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Chapter Text

The town of Encanto, hidden behind grand mountains. Keeping the town and all of its citizens safe from the outside world.

This was a place of pure magic. Of life and happiness.

In the center of the town was the Madrigal family. Alma Madrigal, the head of the family. And each of her children and each of her grandchildren had each their own magical gift. That helped the Encanto and all those who lived there.

Well… Almost all of them. There was one. Who had none.

And then there was the one. Who's very name was considered a bad omen.

The town of Encanto was bright and magical. But there was a shadow looming over it. People didn't want to speak his name. People did their best not to acknowledge him… But he would be there.

The great family portrait showing the shining Madrigal family. He was there looking towards the townspeople with a disturbed look in his eyes.

On the family tree inside of Casa Madrigal, he was there… His portrait washed out and looked out at the dinner table with that same disturbed look.

A door, looking old, dark, and worn out. Showing his portrait and that name which no one would speak.

Sometimes, a green glow would emerge. And someone would find one of those old dusty tablets from back in the day. Showing the unhappy event that was doomed to occur once this prophecy had been made.

Bruno Madrigal!

Though he had been gone for ten years. His ghost was there. Children would whisper and shiver. Parents would recall the way he would walk hunched and in the shadows. With his hood pulled up leaving his face in shadow.

They recalled his mumbling and his stuttering… Strange things he would say. And how bright his eyes would look as they appeared under the hood.

Those eyes… accurately portrayed in his portrait. Looking disturbed and like they were looking into your very soul.

The ghost… Bruno Madrigal.

For ten years he had been gone. No one knew where Bruno Madrigal had gone, or how he had left.

One day he had been there… And then he was not… Vanished from sight. Never to be seen again… until tonight.

That whole thing was though the last thing on a young woman's mind this evening.

Mirabel Madrigal…. The gift less one.

This evening had been a special evening. Her little Primo Antonio had turned five, and so he had been granted a gift.

And it was an amazing gift, Mirabel had seen it. How Antonio was now able to talk to animals, and how his door had opened up to reveal an entire jungle that was now his room.

Mirabel hated herself for it… She despised herself. That she felt like this…. Left out. Overlooked… Like she didn't even exist.

Everybody else was given a gift by casita. But not her… Had she done something wrong? Didn't she deserve a gift?

Her family was wonderful and loving, Mirabel had never lacked a single thing growing up. She never wanted to feel ungrateful and yet… here she was. Asking.

"Why me?" Mirabel whispered.

What Mirabel didn't notice, was a shadow moving across the roof just above him. A figure hidden in the shadow, with a bowed head and a hood covering the figures face.

Yet the figure stayed in the shadow, then it lifted its head, revealing a pair of large green eyes. Looking down at the lonely girl with sadness.

A hand slowly reached forward… but then it quickly retrieved. Only for the sudden movement to rattle the roof tiles and one single tile plummeted down, shattering on the ground and making the figure freeze in fright.

Mirabel gasped… Not far from her. She swore she had seen something falling down. Slowly Mirabel stood up, then slowly… She moved towards the object now on the floor.

Mirabel blinked as she looked down at a broken tile. Slowly, she bowed down to pick up the tile. For a moment Mirabel looked at it. As Mirabel stood there. Suddenly, a crack slammed through the floor she was standing on and Mirabel shouted dropping the tile and then letting out a cry in pain, now looking at her hand where a fresh cut had appeared.

Around herself, Mirabel could hear the rumblings and slowly she looked up to see… Cracks… Everywhere! Starting from the floor and crawling over the walls like a spiderweb, up the walls and Mirabel gasped as she followed them up the stairs.

More and more, going over the magic doors that all seemed to splutter and fade.

Then the cracks come from the left too, and below, and they went for Abuela's window! Towards the candle before they finally stop…. And the candle… The candle flickered.

Mirabel gasped, then she turned and ran. Ran as fast as she could into Antonio's room where the party was going on. "THE HOUSE IS IN DANGER!" she screamed making everyone halt.

Slowly, Alma, the Abuela of the house stepped forward looking at Mirabel with a frown.

"There were cracks! It was everywhere! And… And the candle almost went out! Abuela!"

At that Alma's eyes widened, before they turned stern. "Show me," she asked.

At once Mirabel turned around and lead the entire party back out into the front yard, only to stop.

Everything looked… fine! There was not a crack in sight, the doors were flickering and the candle was burning as strongly as before.

"I… I don't understand." Mirabel whispered. "It was here! And there!" she pointed. "It was right there!"

Alma frowned deeply.

"And everywhere! The cracks!" Mirabel spread out her arms as now everyone was looking at her. Most of the people very displeased.

"Mirabel!" Alma snapped. "Much I would grand you. But trying to ruin Antonio's day?"

Mirabel gaped. "That's not what I…"

"Enough," Alma demanded. "I don't want to hear it."

Suddenly there were whispers, people were mumbling among themselves, then looked at Mirabel.

"I… I'm not lying though." Mirabel whispered.

"The candle going out?" A woman snorted. "Don't be ridiculous!"

"What will she come up with next?" A man laughed.

Mirabel's eyes widened as slowly she stepped backward.

"One would think she wanted the magic to fail." another man smirked. "Is it just because you don't have any magic? Well, welcome to the club. We don't either! It doesn't make you special."

"She's just making a big scene!" An older woman joined in.

And suddenly everyone was just speaking on top of each other, many of them looked angry. Some were pointing fingers at Mirabel and she felt so small. She didn't even notice her mother trying to push herself through the crowds to get to Mirabel.

Julieta didn't manage to get there before suddenly a voice boomed across the courtyard and above all of them.

"LEAVE HER ALONE!"

Everyone halted, then they looked up to see a figure there on top of the roof, a hood covering his face as the ruana blew in the wind. The only thing visible on the face was the sneer of his mouth.

Alma gasped, then her eyes hardened. "Camilo. I don't know what you think you're doing. But that's not the least bit amusing."

"Erh. Abuela." a teenage boy suddenly poked Alma on the shoulder and she turned around to be faced with a fifteen-year-old boy. "I'm right here."

That made everyone gasp, they turned back to the figure on the roof and a woman screamed. "IT'S BRUNOOOO!"

Pepa yelled in shock, and as Pepa yelled in fright a thunderstrike stroke down right behind Bruno's figure, shortly illuminating his body and his wide eyes that looked so angry.

"Shut up!" Bruno roared. "Ten years I have spent. Patching your stupid magic!" he exclaimed. "But it keeps breaking! And guess what. This stuff has been breaking apart for a very long time! It started before Mirabel was born." he said.

People gasped startled as the thunder stroke again.

"This is your own fault," Bruno exclaimed. "You started to rely on the magic for every single little thing in your life. You first relied on it, and then you took it for granted! And you abused all of these gifts granted to you! Well… It's going away now. You took it too far. felt entitled too it. Wore it all out. And now you are willing to blame a girl for your own mistakes?! Well, let it be known. That whatever happens next. IT WAS OF YOUR OWN MAKING!" he shouted as the thunder erupted for a third time and then, a woman screamed.

"IT'S A GHOOOOST!"

And then everybody screamed attracting the attention of the entire Madrigal family bewildered looking around as people were screaming and running in circles around themselves.

"We've been cursed! AAAAAH!"

Wide-eyed Mirabel looked at the spectacle, then looked up at where the apparition had been and she gasped. "HE'S GONE!" she pointed at where the figure had been, and true enough he was gone.

"THE HOUSE IS HAUNTED WUAAAAAARGH!"

Before the family Madrigal even knew it, people just poured out of the door, screaming and running for the hills, and then suddenly… It was just the family Madrigal left behind, just standing there in the courtyard.

