

"I'm telling you Julieta. Something is wrong with mamá." Pepa whispered to her sister sharply.

After looking around Casita for her hermana, she had immediately headed for the center of town where Julieta always sets up her cart.

"You don't know that Pepa." Julieta began unpacking her third box of bañuelos.

"She went to see Padre Flores and when I went to ask him about it he couldn't speak, he was so upset! The man was already grieving." Grabbing at her hair nervously she added. "What if she's…she's dying?"

"She is not dying, Pepi. Mamá is just…" She looked for the right words as her sister stared at her. "...just worried." 

Pepa didn't believe her.

Mirabel and Isabela collapsed onto the landing at the top of the stairs. Relief rushed over them as they laid there panting.

Pushing herself up onto her elbows, Mirabel looked ahead at the vision cave. Spotting their next challenge her mouth dropped open and she groaned. Falling back onto her face, she drew Isa's attention.

"What?" Isabela pushed up to look and saw what Mira had seen.

The rope bridge between the stairs and the cave was gone.

Groaning, Isa joined her sister in face planting on the platform.

Chapter Text

Sitting up, Mirabel got to her feet and began looking around for something to help her cross the gap.

Isabela was slower to rise, the trip up tiring her out more than it did Mira. By the time she got to her feet Mirabel was already tying the rope around one of the posts from the railing.

"What are you doing?" 

Mira paused only long enough to look at her before tugging on the rope to make sure it was tight.

"Making a rope swing. I'm not leaving without searching that cave." She reared back and threw the wood post over a gathering of stalagmites.

"Why don't you wait for me to make a replacement bridge before hurling yourself to your doom?" She smiled indulgently as if explaining the idea to a child.

"Last I checked you can't do that, Isa." Mirabel smiled back mockingly.

"At least use my vine."

Mirabel sighed. "Look, I don't need your help, ok? I've been doing things by myself for a long time." She gripped the rope tighter, missing the look of sadness that passed over her sister's face. "I got this."

"Mira-"

Ignoring Isabela, Mirabel backed up a few steps and made a running leap across the gap.

"Wait!" Isabela's hand reached out reflexively. Fear shot through her as she thought, mom's going to kill me if she finds out…

For a few heart stopping seconds Mirabel was suspended over a drop that was- Isa didn't want to even guess how deep.

She landed on the other side, on her feet, and threw her hands up in victory.

"Ha!" She turned around with a smile. "Told you I did-" 

A piece of the ledge cracked and Isabela lept without thinking. Whipping out a vine to the stalagmites her sister used she swung across and tackled Mira, pushing her away from the crumbling edge.

Scrambling to get off of each other they peered over the edge of the platform.

"Do you think we should warn Dolores?" Mirabel asked quietly.

A few seconds later they could hear a dull crash of the stone hitting the sand on the floor.

Isabela slowly turned her head to give Mirabel an unimpressed look.

"Hold on, ok ok." Camilo gushed. "Slow down. All I heard was something about visions and Abuela being mad."

Dolores wrung her hands nervously. "I-it's Tío-" Her back suddenly straightened and her gaze shot upward.

Camilo followed her gaze and was barely prepared when several large chunks of rock landed near the bottom of the stairs making him and Dolores jump.

The sand cloud that kicked up from the impact had them coughing and waving their hands to try and help clear the air.

Once they caught their breath and the dust settled he turned back to his sister with wide eyes. 

"...uh. Lolo? They're alive right?"

Isabela and Mirabel stepped through the stone archway, making their way into the shadowed corridor of the cave. Their gazes darted back and forth, looking along the walls at the strange carved images depicting their Tío.

"Has it always been like this?" Mira wondered aloud.

"I wouldn't know. Tío Bruno didn't like us playing in his room." Isa whispered back. " He didn't even like being in his room."

Mirabel turned to look at her, her elbow accidentally knocking a pot over. Scurrying out of the clay pot, a couple rats startled them as they ran up the opposite wall and into little holes they hadn't noticed before.

Isabela cringed. "Ew." 

Snorting, Mirabel rolled her eyes at her sister, a smile on her lips.

A deep rumble echoed through the cave around them. The stone door at the end of the hall creaked open ominously as if warning them to stay away.