They were all lost for words… scared and bewildered they looked at each other.

That is when Mirabel felt a little hand taking hers and she looked down to see Antonio next to her. "Erhm… Mirabel." Antonio whispered looking up. "I know I just got a cool new room and all. But can I sleep with you in our room just one more night… Please?"

Slowly Mirabel nodded. "Sure… Of course," she whispered. "I would like that."

Pepa looked white as a sheet, she was shaking all over her body. "Can….. Can it really be?" she asked. "Did we just see?" she swallowed, and her eyes watered.

"Santa Maria. A spirit." Felix whispered as he drew the cross in front of his chest.

Little did any of these people know that no… It wasn't a spirit at all. For right under the roof, the man who had been standing on the rooftop filled with anger. Was now curled together in a little shaking ball of fear.

"Oh no. What did I do?" Bruno squealed. "Stupid Bruno. Stupid… Oh no. no no no." he shook his head while just praying to god that nobody would start looking for him now.

Chapter Text

Usually, breakfast at Casa Madrigal would be a pretty lively affair. Usually, it would be noisy and chaotic.

Usually, there would be talk, tripping, and laughter…. Usually.

This morning, as everyone was seated by the table. Everyone looked several shades paler than normal. To top that off, pretty much everyone looked pretty sleep deprived.

Not even Pepa's usual morning coffee would make her cloud go away, and for once in her life, Alma didn't even comment on the cloud.

With no talk, the sound of clicking silverware cutting up the breakfast seemed so incredibly loud.

Then finally Agustin cleared his throat. "Ahem." that made everyone just stop what they were doing and turn to him. "oh… I… I just wanted. Isabela could you pass me the orange juice."

Isabela blinked. "Oh… Of course Papa." she nodded picking up the pitcher with orange juice standing next to her and handing it over.

"Gracias." Agustin nodded.

And again… There was quiet.

Pepa downed her third cup of strong black coffee and grabbed the coffee pot to pour up another cup, only to grunt annoyed as only one drop left the pot.

Julieta looked at it. "That's odd. I made the same amount of coffee I always do," she commented as she looked around, only to be faced with multiple people that had dark shadows under their eyes, and everyone had their own cup of strong black coffee. "Oh." Julieta lowered her head. "I'll go set over a new pot." she glanced up. "Maybe two." she picked up the two empty coffee pots and walked into the kitchen.

Camilo groaned deeply as he leaned back. "So are we ever going to talk about this?" he asked and they all looked at him. "There's a bloody ghost in the house!" he exclaimed spreading out his arms and they all gasped.

Pepa's lips thinned. "We don't know that." she huffed. "Maybe it's just a bad prank," she stated. "A horrible, bad, prank," she stated. "Dolores do you hear any ghosts?" she asked in an attempted eye-roll, clearly in an attempt to just dismiss the whole thing as a prank. 

"Oh yes sure. Tio Bruno has been inside the walls for the last ten years. I hear him every day." Dolores nodded while casually eating her food.

That made everyone freeze and they turned to Dolores.

Camilo seemed to grow even paler. "What?"

"He talks to the rats." Dolores nodded. "There's a lot of rats."

"What?!" Camilo asked again even louder. 

Mirabel's eyes widened, and so did all the others.

"In… in the walls?" Luisa asked in a whisper. "How can a person be in the walls."

"Well." Mirabel swallowed. "The magic is in the walls. Right?" she asked. "I mean."

Agustin hesitated. "Maybe… We should try to focus on what he said," he whispered. "He said that… We have abused the magic. And because of that, it's going away."

Everyone's eyes widened in shock.

"I am just saying… Back in time. It was always a good idea to listen to Bruno's warnings. And now." Agustin gulped. "Perhaps it's worth considering… He looked pretty angry."

Alma's lip thinned, then she looked down. "But we need the magic," she whispered. "Without the magic, we won't be safe…. We can't." she looked up. "From now on! Do not use your gifts! Let it rest!"

"But." Luisa looked up. "I can't! There's so much I have to do today!" she exclaimed. "The donkey's got out again, I promised to do that first. The river needs to be re-routed so the cornfield won't drown. I promised to knock up this new wall for the Cortez family. Oh and the church needs to be moved and…" she kept on ranting while the entire family looked at her. Finally, Luisa stopped and she gasped for air. "So you see! I can't!"

Mirabel halted. "Half of those things don't sound all that important." she had to admit. "Erhm… Why do you have to collect the donkeys? Do people really need super strength for that?"

Luisa looked at Mirabel. "It's quicker if I do it." she whispered.

"That sounds like an abuse of the gifts to me! Just like Tio Bruno said!" Mirabel exclaimed. "So, if we are to listen to him. You should only do what is absolutely necessary."

That made everyone silent in stunned awe.

Finally, Alma nodded. "Luisa. Like Mirabel said. Only do what is absolutely necessary today. The rest have to handle themselves."

"But I… What I mean is.. I…" Luisa swallowed just as Julieta re-entered, but she was in the company of someone.

A man, wearing the long black robe of a priest, his head bald as a shiny egg, and he was holding a bible in his hands.

"Familia. We have a guest." Julieta informed them all the obvious.

At once Alma stood up. "Padre Hernandez!" she gasped. "What owes the pleasure? Can we offer you something?" she asked immediately. "Julieta is just brewing a fresh pot of coffee and there's plenty of food." she offered.

"That's very kind Senora Madrigal." Padre Hernandez their priest bowed respectfully for her. "But I fear I have come for a more serious reason. As a priest, it is my job and duty to protect the town from evil spirits," he informed them.

That made Alma halt. "What do you mean?"

"Last night." Padre Hernandez looked at her. "Many saw what appeared to be an angry and vengeful spirit. I am here to offer my services. So we may be saved from this tortured soul."

Alma blinked looking at him. "You mean… Like an exorcism of the house?" she asked.

Padre Hernandez nodded. "Si. It is impossible to tell what harm this spirit has already caused. Don't forget La Llorona! She too was once just a starving woman, but now she walks this earth and places her curse on those she encounters. Never finding peace! The same goes for La Candileja, she too was once merely a grandmother but her soul has been lost and wanders the earth and many have died to her anger. As long as this spirit remains, we will not be safe!"

Alma was lost for words as she gaped at Padre Hernandez, so were the rest.

The Padre continued, now confident in his mission. "It is my sincere advice that we start immediately. First, we must hang up garlic, sage, and crucifixes in all windows! I shall bless your house crucifix. Salt must be laid at the doorsteps of your bedrooms so he can't feast on your dreams in your sleep. Remember to place all the brooms correctly! The shaft down and the head up! Then we must pray! I suggest we pray at every sunrise and sundown! I will bring holy water and I will bless the house! We will get rid of this spirit, that I promise you!"

Suddenly, Alma's face looked stone cold.

Padre Hernandez blinked confused. "Senora."

"Out." Alma suddenly demanded.

"Senora Madrigal. I don't think you heard me, this is of greatest importance!"

"Oh, I heard you. And I told you to get out." Alma huffed. "Get out of my house!"

Hernandez gaped. "Senora, you must listen to reason!"

Suddenly Alma just ran over and grabbed a broom, then ran after Hernandez with her broom. "Out! Out with you, I say! Out!"

Suddenly Hernandez's eyes widened and he yelled as he turned around and ran for it just as Alma came running after him with her broom and they were gone.

But the family at the table could still hear Alma's yelling from the entrance.

"And stay out!"

Stunned the people at the table looked at each other, blinking stunned.

"I have to be honest," Camilo whispered. "I thought she would be on board with the exorcism bit."

Julieta glanced down, chewing her lip. Pepa also looked to her side, swallowing as she clutched a place over her chest.

Just as Alma returned, huffing and puffing. "Now where were we?" he asked. "Ah yes. Bruno said we have been abusing the gifts and taking them for granted. Everybody, take the day off! All of you." she demanded.

Everyone gaped shocked.

"Taking a… Abuela are you alright?" Camilo asked astounded.

"I'm fine!" Alma huffed. "Excuse me." then she left making everybody look at each other.

"Wow," Camilo whispered. "Abuela never listen to anyone! Then a ghost shows up for ten seconds and she's just gonna do everything he tells her to do?"

"I…" Isabela halted. "I suppose."

Everyone was blinking looking at each other… Well… This sure promised to be… Interesting.

Chapter Text

Mirabel swallowed while clutching her skirt, she was all alone in the family dining room. Looking at the large family tree painted on the wall.

She saw her mother who was smiling in her portrait, Tia Pepa too looked like she was about to dance. Everyone seemed pretty happy in their depictions… Except one. And that was the figure having Mirabel's full interest.

Her Tio Bruno….

It was hard to describe the look his depiction had on his face, he looked kind of disturbed. Looking out into the room with wide eyes.

Unlike the other portraits too, Bruno's looked washed out. The green colors not really looking as vibrant as the others. His hair looked to be big and frizzled and his back was hunched.

Mirabel tilted her head as she tried to take it in… She still tried to wrap her head around last evening's events. Or what any of it meant.

She recalled the cracks, and how it had looked like the entire house was falling down… How the magic was failing. Only for all of it to be gone.

The next thing Mirabel knew, everyone had pointed fingers at her. Accused her of doing it on purpose… the worst thing was that deep inside. Mirabel thought they might have had a point. Being left out of the family celebration hadn't felt nice at all.

She had felt scared…. And guilt had started to form in her stomach when suddenly that man had appeared on the roof.

He had come to her aid… Mirabel couldn't deny that. With one swift warning, he had assured her, and the entire mob that… It wasn't her fault. The magic had been failing for longer than she had been alive!

And suddenly all the doubt and guilt had been removed from Mirabel. She had been ready to cry.

Of course, then everyone had panicked and run out, leaving the family pretty frazzled and scared… Mirabel didn't have it in her to be scared of him though.

He had rescued her, shown himself just to set things straight. And warned them… He hadn't seemed malicious at all.

If anything… Mirabel had thought he looked more… sad.

Slowly Mirabel walked up the stairs, looking at the many family portraits adorning the walls... Though Mirabel couldn't help but notice that not only was her own portrait conspicuously missing among the many many depictions of all the rest from different events. She didn't see Bruno either... And it made Mirabel's heart twist. She knew what it was like to be left out, even if the family hadn't really intended to do it. It just sort of happened... But it hurt. So... This is what it had been like for him too. 

Mirabel didn't think any portraits had been removed or anything. It just was that there hadn't been added any over the years either. 

Then she reached the collection of pictures, showing all the Madrigals who had received gifts in front of their door on their five-year birthday.

There was Isabela with braids, looking so happy and proud. Luisa flexed her muscles in a showcase of her new strength.

Above them was Mirabel's own mother as a five-year-old, smiling softly. Her Tia Pepa just grinning like a madwoman and…

A little boy, smiling nervously and awkwardly at the camera as he was hopelessly grabbing his arm.

Mirabel looked at the little boy, really trying to take him in…. He didn't really look like anything special. He didn't look threatening or ominous. He looked awkward and nervous, and that was kind of it.

Behind the small boy though was a door… And the depiction of the boy's older self looked very different. A grown man, his eyes open and looking very serious as he looked forward, a permanent frown on his face looking… outright angry.

Mirabel frowned, then she moved further down the path until she was at the absolute corner and was faced with the real deal.

The door from the photo was now right in front of her. Unlike the photo, though there was no magic glow at all, it just looked like a normal wooden door with that same ominous portrait.

Mirabel frowned as she looked at it… She had been five when her Tio Bruno vanished. She tried to recall him. What she remembered.

She knew that green was his color and… The ruana he would wear was soft. At least that's what Mirabel thought she remembered. It all seemed so fuzzy. But… Mirabel thought she remembered a voice that was soft and kind. Kind of raspy but in a very nice way. A face, that often looked tired, and just a little bit sad. But even so, those eyes would be filled with warmth as he looked at her and her family. Touches that were always very careful and gentle.

Mirabel looked down, then she halted as at the doorstep she saw… A white orchid.

Slowly Mirabel bowed down to pick up the flower, now holding it in her hand… It looked fresh like it had just been plugged right now and placed in front of the door.

Mirabel blinked… she tried to make sense of what had happened at breakfast too. For all of Mirabel's life, her Abuela had always given very strict instructions on how to treat the priest when he visited.

Always be polite, always offer him refreshments, and treat him with the utmost respect. And that had been the rule. The priest was to always be respected… So to see Alma just turn on him like that had shocked Mirabel greatly… It shocked everyone.

Then Mirabel looked up at the door in front of her again. "Erhm… Tio Bruno," she whispered. "I just… Thank you for standing up for me yesterday," she whispered. "I don't think you're evil… I know that's what Padre Hernandez said… But I don't believe him. Abuela didn't seem to believe him either." she whispered as she fiddled with the orchid in her hands. It felt kind of weird talking to a door… and a guy Mirabel barely remembered. "Look. If there's something I can do." she looked at the door again. "To you know… help you or… Just say the word alright?"

Of course… The door didn't say a thing… It was a door.

"Yeah. Okay." Mirabel swallowed. "Thanks again Tio." she nodded, then bowed down and replaced the orchid in front of the door before standing up. "Right… Okay…. See you soon… I… I think. Maybe?"

Again, there was no reply from the door.

"Yeah, see you later." Mirabel nodded and then rushed back down the stairs.

Once Mirabel was down in the courtyard, a smell hit her nostrils, that of baked goods and Mirabel blinked as she followed the smell into the kitchen, where her mother was in full force baking goods.

Mirabel gaped. "Mama! What are you doing?!"

Julieta blinked as she turned to Mirabel. "What do you mean amor? This is always what I do at this time of day."

"Yes I know, but you're supposed to take the day off!" Mirabel gasped. "Abuela told us to take the day off."

Julieta shook her head. "She said to only do the things that are absolutely necessary," she commented. "What is more necessary than healing?" she asked. "What if someone got hurt?"

"Mama… I really think the idea is you take a day off." Mirabel tried again.

"It's no trouble though." Julieta smiled sweetly. "I like cooking! It's fun for me! No trouble at all!"

Mirabel blinked. "Mama… Have you ever taken a day off? I mean… Like… Ever?"

"Of course I have." Julieta chuckled. "You think I could stand up after giving birth to you? It took me out for almost an entire day!"

"Wha… And then you got back to work the day after?!" Mirabel asked.

"Of course I did. I had to catch up with all the people who had gotten hurt!" Julieta exclaimed. "Thankfully your father was such a darling. Handing out the food for me so all I had to do was cook and look after my little cute baby."

"Mama!" Mirabel shouted. "I am pretty sure that when a woman has just given birth she's supposed to rest for at least a couple of days!"

"And I did," Julieta assured. "I only baked a few arepas for the town, no big deal."

Mirabel gaped at her mother… Suddenly seeing Julieta in a new light she hadn't before. Mirabel was indeed used to Julieta just being here, in the kitchen, every morning. It had always seemed so normal. Never had it occurred to Mirabel that just maybe… The hours Julieta spend in here all day every day were a little much.