Isa and Mira both glances at each other.

"I think we shou-"

"I'm not going anywhere."

"...me either…"

Mirabel strode forward confidently, Isabela followed behind her…less confidently.

Beyond the door was a cavernous room. A pit of sand taking up its center and not much else, leaving it dark and barren.

As they looked around apprehensively, there weren't really a lot of places for clues to hide, they took in the forbidding room.

With a resounding bang the door seemed to close of its own volition making Mirabel jump and Isa yell.

The darkness that enveloped them was gently banished by an eerie green glow beneath the sand in front of them.

Isa gasped. "Tío's vision."

"That's a vision?" She asked as they sank into the sand on their knees.

Digging into the pit, Isabela pulled out a jagged piece first. "It's broken…why did he break it?"

Mirabel dug beneath the sand, fingers searching out the glass pieces. As she uncovered them she handed them to her sister. Isabela spotted the edges together, turning the glass this way and that, searching for the image she knew it contained.

Her hands stilled when it became clear. The remnants of her uncle's last vision threatened to fall from her finger as they began to tremble.

"Isa?" Mirabel paused in her digging. The room around them began to rumble. "What's hurting the magic?

Her sister suddenly clutched the glass image to her chest, unwilling to let Mira see.

"Isa!" Mirabel growled. "Let me see!"

"No!" The room shook as Isa yelled. "This is why he left!"

"Just let me see-" Mira lunged to grab the pieces from her and Isa stepped back further. "Isa! I did not climb all the way up here just for you to be a jerk."

"Mira, you don't understa-"

"I need to know what's hurting the magic, so I can fix it! The family's at stake!" Grabbing Isa's hand the pieces fell from her grasp and into the sand.

In the face of her sister's anger, something she'd never really seen before, Isa stood too stunned to stop Mira from bending to grab the vision where it had fallen a few inches away from them.

She could kick it…kick sand over it. It would be that easy to keep her from seeing-

"Me?" The image was broken slightly from hitting the sand, but the pieces still sat close enough to make out the picture of Mirabel's face.

…she's a horrible sister…

Chapter Text

“Café?” Señora Guzmán offered Alma a cup.

“Gracias, Señora.” She thanked her host.

Rosa Guzmán finished pouring her and Alma’s coffee before sitting down at the table herself. There was a comfortable silence for a few moments as they both sipped at their beverages.

Alma stared into her cup as she rolled over the words she wanted to say versus what was the most polite. But she kept coming up short as there seemed to be no good way to call the engagement off without explaining herself completely.

Better I take the blame, since it is my fault, then have them think Isabela is playing with Mariano…

“Is there something wrong, Señora Madrigal? You seem…” Señora Guzmán trailed off as she looked for a polite word. “…tense.”

Putting down her cup, Alma Stared at Rosa Guzmán wearily. She wasn't sure how to start, but she knew this needed to be done.

“In fact, there is.” Rosa’s eyes widened at the blatant admission.  “I have recently discovered that I have been a tad too… hasty, in my push for the engagement. I have neglected to take my granddaughter’s happiness into account.”

Señora Guzmán nearly choked on her coffee. As delicately as possible she coughed into her napkin and wiped her mouth. 

“Well, I can assure you Doña that my Mariano would be more than capable of making Isabela happy.”

“I know.” Alma halted her affronted rant. “But in my desire to see her married to a good man, I did not consider love.”

Rosa frowned at her slightly, but said nothing. So she continued to explain.

“They are still young, and I remember what it was like back then. I did not marry for anything less than love and I want Isabela and Mariano to have that. Even if it isn’t with each other.”  

They held gazes for several moments, both considering the other. In this, Alma was not going to back down; even if it ended with offending the entire Guzmán family.

“I suppose,” Rosa started. “Mariano has more of a crush on Isabela than anything. So it would be best to give him some time to see if he truly loves her.”

“If and when he comes to such a decision, that will be between them.” Alma leveled her with a look and Rosa nodded her head to agree.

“Very well.” 

With that taken care of, Alma stood and thanked her host for her time and the café.