"Mama!" Mirabel exclaimed. "Sit down! Read a book!"

"I will," Julieta assured. "Later."

Mirabel gaped, then frowned. "Tio Bruno would want you to sit down and read a book," she informed.

That made Julieta freeze, then she turned to Mirabel. Mirabel looked challenging back at her.

"You know what…" Julieta whispered. "Maybe your father can hand out the baked goods today. He did fine each time I had given birth."

"Okay. That's good." Mirabel nodded. "I'll go find Papa then. Okay?" she asked.

Julieta nodded. "Okay."

Mirabel sighed deeply as she turned and headed out towards town to look for her Papa, just wondering what else this day would have in store for her.

Chapter Text

The first thing Mirabel noticed as she stepped out the door was the wind that seemed kind of odd as if it wasn't really coming from just one direction.

Mirabel supposed that could mean that her Tia Pepa was in a weird mood, which made perfect sense in all fairness. So she didn't think too much about it.

However, it was when Mirabel walked out the garden gate she had to halt…

Padre Hernandez was back… And he had a whole group of people with him just standing there, right outside of the Casita property, with folded hands. Then Padre Hernandez seemed to be chanting. "Agnus dei, qui tolis peccata mundi."

And then his little group of people repeated the Latin phrase.

Padre Hernandez continued. "In saecula saeculorum. Sanctus, sanctus, sanctus."

The little group repeated the phrases.

"Sanctus, sanctus, sanctus."

Mirabel blinked as she looked at the odd little gathering. "You guys are not trying to do an exorcism, are you? I don't think my Abuela would like that."

Padre Hernandez opened his eyes, then looked at Mirabel. "We are merely praying for the people in this house!" he stated.

"O…. kay." Mirabel blinked. "I mean thanks I guess. We're doing okay though, you don't have to be standing out here…. You… You can go home. Or... Do something productive with your time."

"No! As a messenger of Christ. It is my duty to pray for those in need!" Padre Hernandez insisted. "Child… Let Christ into your heart. Carry him with you and you shall be protected. Remember to pray and confess your sins. Then your soul will always be safe. No matter what kind of demon lurks in the shadows."

Mirabel nodded slowly. "I mean… I do pray before every meal with the rest of my family and we go to church on Sundays. I haven't been stricken down by lightning yet so… I think we're okay."

"We shall pray!" Padre Hernandez declared.

"Sure… Okay. You just do that." Mirabel nodded. "Have fun… I guess," she commented as slowly she backed away, and then finally turned around to walk into town.

…. People were weird.

As Mirabel walked into town, the winds were picking up even more. People huffed annoyed, grabbing their items and keeping them down as lighter items would fall over and roll across the street.

Mirabel decided to follow the winds to where they were stronger, where she, at last, saw her Tia Pepa hissing frustrated as she walked around.

The people next to Pepa looked pretty annoyed.

"I said sun! Not… Whatever this is!" A woman exclaimed.

"Well. Maybe wind can work just as well when drying yarn." Pepa exclaimed as true enough, between them was a rack of newly colored yarn that was put out to dry.

Mirabel gaped. "Are you kidding me!" she shouted earning the attention of both women. "Tia! Bruno said people have abused the gifts, and Abuela asked us all to take the day off to stop it! I can see the argument for healing, but drying yarn a little bit quicker?!" she asked. "You gotta be kidding me! You shouldn't be doing this right now! Hell, you shouldn't be doing it at all. This is stupid!"

Pepa looked at Mirabel. "I promised over a week ago," she informed Mirabel. "I just… I need some happy thoughts." she started to stroke her braid.

"NO! No, the yarn can dry by itself!" Mirabel shouted as she ran forward and started to push Pepa away. "You get out of here! You go do something else! Go play with Antonio or something! Just don't be here!" she exclaimed as she kept pushing Pepa.

"But." Pepa began.

"No buts," Mirabel exclaimed. "Go home! Now! And if you're not going home take a walk in the forest. Just don't be here! GO!"

Wide-eyed Pepa looked at Mirabel, then finally slowly nodded and started to walk again, only to walk right past Luisa who came towards Mirabel carrying one donkey over each shoulder. So two donkeys.

Mirabel slammed her own face with her hand. "Are you serious?!"

"Sis?" Luisa asked.

"What part of only what is absolutely necessary didn't you understand!?" Mirabel exclaimed.

"But the donkeys!" Luisa exclaimed. "I can't just leave them running around."

"Those donkeys aren't yours," Mirabel exclaimed. "Let the owner pull them back! How did they even get loose in the first place?! Doesn't this happen like once a week?! They need to fix the bloody fence!"

"Oh I can fix the fence." Luisa gasped. 

"NO!" Mirabel shouted. "You're not fixing the fence. They will be fixing their own fence! Now put down the donkeys!" 

"But." Luisa began.

"Luisa look at me!" Mirabel demanded, and wide-eyed Luisa did, finally meeting Mirabel's eyes as Mirabel huffed. "Put… The donkeys…. Down."

Luisa halted, and then slowly… Slowly she put down the down donkeys, then stood up. Looking a little ashamed as she looked down, blushing.

"Now go home. And rest for the day!" Mirabel demanded. "Now!"

"Okay," Luisa muttered as she walked away in shame.

Mirabel groaned as she covered her face. How hard could this be?! Just one day… One bloody day for these people to not use their gifts…. Something told Mirabel she had quite the task ahead of her. It seemed like Julieta, Pepa, and Luisa would all try to sneak in more work… And then there was Isabela, Dolores, and Camilo. Who knew what they would be up to?

Isabela was probably busy being all perfect and stuff, so whatever. Who cares. 

Camilo though… Oh, he better not be babysitting again.

Already Mirabel knew the answer, and she started to run down the street as she yelled. "CAMILOOOOOO!"

Chapter Text

Mirabel didn't really know who annoyed her most anymore.

Her own family that seemed unable to take a hint or follow any common sense.

Or the townspeople who kept enabling them… No, wait… Mirabel knew.

These people in town were some of the most entitled, nosy, pushy, arrogant people in the world!

What Bruno's ghost had said yesterday made a whole lot of sense now! The people had started to feel entitled to the magic, then took it for granted, and now abused it out of habit.

And because of the abuse, the magic was in danger of going away. It made all the sense in the world to Mirabel.

So why couldn't these people just lay off?!

Constantly Mirabel had to snap at different townspeople and tell them her family members just weren't available… Of course, then said family members would pop up trying to sneak in work anyway.

For god's sake!

It was worst with Luisa though, she was in extremely high demand and it never seemed to stop.

Mirabel could just see it a mile away now when someone approached her to ask for Luisa.

"Hi Mirabel!" Juez a middle-aged man beamed at her. "Have you seen…"

"No." Mirabel cut him off.

Juez frowned annoyed. "I was just going to ask if.."

"No," Mirabel repeated in a snap. "Whatever it is the answer is no!"

"Look! I just need.." Juez began.

"YES! Everyone just need! Just need that little thing." Mirabel exclaimed loudly with her arms up into the air. "It will just take a minute, it won't even bother you, blah blah blah! You're all saying the same shit. So well, if it really is just a little thing. Surely you can do that little thing yourself! Go away!"

Juez clearly didn't look very happy, he looked like he had been slapped, but seemingly he had at least figured he wouldn't be getting anywhere with this argument, so he left while grumbling annoyed… which to be fair to Juez made him way better than many other townspeople who just wouldn't let it go!

And then there were the talk, the whispers.

Like right now as a group of women were standing at the well, hissing and mumbling.

"We'll all be cursed." One elder woman hissed. "He was already so powerful when alive. What can he do now as a spirit?! Just think! What will happen to us?!" she almost cried.