Line Break

Mirabel stared at the green glass image of herself silently. Her hand paused as it stretched out to touch the glass. Isabela couldn’t handle her silence.

“Mira…” Isa made it a single step forward before a loud crack reverberated around the room.

The entire cave seemed to lurch as stone caved under an invisible weight. Sand poured in through the cracks, filling the room.

Isabela made a break for the door. Hitting the rough surface she bounced off a little as she struggled with the handle.

Looking around she noticed Mirabel wasn’t beside her like she thought she’d be. Turning around she nearly screamed in fear to see her sister on her knees, digging through the sand pit furiously for the rest of the broken vision pieces. 

She held the end of her skirt in one hand as she dug out the glass with the other before dropping the pieces into her skirt to carry them all.

“MIRABEL! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!”

“I just need a few more pieces!”

“ARE YOU CRAZY?! LEAVE THE DAMNED THING!”

“I NEED TO FIX THE MAGIC!” 

Isabela gaped at her. First the rope swing and now this? Why was she so determined to get herself killed?!

Throwing out a vine, Isa snagged Mirabel’s waist just as she grabbed the last piece from the pit. 

“I was coming!” She whined as Isa scowled down at her.

“Help me with this!” 

“I can’t!” Mira panicked as she realized she had nowhere to put the vision fragments she was holding in her skirt.

Isabela looked down at her sister’s impromptu purse and rolled her eyes with a groan.

“Here!” Weaving together a handful of vines, she shoved the completed bag in Mirabel’s face.

Mira stated at it critically, eyeing the uneven weave. She stuck a few fingers through one of the holes.

“I’ll use my skirt, thank-"

“JUST TAKE IT AND HELP ME!”

Rolling her eyes, Mirabel dumped the vision into the poorly made shoulder bag and mumbled complaints under her breath as she shouldered it.

They rammed the door as hard as they could, shoulders aching and teeth rattling as they desperately tried to make it open. The sand was to their waists now as they fought against time.

Finally, like a breaking dam, the door flew open and the tidal wave of sand it released dragged them out and onto the ledge in front of the main entrance.

Breathing hard they laid on their backs, relief flooding them as they saw daylight…well, fake daylight. But at least they were out of there.

Turning her head, Mirabel suddenly noticed how close she was from falling off the ledge.

With a shout she flung herself away from the edge and into her sister’s lap. Isabela sat upright, just as startled by their position near the edge as with her clingy sister. They held onto each other as they stared over the ledge.

Isabela’s gaze snapped to Mirabel. “What were you thinking?!”

Realizing she was sitting in her sister’s lap, Mirabel pushed away from her to get up.

“I was thinking about the family.” She rolled her eyes as she began to dust sand off of her skirt.

Letting out a series of grunts and growls, Isa stomped a foot. “Mirabel, don’t you ever-"

“Yeah, yeah, I’m sorry I dirtied up your outfit and ruined your hair or whatever else I always mess up for you."

Isa felt her anger slip away from her as she watched Mirabel avoid her gaze while trying to act like she wasn’t hurt. Mira thought she was mad…because of her outfit? She’d be insulted if she wasn’t more concerned about how little her baby sister thought of herself.

She sighed. “Let’s just get out of here before someone comes looking for us.”

Mirabel’s head bobbed in agreement, still not looking at her.

“I think I can grab the rope if I-"

“Oh no you don’t.” 

Before Mirabel could blink, Isa tied her arms to her sides, then she began using more vines to make a seat for herself for their descent.

“We’re taking the safe way down.”

Chapter Text

Alma was very pleased with how things were going. So far the only thing that hadn’t gone well was her announcement this morning. After that of course, everything was relatively easy to handle.

Heading back up to Casita, she decided that it was best to inform Isabela first about the change in her courtship. Thankfully she had stopped the proposal before any of the family had heard about it. Now she just had to find a way to encourage Isabela to be herself and that, that’s what Alma wanted. That she didn’t have to be perfect and was loved no matter what.

Alma had to take a deep breath, sorely reminded of why her eldest nieta even thought this way. Collecting herself for a moment she paused before walking through the front door, which Casita opened for her. She will fix this, she will make this right…

Walking upstairs in search of Isabela, Alma turned the corner at the top sharply not expecting to run into anyone.

Mirabel and Isabela stepped back from her as she regained her balance. Dolores fidgeted nervously behind them while Camilo seemed to duck behind his sister.

“Where are all of you coming from in such a hurry?” The words tumbled from her lips, sounding familiar.

“Uh…” Mirabel fumbled with a strange bag on her shoulder made of…vines?

“We were just…ya know…” Isabela jumped in, smiling nervously just like her sister.

Alma glanced over their slightly haggard appearance. Had they been outside running around? Playing with the children in the dirt? Is that...?

“What is in your hai-" Alma’s hand froze in mid-air, halfway between her and Mirabel. 

Her eyes widened as she stared down into Mira’s equally frightened gaze.

“Where were you?” The question was whispered fearfully.

They couldn’t have been in Bruno’s room… she had been with Luisa all morning…Mirabel wouldn’t know to go there…unless someone else knew? But who would-

"I know Tío Bruno…

The only one worried about the magic is you…and the rats talking in the walls… 

When he walks he shuffles and it sounds like falling sand…

I hear him now…"

…she knows. Dolores has known this entire time.

Alma’s gaze slid to Dolores, who’s eyes widened to have attention on her. She vibrated with nerves, so close to cracking as she had at the engagement dinner.

“W-we were outside…experimenting!” Mirabel blurted, no doubt aware of her prima getting ready to snap. “See? Isa made me a bag. I asked her because I was curious about…stuff…?”

“About my powers.” Isa added, trying to help. “She wouldn’t stop pestering me about the different kinds of fauna I can grow so we went outside to…to…”

“To be available in case someone needed us. You know, just in case. And Isabela made this huge Palma De Cera. It exploded out of the ground-"

“It was an accident Abuela I swear-"

“-and sprayed sand all over us and Dolores heard and she and Camilo came over to see if we were ok-"

“-which we are, just a little dirty-"

“-so we came inside to eat and get cleaned up.”

Alma blinked a few times. Mirabel and Isabela smiled a little too widely, but…if they had been playing around with Isabela’s gift then…then they were…

An image of their embrace as the candle burned brightly behind them flashed through her mind and she smiled. Letting out a gentle breath the tension in her shoulders eased. Of course she will need to speak to Dolores, but that was just one more thing to add to her list.

“Good.” Abuela patted a very confused Isa on the cheek. “I’m happy to see you two spending some time together.”

Smiling back, Isabela schooled her expression. “Of course.”

“Now, I actually came up here to speak with you mi flor.” She took Isabela’s hand. “Let’s talk, sí?”

“Yes, let’s.” As they walked away from the group Isa sent a look over her shoulder, mouthing the words ‘wait for me’ to her sister.

Alma looked back as well but only caught a glimpse of Camilo’s ruana as they ducked into the nursery. 

Right…that’s another thing she needed to add to her list. She’ll have to make an appointment with the local carpenter to sort out whether or not another room would be possible before telling Mirabel.

…maybe she could make it a surprise?

“What did you want to talk to me about, Abuela?” 

Turning her attention back to Isabela, Alma gave her a warm smile. “Not here. May I speak to you in your room?”

“Of course.” Though she said it was OK, Alma could now see a pinch of anxiety in her face that Isa was trying to hide. And it hurt knowing that she was the one that put it there.

Mirabel dumped the vision fragments out onto her sewing table and Camilo was.quick to look over her shoulder at the jagged green glass.

"Huh, so that's what a vision looks like." He muttered as his chin rested on Mira's shoulder. "Gotta admit, I'm kinda disappointed."

Rolling her eyes, Mirabel shrugged him off of her before gently rearranging the pieces. Behind them Dolores began pacing the room nervously.

"What are you looking at?" Mirabel and Camilo jumped before turning to look at Antonio.

He stood beside them with a rat on his head, big eyes blinking up at them curiously.

"Uh…nothing. Just a project I'm working on." Mira tried hiding the green glow behind her.

"Can I help? I like puzzles." He smiled wide at her.

Camilo shook his head. "Wait, how do you know it's a puzzle, Toñito?"