"The curse never went away." another one sniffed.

"HEY!" Mirabel suddenly shouted getting the attention of all the old ladies. "Bruno clearly told us, very specifically, what he wanted!" she informed them all. "Stop abusing the magic! That's it! That's all there is to it! So tell everybody you know to leave my family alone! Then he should leave you alone too! GEESH!"

The old woman did not look pleased, being reprimanded by a teenage girl.

Mirabel just pouted at them, then walked down the street, huffing and grumbling to herself.

Just as she ran into her very own Abuela Alma, standing next to Isabela while talking to Senora Guzman.

"I just don't think right now is the time." Senora Guzman tried to tell Alma. "We can have the dinner when…. All of this has been figured out."

"Everything is fine!" Alma insisted. "We can have the dinner. It'll be just what our family need."

Isabela stood rigid, you couldn't even read her face.

"Alma… You know I wish more than anything to see our families become one." Senora Guzman said. "I am just saying. Let's wait until things have settled. That's it."

Alma looked at Senora Guzman, then slowly lowered her head in defeat. "That's very kind of you. To merely postpone."

"Good then. So tonight's dinner is canceled." Guzman nodded. "But I hope I will see you for our coffee next Tuesday. Just like always…. Let's make it my house this week."

"Si. Thank you." Alma nodded, and finally, Guzman left, probably to inform Mariano that tonight's planned event was canceled.

Mirabel's eyes moved to Isabela… Isabela looked about ready to cry. Geesh… Drama queen. It was only postponed. She would have her hunk soon enough.

Suddenly… Something big was moving, the entire church seemed to be moving all on its own and Mirabel groaned deeply. "Luisa!" she exclaimed, and then she ran. Ready to give her elder sister a lecture for what felt like the hundredth time this day! FOR CRYING OUT LOUD LUISA!

As Mirabel was finally… finally was on her way home. It was only to be faced with Padre Hernandez and his group, which seemed to have grown over the cause of the day.

And now they had incence burning, making the entire area smell incredibly sweet. The group was now singing psalms too.

Sounding just as out of tune as it often would in the church when there wasn't a choir… Mirabel groaned deeply at the thought of now having to deal with this.

However before Mirabel reached them, Alma came marching out of Casita, looking very angry, and suddenly stood in front of the Padre.

"Didn't I tell you this morning to get out of my house?" Alma asked.

Padre Hernandez looked at Alma. "I'm not in your house," he commented, and a couple of people behind him were looking pretty smug. "I am not even on your property," he commented.

Alma hissed annoyed just as Mirabel walked in too.

"Have you guys seriously been standing here all day?!" Mirabel asked. "Have none of you anything better to do?!"

Alma blinked surprised as she looked at Mirabel.

"I hear there's a lot of things in town that people just need to have quickly fixed. Maybe you can lend a hand there." Mirabel hrmpfed with her hands on her hips.

Everyone looked pretty stunned at Mirabel, who was glaring back at them… Just as suddenly a figure came running towards her, crying her eyes out.

"My giiiiiift! It's happening! I'm losing my gift!" Luisa cried as she ran towards them.

Mirabel gaped as she saw her, and so did Alma.

"Luisa, what are you talking about?" Mirabel asked.

"It's like Bruno said." Luisa sniffed as she finally stood in front of them. "I just I.. I tried to relax. Like you told me but… But whenever I tried. I just… I felt so bad! There are so many things I need to fix! I… Suddenly I was so far behind, and it made me feel really really bad! And people need my help. And then I just lifted this boulder and it felt.. It felt." she gasped for air. "It felt heavyyyyyy! Wuaaargh!" Luisa cried and ran into the house while crying her eyes out.

There was stunned silence as everyone looked after them.

And then a woman screamed. "It's the curse! It has begun! We're all cursed! Aaaaah!"

And then all the rest screamed too, just like last night.

"People, people! We must remain calm and keep our fate in god!" Padre Hernandez tried to calm them down. Though obviously he looked beyond freaked as well.

Slowly… Slowly Alma bowed down. And then she took off her shoe. Slowly standing up, now holding the one shoe in her hand. "Get out of here," she demanded.

Shocked everyone looked at Alma.

"I said get out!" Alma shouted.

The entire group gasped, and then… They ran for it. Followed by Alma herself who run ten fast steps until finally, it seemed clear the group was running away for good. "And stay out!" she shouted.

Mirabel blinked astounded as Alma came back, huffing and gasping.

"They'll probably be back tomorrow I'm afraid," Mirabel commented while Alma put her shoe back on. "They seem to be honestly really scared of Tio Bruno's ghosts."

That made Alma freeze, then slowly she turned to Mirabel and suddenly… Looked at her in such an odd way Mirabel couldn't even interpret.

"Erh." Mirabel halted.

"What do you think of all of this?" Alma suddenly asked.

"Me?" Mirabel asked. "You mean… About what happened last night?" she asked. "I don't know I…. I really did see the cracks. But then they were gone. And we all saw him. And then he was gone." she looked up at Alma. "I… I don't think he was there to harm anyone though. I really think he was just trying to warn us. And he… he said he spent ten years patching the magic. So… That would mean he has actually been helping us. Right?"

Alma gasped.

"Abuela?" Mirabel asked.

"I don't want him to go." Alma suddenly blurted.

Mirabel blinked astounded. "Huh?"

Alma shook her head. "Forgive me. I should see if your mother needs any help with dinner," she said as she started to walk toward Casita. Then Alma halted. "Good job today Mirabel," she whispered under her breath and then finally left into the house.

Mirabel just stood there trying to take it in, then her eyes widened.

The priest had talked about exorcism and that was the moment Alma had gotten angry! She didn't want Bruno to go! Duh, of course. Because Bruno was….

Mirabel looked up. He was her son.

Oh… oooooooh.

Now it made sense why Alma had suddenly turned so hard on the townspeople she had always worked so hard to please.

Oh god. What were Mirabel's mama and Tia Pepa really thinking about this? He was their brother. Not only that. He was their triplet.

Tia Pepa would never talk about him, and she would seemingly get angry whenever his name was brought up. Which would quickly shut down any conversation by the mere sight of her dark cloud. 

Julieta would sometimes talk a little bit about Bruno, but only when they were alone together so it wouldn't upset anybody else, and she… She always looked so sad whenever she brought him up.

Mirabel had always had the sense that her mama really missed her Tio and regretted she hadn't been able to help him more in the past.

Suddenly Mirabel felt utterly stupid to not even think about how Tio Bruno was Alma's son and her mother's brother. She had just thought… Tio Bruno.

And it looked like Mirabel was far from the only one who had been like that, nobody in town, not even Padre Hernandez had seemed to even consider that Alma… Was Bruno's mother. His mother.

Oh boy… There was no way this was ever going to end in a pretty way.

Chapter Text

The only thing Mirabel felt when dinner was finally served was utter relief. Finally, she could relax! Nobody worked after dinner. So finally her family could just relax! Or something.

Luisa though still seemed very upset, and Agustin really did his best trying to comfort her. Holding a hand on her shoulder. Assuring her.

"Don't worry about it Princessa," Agustin assured. "With or without your gift, you'll always be my Princess. You know that right?"

"But I feel so bad." Luisa sniffed. "There's so much I am supposed to do! I shouldn't be here, I am so behind!"

Wide-eyed Isabela looked at her sister. "The town has really been relying on you for so much?" she asked.

Luisa nodded as she sniffed.

Isabela frowned. "So what did they do before you got your gift?" she asked. "It seems like they survived it. Right?"