They all turned to Antonio with questioning looks, even Dolores who stopped pacing and fretting long enough to realize that perhaps she wasn't the only one in the family to know too much anymore.

In answer to his brother's question, Antonio took the rat off of his head and held it out to them. "This is Oscar, he told me that his friends saw you taking Bruno's picture."

Mirabel glared at Oscar. "Oh he did, did he?" Snitch… "Well in that case I would love your help hombrecito, but the picture is made of glass. I don't want you to get hurt."

"Oh," His face fell slightly for a moment before perking up again. "We can go talk to Bruno instead."

"We can do what now?" Camilo reared back in surprise.

Antonio just nodded. "The rats know where he is. They can show us. That way you don't have to worry about getting cuts on your fingers too."

Looking over her shoulder at Dolores and Camilo she mouthed a phrase that hadn't crossed her lips in years. Making eye contact with her primo she made sure he could read her lips…

… cover for me.

Chapter Text

Looking around Isabela’s room, Alma tried to hide a grimace. All of the flowers were beautiful, so stunning and so…superficial. The rooms in Casita were supposed to reflect the family members they were for. How…how much control did Isabela have over her room to completely arrange it like this? How much control did she have over herself? Feeling like this was who she had to be…

"You wanted to speak with me Abuela?" Isa asked carefully, watching her.

Alma took a breath before turning around. "What is your favorite color, Isabela?"

"Um." The question caught the young woman off guard. Alma waited for her answer though, silently standing there with her hand folded. "I like…red? And purple…"

"And what of pink?" Alma asked pointedly.

Isabela smiled and nodded, but Alma could see the hatred in her eyes. They were so alive and expressive, how had she not seen the obvious emotions?

"Do not lie to me. Please, mi flor." Alma begged. "I know you are not happy."

That simple phrase crushed Isa, her face falling as her posture turned rigid. "A-Abuela I-"

Alma held up anhand to stop her. "All I ever wanted was for my family to be safe." She admitted slowly. "I always thought it was the most important thing I could ever do. Keep my family safe, keep the magic alive; keep my Pedro alive and make sure that even when I'm gone, you all would be taken care of. But I never thought about your happiness. What would make you smile, what you liked and didn't like. Isa…" Her nieta's eyes were shining with unshed tears. "Why didn't you tell me you were so miserable?"

Isabela sniffed, her voice wobbly. "I just wanted you to be happy. Be proud of me."

"Oh, mi flor." Alma gathered her granddaughter into her arms and stroked her hair. "So selfless, so loving Isa, tu corazón es muy bonito." She peppered her face with kisses. "I am proud of you, te quiero."

"I love you too Abuela." She whispered into Alma's shoulder. Then, even quieter she admitted. "I don't want to get married."

"I know." Alma whispered back and Isa tensed. "I called off the engagement."

Isabela relaxed back into her arms and enjoyed the rare embrace.

Bruno paced the length of his little room anxiously. Dolores knew, has known he was here…of course she did, why wouldn't she? She hears everything.

He fiddled with his fingers and wrung out the ends of his ruana trying to figure out what to do. because according to his sobrina, mama might know he's here too. And that would ruin everything. She'll want to know why he's hiding, then she'll grab his ear and yell at him for leaving but not leaving and then after an hour of enduring guilt trips by the dozens and punishments his 50 year old self shouldn't get anymore she'll ask about his vision and he'll have to tell cause he can't lie…not to mamá.

…and then he'll have to face them, his hermanas.

He shivered just thinking about it.

Jorge and Hernando were good for patching cracks, but when it came to advice well…they never had to deal with his family before…he might as well ask the rats. 

Plopping down into his high backed red chair, Bruno stared blankly at the wooden planks that separated him from his family every morning and resisted the itch behind his eyes to seek out an answer. He knew what was coming. He'd seen it a decade ago, seeing it again would only give him nightmares.

Alma was satisfied the talk with Isabela had gone so smoothly. Remembering how she had exploded on Mirabel Alma had worried getting her to admit she was unhappy was going to be more difficult than that. But then again…

She was not Mirabel, she was Abuela. She told Isabela that she already knew what was going on and not to lie. So she felt she had no choice. It made Alma feel guilty for cornering her but…it was for her own good.

Putting the finishing touches on the dimensions for Mirabel's rooms, she looked over the dimensions one more time before rolling up the piece of paper and heading back downstairs. She had a carpenter to see.

"She what?!" Isabela was livid. "I told her to wait for me!"

"Well she didn't. That's not my fault." Camilo held out his hands defensively.

Isa just glared at him. "Do you have any idea what she's willing to do to fix this?" She asked, still feeling guilty over not realizing how Mira saw herself…that she probably helped with that. "She nearly flung herself off of the cliff in Tío's room to cross the gap to the cave, wouldn't leave when we got locked in said cave and it started filling with sand. And then was going to throw herself back off of the cliff to get down."

Camilo and Dolores stared behind her with wide eyes all throughout the rant, speechless. 

"What are you looking a-" Whirling around she found Luisa standing in the nursery doorway behind her.

Her lips trembled as she stared down at her older sister. "Mirabel wouldn't do that…" She said shakily. "She's fine right?"

Dolores squeaked, clutching her hands to her chest. "She went to look for Tío Bruno."

"What?" Luisa's jaw dropped.

"Can you still hear her?" Isa asked hurriedly. Dolores nodded. "Take us to her, who knows what trouble she's going to get into."

All four followed Dolores as she reluctantly walked out of the nursery, following the sound of her youngest prima's heart.

"I'm telling you Julieta, there's something wrong." Pepa had followed her sister all the way back to Casita from town, Félix joined them on the way in. "If not with mamá then she knows something is wrong."

"For the last time Pepa, everything is fine." They entered la cocina and helped Julieta put her leftovers away. "Mamá will handle it, and if she needs us to do something she'll ask. Ay hermana, you need to stop listening to chisme."

"But-"

"Pepi," Félix rubbed his wife's back. "She's right, about the everything being fine part." He quickly added.

"Bee sting." Augustín walked in, announcing his entrance with a wince.

"Ay, amor." Julieta sighed and handed him an arepa.

"By the way," He licked his fingers. "I saw your mother heading back into town on my way up. She was carrying plans of some kind."

"Plans?" Julieta hummed curiously.

"Sí, said she was off to talk to the carpenter and see if he could make whatever she had drawn up."

Pepa let out an exasperated noise before letting her head fall with a thud onto the table.

"Pepa." Julieta said in warning.

"The carpenter Julieta!  The carpenter!"

"She is not dying!"

"First she announces Mirabel will be in charge, then she sees the Padre and now she's going to see the CARPENTER!"

"It could be a gift for Isabela's engagement!"

"Amor," Augustín interrupted. "I just saw Senora Guzmán in town. Abuela called off the engagement."

The silence hung heavily in the air for a few moments.

"I knew it!" Pepa hollered, unknowingly making her daughter more anxious. "She's having a coffin commissioned!"

Behind the family tree Bruno sat in his chair, his breath caught in his throat. His hands grasped the armrests so tightly his knuckles were white.

Was this why Casita was breaking? Not because of Mira but because mamá was dyi-...dying? He swallowed hard, lips trembling as tears threatened to roll down his cheeks.

…he hadn't seen this. He-he needed to check again…he…he needed to have a vision.

Chapter Text

Mirabel followed Antonio who followed Oscar who was sniffing his way through the passageway between Casita's walls. And hadn't that been a shock. Mira questioned whether she should question following a rat into the walls, and whether or not the creature was actually leading her to her long lost Tío Bruno. But if it meant finding some answers that could help her fix whatever's causing the cracks, then she'd do anything. 

Besides, what’s the worst that could happen?

Isa, Luisa, Dolores and Camilo stood beside each other just…staring at a painting on the wall.

"Uh, Dolores?" Camilo turned to his sister.

Dolores had stopped to stare at the picture for almost a minute, tense and unsure. 

Isabela rolled her eyes. "Dolores, where's Mirabel?" She huffed.

Slowly, very carefully, Dolores reached out and pulled the painting away from the wall to reveal the crumbling hole leading into the depths between Casita's walls.

"You knew this was here and never told me?" Camilo asked his sister in betrayal.

His joke worked as intended. Lolo stopped wringing her hands nervously for a moment to scowl at him.