Mirabel blinked stunned…. Okay, point to Isabela. Isabela actually said something Mirabel could agree with for once! …. These days were bananas.

Mirabel turned to the table in front of her and then halted. Like usual, their plates were laid out, each with a name and each with beautiful patterns painted on it.

Unlike usual though, there were twelve of them. There was an additional plate at the end of the table! The opposite end of Abuela's chair and the name… Mirabel looked at it. Bruno.

More people seemed to notice it too, how an extra plate, glass, and utensils had been put out. Just as Julieta walked in with their dinner. She noticed how they all looked, then she looked up. "I think we established that Bruno is indeed here. Even if it's just in spirit," she stated. "It seems rude not to include him at the table."

Alma's eyes grew misty, then she nodded. "Of course."

Then finally everyone sat down around the table and folded their hands in prayer, and then they ate.

Mirabel glanced at the empty plate next to her, then she grabbed an arepa and put it on the empty plate. For a moment Mirabel froze, then she grabbed a piece of chicken too and put it on Bruno's plate, and some rice, and a bit of cream. Until at last what looked like a very delicious plate of food had been created.

Everyone had stolen glances at Mirabel while she did her thing, but nobody commented, just returned to their food and ate in quiet.

Afterward, the family helped each other clear out the table… yet no one touched the plate of food standing there all alone at the end of the table.

It was odd… It felt like it would be taunting the spirit if they took it away from him.

And so, as everyone went to bed… The plate of food remained.

In the middle of the night, as the entire house was shrouded in darkness, a lonely figure slowly walked towards the table.

Bruno's eyes were fixated on the plate on the table, his lip was quivering, and then… he sniffed.

Before Bruno could even help it, he was sobbing like a little baby, ugly tears were just streaming down his face, and he had to inhale a line of snot.

Then slowly, Bruno sat down on a chair, he dried his eyes and his nose with his sleeve as he looked at the plate of food in front of him. Then he folded his hands and closed his eyes.

"Our heavenly father, kind and good. We thank thee for our daily food. We thank thee for your love and care. Please bless and protect my family. Thank you for this blessing. Amen."

Bruno looked up, then he grabbed a knife and fork and started to dig in.

The next morning Julieta gasped, she was looking at an empty plate. All there was left were some bread crumbs, and the silverware had gently been put on top of the plate signaling that someone was done with their meal.

As people started to come down Julieta started to ask. "Camilo. Did you eat what was on Bruno's plate this night?"

"What? NO!" Camilo shouted. "I don't want to get cursed! Are you serious?"

"Agustin. Did you remove the food from Bruno's plate?" Julieta asked.

"No. I didn't touch it I swear." Agustin informed, and as Julieta ran around her eyes watered and she cried.

Everybody denied it, and nobody seemed sheepish or like they were lying. It made Julieta cry.

"He was here!" Julieta shouted, looking happy while she was crying at the same time. "He ate the food! Bruno was here doing the night!"

And they all gaped astounded.

They really were living with some sort of spirit!

Chapter Text

"Alright! Everybody listen up!" Mirabel shouted as she was standing at the top of the table in the Madrigal courtyard, her family all looking at her. "Clearly I can't trust you guys to be alone out in town! So here's what we're going to do. No one leaves the house today! We're going to stay put! Do whatever we need to do for ourselves. And we are going to have some family bonding time!"

"Bonding time doing what?" Camilo asked, sitting there with crossed legs resting his chin in his hand. Already looking bored.

"I don't know. Play monopoly or something. That's what families do right?" Mirabel asked.

"It always makes people fight each other," Dolores whispered. "I don't think that's a good idea."

"Well, maybe we can solve some puzzles as a group," Mirabel suggested.

"God that sounds boring." Camilo groaned. "Please don't."

"We could… We could work out together." Luisa suggested quietly. "I got all the stuff. I would be happy to show you."

"Sweetheart. You of all people need to rest." Julieta told her daughter. "And… I'm afraid I'm not much for working out."

"We can bake together!" Mirabel exclaimed.

"That's what mama does all day every day anyway." Isabela rolled her eyes. "Isn't the idea that we do something else?"

"Well if you have any great ideas! I'll be glad to hear them!" Mirabel snapped at her sister.

"We can play with the animals!" Antonio gasped while he stood there holding a capybara in his arms, laughing happily. "Parce likes playing with yarn! It's fun!"

Agustin looked a little pale. "I… The jaguar is nice but… I think I need to get a little more used to it before I can... You know…" he admitted.

"Oh god." Mirabel held her forehead. "We never just had a family bonding day together? Really?" she asked.

Everybody shuffled at their feet, glancing around at each other.

"Come on there gotta be something we can all do right?" Mirabel asked. "Oh, and before I forget. Everybody keep an eye on Luisa!" she exclaimed. "She's not to be trusted! She's already trying to sneak out right now!" she shouted as Luisa froze mid-step, it really looked like she had tried to tiptoe outside. "Sit down right now Luisa!" she demanded.

"But I just." Luisa tried hopelessly.

"The magic is falling apart because it has been abused!" Mirabel stated. "You're not going to use your gift to help anyone else in town. Until they have gotten their act together and can appreciate the help we give them. Until then, they can go screw themselves!"

Everyone gasped shocked.

"Mirabel!" Agustin fibbed. "That language!"

"Sorry Pa, but it's the truth." Mirabel snorted. "Abuela even agrees, she…." Mirabel halted, then her eyes scanned her family. "Abuela?" she asked, as true enough one Alma Madrigal was missing from the ground.

The rest of the family started to look around too, realizing that one member was missing and Mirabel sighed, just as she heard a sound from the living room.

Oh good… That had to be Abuela. So Mirabel jumped down from the table and headed into the living room closely followed by her family.

Only to see Alma in there, arranging a green blanket Mirabel didn't really recognize on the couch.

Next to Alma was an open box, that looked to contain a number of papers and a very old-looking plush toy that really looked like it had seen better days.

"Erh… Abuela?" Mirabel asked.

Alma looked up, then gasped at the sight of them. "Ah good. You're here. Felix!" she called. "Do you know what happened to our old pink chair?" she asked. "It used to stand right there." she gestured at a corner close to the fireplace. "Did we store it? Do you think you could go find it for me?"

"The pink armchair?" Felix asked. "You mean the one Bruno would always sit in?" he asked and then he stopped… So did all the others.

Mirabel looked at the box with the old toy in it, then walked over and looked down, realizing that the papers were very old kids' drawings.

The one on top showed three kids holding hands and a woman with braids standing next to them all smiling.

One kid had red hair, the other two black. And their clothes were yellow, blue and green… If it wasn't obvious enough there were crude names under the drawing's spelling.

"Julieta, Me, Pepa. Mama."

Mirabel looked up…. Abuela was finding Bruno's old things?! And if you looked at this box, very old.

"I'm sorry Alma," Felix whispered sheepishly. "I really don't think that chair exists anymore. It was kind of old and worn out. So you asked me to throw it out remember?"

Alma paled, then slowly she nodded. "Yes of course," she whispered. "Forgive me."

"Erhm… Mama." Julieta carefully stepped forward. "These are… These are Bruno's old things. What are you?"

Alma turned to Julieta. "He was here," she whispered. "He is here! He could come back!" Alma was gasping for breath. "We saw him! We all did. You saw him too! And then the food!" her eyes watered. "Maybe… Maybe if we make things comfortable. He'll want to come back!" she gasped, clutching a little blanket in her hands. "And then I can see him! And then I can… I can tell him that." she swallowed.

"Mama." Julieta stepped forward. "Bruno hasn't used any of these things since he was what? eight years old. He wasn't a kid when he vanished, far from it."

"Oh." Alma hung her head. "It's just… I couldn't find heads or tails in his room. And he didn't seem to be in there either."

"You've been inside his room?!" Pepa exclaimed. "Mama! You're the one who forbids us from going in there. Because it's really dangerous! You know that. The room is a crumbling death trap!"

"What really?" Camilo asked. "Can I go in and see?"

"No," Pepa replied.

Mirabel hesitated. "Erhm… Abuela. Maybe you need to… I don't know erh."

Everyone looked pretty awkward… Though honestly, Mirabel felt like she should have seen it coming. Yesterday Alma had admitted, even if it had been an accident… She didn't want Bruno to go.

Of course, she also wanted to see him… And maybe that was kind of a tall order.

But then again… Maybe not. As Alma had just said, they had indeed all seen him.

"Well…. Maybe it wouldn't hurt to… To make things nice for Tio Bruno." Mirabel tried. "I mean.. he does live here, right? Just like the rest of us so… What did… Does. Tio Bruno like?" she asked.

There was silence as they all looked at Mirabel.

"Well…" Julieta hesitated. "He liked to read. He would read almost anything. But he really liked romances and adventures."

"Ah si si." Felix nodded. "Bruno in his pink chair, reading his book and with a glass of rum. You would never see him look more relaxed."

"So. Let's get some books in here." Mirabel nodded. "We can have a bottle of rum and a glass too if you think that works."

"Are we like…. Making offerings for a spirit here or something?" Camilo asked.

"Milo." Mirabel huffed under her breath. "Not now," she asked, just as a big knock sounded from the door. Mirabel rolled her eyes. "Okay everyone, wait in here. And don't you dare follow me," she demanded as she walked out back towards the courtyard. 

The entire family did as they were told, and then came a big shout from the front door.

"NO! We're not taking any visitors nor is anybody available today! We're busy. Goodbye!" And then a big bang as the door just slammed. Followed by the sound of a bolt being clicked into place. And then Mirabel came stomping back into the living room. Huffing and puffing.

"We're going to have a family bonding day today!" Mirabel shouted. "Even if it kills me we're going to stick together. Not use any gifts! And have a great family time. Bonding and stuff!" Finally, Mirabel just huffed, gasping for breath.

Everyone wide-eyed looked at her.

"Erhm." Agustin hesitated. "Here's an idea… Why don't we make a nice cozy corner for Bruno ei?" he suggested. "Just the place he used to sit. We'll do it together! It can be a family activity too!"

"Ah si! We can find him a new chair. A better one!" Felix exclaimed.

"I have some books! He really liked romances right? I'm sure he'll love the ones I have!" Dolores gasped.

"We'll need a table for the rum." Isabela nodded, and they all looked at each other and nodded. Then they dispersed to get to work, finding items and Mirabel exhaled deeply.

Suddenly Mirabel just had a whole new respect for her Abuela…. Getting this family in line. Even if it was for their own good was haaaard.

Chapter Text

Together, the family ran around the house and started to build up a little cozy corner for Bruno.

Agustin and Felix had managed to find a soft dark blue armchair inside Julieta's room and had brought it out, placing it in the correct spot.

Dolores came carrying down a whole bunch of romance novels, that nearly spilled over. "I didn't know which one to pick!" she gasped as she dropped the entire pile on the floor. "This one… This one is so cute! Gustavo doesn't think anyone will ever love him because he's so big and ugly, but Luisana loves that he's big. It's so cute! Oh and this one. This is a combined romance and adventure which is great! Diego Vega! Pretending to be a fob, but in secret, he is the masked hero the fox fighting corruption. But that means the woman he loves thinks he's a loser too! But he has to keep it up because for as long as the evil Capitano thinks Vega is just a loser, he won't suspect him of being the Fox that keeps making a fool out of him!"

"Hey, that last one doesn't sound half bad. A guy pretending to be different than he is so he can make other people look stupid? That would be my kind of guy." Camilo had to admit. "Maybe I'll give it a read."

Dolores cheered. "It's a series. I'm sure you would like it."

Luisa was smiling while she was holding up a board and Pepa was hammering in the nails to create a little bookshelf that could stand next to the chair and double as a little table next to the chair.

Together Julieta and Alma were going through Bruno's box, and Julieta gasped. "Oh I remember this!" she whispered as she pulled up a necklace with glowing green shards attached to it. "He got the idea that maybe he could use his tablets to make jewelry."

"I do think the idea had merit," Alma admitted. "He seemed to lose interest in it though." she glanced down.

"You really kept all of this mama?" Julieta asked. Then she looked up. "What about the stuff me and Pepa made?" she asked.

"Of course dear. That's in your boxes." Alma blinked as if it was obvious.

"Wait. Mama and Tia Julieta have boxes like that too?" Camilo asked.

Mirabel gasped. "With drawings and things, they made when they were little kids?"

Alma looked confused. "Of course they do," she said, again as if it was the most obvious thing ever.

"Can we see?" Camilo asked interested.

"Oh no, Camilo. Why would you want to see any of those old things?" Pepa asked, blushing deeply.

"I want to see it too," Dolores admitted in a whisper.

"Me too," Agustin admitted. "That sounds interesting."

"I bet they are mostly just drawings though." Pepa pointed out. "And… Kids stuff! I mean."

"I would love to see it." Felix chuckled. "What made my angel the wonderful woman she is today."

Alma nodded slowly. "Well I suppose it wouldn't hurt," she said. "Luisa perhaps you would help me carry it down."

Luisa nodded. "Of course Abuela." she nodded and they went out toward Alma's room, and then returned.

Not with two boxes…. But with eight stacked on top of each other, and each one labeled neatly with a name.

"Julieta." "Pepa." "Isabela." "Luisa." "Mirabel" "Dolores." "Camilo." and finally. "Antonio."

And all the boxes were put out in a line standing next to each other.

Mirabel… Was lost for words. She actually wanted to cry… She had no idea that Alma had kept any of these boxes. And looking around it looked like the others were in similar situations.

Mirabel looked at her own box and saw how it was filled with some of her earliest sewing works, crappy works that she was so sure that Alma had thrown out. But not at all… Slowly Mirabel picked up a handkerchief with extremely awkward stitchings in an attempt of looking like butterflies on it.

Mirabel couldn't help it… Her eyes watered as she held it in her hands. "Abuela…" she whispered.

"Oh… Oh my god." Julieta held a hand over her chest as she picked up a pink teddy bear. "Mr. Biggie. Luisa do you remember?" she asked her middle daughter. "You refused to sleep if you didn't have Mr. Biggie with you!"

Luisa slowly nodded, while sniffing.

"Woah… Mami made me this costume!" Camilo gasped as he pulled out what looked like a little heroes costume, complete with a cape and a feathered hat that looked like it was made for a five or six-year-old.

"You loved running all around the house with that thing on." Pepa gasped."I could barely get you out of it again!"

"Pepi look," Julieta whispered as she held up what kind of looked like a bracelet. But it was strange, it was braided and then tied together in a loop. Ginger disrupted the black and then Mirabel realized. It was a bracelet made out of hair. Braided together.

"Is that… Mami, Tio Bruno's, and Tia Pepa's hair?" Mirabel asked in a whisper.

"It is," Julieta confirmed. "Bruno had gotten the idea that if we did this. It meant we would always be together." she sniffed holding it in her hands.

"What else is in here?!" Camilo gasped and they all eagerly started to examine stuff, pull things out, remembering things from the past as they laughed and cried.

Deep inside the walls, Bruno was mixing up spackle while humming to himself. Then he stood up, ready to apply the spackle.