"Can we focus please?" Isa clapped her hands to gain their attention. "You're telling me that Mira went… in there?" 

"...sí." Dolores whispered.

"Because the rats told Antonio that Tío Bruno was in there." She continued.

Dolores nodded, a little guilty and unsure of how much to spill. On one hand she had been tempted to do just what her uncle had. Hide away from everyone for her own peace of mind. But then she wouldn't have ever met Mariano.

Luisa stared into the dark, dusty, dimly lit hallway. She swallowed nervously, unable to imagine her adorable and sweet hermanita being swallowed by the house itself while trying to save the family.

"Alright." Isabela straightened. It was a little…difficult to believe…but then again the house itself was alive, so why couldn't it have…bowels? "In we go. Vamanos."

Lifting her skirts she stepped into the dark carefully, Camilo came in behind her. She looked back to see Dolores hesitating.

"Don't you dare Dolores! We need you to find her!" She reached out and grabbed her prima by the hand and pulled her forward.

Luisa had to practically crawl into the hole sideways just to fit, and even then she barely did.

"Uh, guys." She sucked in a breath and began backing out. "I don't think I can come."

Isabela sighed. "Alright, keep an eye out for us then. Just tell Dolores if Abuela or anyone else gets suspicious."

Luisa nodded sadly. As she watched them disappear into Casita's walls she sniffled a little. She was hoping to see Mirabel safe and sound herself. From what she overheard Isa saying, it sounded like all of the negative comments had finally taken their toll.

She'd always been worried it would come to this, but she'd always been too busy to check up on Mira herself. Now, she was really regretting not making time for her.

Some sister she was.

Alma thanked the carpenter again as she left his shop. She was smiling widely now as she imagined the surprised look on Mirabel's face.

It wasn't much. But both she and the carpenter agreed that an addition to the house on the first floor shouldn't hurt it as the project would focus on adding to Casita and not cutting into or taking away from what was already there.

The sound of thunder rumbling in the distance caught her attention. Alma looked up to see black clouds circling above Casita.

Oh no. What did I miss?

Alma's mind whirled as she tried to think of what could possibly be wrong. She hurried as best she could toward the house when the comments she heard along the way made her pause.

"Pepa's in a bad mood again."

"Ay, not again. I swear that chica needs to chill out."

"Why now? The weather was so nice today."

"There she goes, ruining another gorgeous day."

Trying not to let the words get to her, Alma had to wonder when the townsfolk began to think this way. They were certainly allowed to have bad days or black moods. Just because her hija had powers that showed what her emotions were didn't mean she wasn't allowed to feel.

Alma grit her teeth, annoyed with how the people she passed all seem to treat her daughter's anxiety like it was an inconvenience.

Was this something else I had missed?

She had never given Pepa's haywire emotions much thought. She had always thought of her as being dramatic…but…

Looking back up, those dark and swirling clouds told of an emotion that was equally depressing. She had to get home, something was wrong.

Mentally, Alma added Pepa to her list. She was number one now actually if the increase in rumbling was any indication.

Crossing the bridge, Alma.was almost out of breath as she hurried up the hill to Casita. A variety of accidents could've occurred while she'd been gone.

Mirabel could've fallen in Bruno's room. She could be asking Pepa about him right now. 

Alma rushed into Casita only to nearly run her distraught hija over. Pepa stared at her for a moment, eyes frantic and breathing erratic.

"Pepa, mi rayo de sol." Alma whispered. She frowned in concern and held her arms out for her daughter.

Pepa crumbled into her mother's arms sobbing. Rain pelted Casita's tiled roof. Casita carefully shifted a few ro extend out over the pair so they wouldn't get soaked.

"What's wrong mija?" Alma asked carefully.

Just like when she was little, Pepa mumbled and cried her response into Alma's shoulder. Alma only caught a few words. Something about her being worried about the padre and Isa's engagement.

Did the padre say something to her? Were other people in town already gossiping about the engagement…or lack thereof? Who had made Pepa cry?

Alma rubbed her back gently and waited for her to calm down. Then she'll explain why she canceled Isabela's engagement carefully so as to clear up whatever this misunderstanding was.