Only for suddenly, the crack vanished right in front of his eyes.

Bruno blinked. "Huh?" he asked, then looked to his side, and the cracks they were… Retrieving? A rumble went through the house as the cracks themselves just… VANISHED.

Bruno gaped as he looked at it. "What… What in the?" he asked, this had never happened before. "Ca-Casita?" he asked. "Casita what's going on?" he asked.

There was a weak groan, but it seemed to want to assure him.

"No no no. This is not how it works." Bruno shook his head. "There's always more cracks. Not like… Whatever this is!"

The cracks didn't seem to listen to Bruno though, they just did their thing going away leaving a smooth wall. Leaving Bruno behind, just standing with his bucket of freshly mixed spackle now looking like an idiot.

"Well, what am I supposed to do with this now?!" Bruno asked holding up his bucket.

The house moved a bit, it sounded like a chuckle and Bruno pouted.

"No it's not funny. Now this Spackle is going to be wasted." Bruno lectured Casita. "Well fine then! My room needs to be cleaned anyway!" he grumbled as he took his bucket and marched back to his little room behind the family dining room.

Though as dinner arrived, Bruno had to blink… Yesterday things had been so quiet out there. This evening though, people were laughing so hard and the talk was going on.

Bruno blinked as he moved to his little peephole and looked out at the room.

"Oh, do you remember?" Pepa asked while laughing. "Camilo and Mirabel made their very own little theater show, and invited half the village to the garden!"

"It was adorable!" Felix gasped.

"It was one of my finest performances," Camilo informed and Mirabel chuckled amused.

Bruno blinked, then he swallowed as he looked towards the end of the table… He hadn't really known what to think last evening when suddenly his plate had been put out too… Did… Did they know he was here? What was going on? Bruno's brain had just shut down, and he hadn't really believed it was real…. And he still didn't.

He looked at the end of the table and… It was out again! And again the plate was just filled with food! But it looked like more food than yesterday, making it a little hill of food.

Bruno gaped…. What… What the hell was going on? Was the world going mad?

"Casita," Bruno whispered. "Casita I'm really scared… what's happening?"

Again there was that chuckle and Bruno looked up. "No this isn't funny," he stated, and the chuckle became a little louder.

Bruno pouted, then he looked out the peephole again… And his plate of food.

Bruno couldn't help it… He could feel himself salivating and he was licking his own mouth…. It looked so good.

It was standing right there… Ready for him to just sit down like the last ten years hadn't happened at all… The temptation was so great. The people out there seemed so happy while they talked.

NO! Bruno stepped back, bad idea! Nope! Nuhu! He would wait for nightfall like usual and hope they would be nice enough to leave out the plate again like last night.

It looked like a really good plate though… And the food was hot now, not later.

Bruno held a hand over his stomach. Then he turned his head away. NO! Not worth it! Nuhu! Whatever this was, he wouldn't fall for it.

Bruno squinted his eyes shut, but then opened only his left eye glancing towards his peephole, and biting his lip.

…. This was hell.

Chapter Text

In the middle of the night, once again Casita was shrouded in darkness, except for the courtyard, where the golden glow of the magic doors was illuminating the place in that soft orange light.

Slowly… Every so slowly, a portrait opened up, making a creaking sound echo through the courtyard, and then a wide-eyed face poked out.

Wide-eyed Bruno looked left and right, checking if the coast was clear…. Like always things seemed silent and then slowly. Bruno crawled all the way out.

Now standing there with a hunched back wide-eyed looking around.

Bruno swallowed, his entire poor body was shaking…. But also his stomach was rumbling, and the smell of food had not left his nostrils since dinner.

Bruno swallowed, then scurried down the stairs, trying to keep himself to the shadows as he pulled up his hood.

A few rats were running after Bruno as he slipped into the dining room and then halted…

There…. Right there. Was that plate of food, just standing there.

That was not all… there was a pitcher of water and a bottle of wine, fitting with the water and wine glass standing next to the plate.

Bruno frowned, then slowly lowered himself down on his knees as he squinted his eyes at the plate.

Bruno stood up again, then moved to the side and looked at it again. He moved all around the table and back to his spot, then scratched his hair.

Okay, what was the catch here? What was going on?

Bruno rubbed his chin as he suspiciously looked at the plate of food.. His stomach protested loudly and Bruno swallowed as he bit his lip.

Then slowly… Slowly Bruno sat down. Looking all around himself, as if afraid there was a tiger hidden somewhere that would jump at him.

Then Bruno folded his hands and whispered a prayer as well as he could. Before picking up a fork… Bruno looked left and right again. But saw nothing, and then finally ate a piece of food.

The moment the food hit Bruno's mouth he groaned, his stomach was crying out and the food was so… so good. And so before Bruno could stop himself he was tugging in.

While Bruno ate, he poured up a glass of wine too. And drank of it with thirst. He did though remember his glass of water too.

Sadly though... Bruno had to leave half the plate. It was just way too much, the only thing he could do was stuff any remaining arepas into his pocket for later, or to feed his rats.

As Bruno stood up, he felt pretty wobbly and lightheaded. Ready to turn in as he was just stuffed with food.

Bruno was just about to take a step towards the courtyard when Casita had other ideas and pulled him back. "Huh… wha?" Bruno asked in a drowsy voice.

Casita clicked with its tiles and then made an arrow towards the living room.

"Huh?" Bruno asked, then yawned deeply. Now with a filled stomach, and the buzz of a glass of wine. Bruno's usual anxiety did seem to have gone away and he shook his head. "Mmkay." then followed Casita into the living room.

Bruno looked around, and the first thing he saw was a whole bunch of boxes just standing on the floor. "Huh?" Bruno asked as he moved over and read the label on the nearest one. "Isabela."

Bruno blinked as he looked at the box next to it. "Luisa."

Looking around Bruno realized each box was labeled with the name, it was all the kids. And Julieta and Pepa and…. Bruno looked at the box with his own name on it.

Bruno swallowed, then slowly reached forward and removed the lid… Only to be faced with a couple of different items.

An old worn-out stuffed toy, a glowing necklace made from shards, crude drawings. Bruno gasped as he saw the items. These were… But…

Casita clicked demanding Bruno's attention and he turned his head, to see a dark blue armchair standing where his pink one used to stand. The one now in his room.

Bruno frowned. "So?" he asked. "They got a new armchair. Good for them."

Suddenly Casita just pushed him towards the armchair and Bruno now tried to look at it… It looked fine enough. Soft.

Next to the armchair was a little table, with books under it. On the table were a bottle of rum, a crystal glass, and a vase of bright colorful flowers.

Then over the armchair was a green blanket draped over the back… Bruno blinked, then picked up the blanket seeing hourglass symbols identical to his Ruana embroidered along the edges. "Hey this is mine!" he exclaimed loudly.

Bruno's eyes widened as he turned to the rum, quickly he grabbed it and read the label…. It was his favorite brand.

Wha…..

Bruno just stood there, his mind was a blank…. What in the?

Suddenly, a sound came from the corner and Bruno gasped, then he froze… It sounded like… Snores?

Slowly Bruno put down the bottle of rum, then slowly… Slowly moved to the corner of the room, filled with potted plants.

Gently Bruno moved away the branches of the plants and there he saw…. Camilo sitting upright, with a blanket wrapped around himself. And sleeping while sitting up.

Bruno blinked, just as Camilo groaned, then slowly… Slowly Camilo opened his eyes. And then looked right at Bruno, and his eyes snapped open.

Bruno gasped, his eyes wide, and his mouth open.

And then… Camilo screamed. "AAAAH!"

And Bruno screamed. "AAHHHH!"

They both screamed, and then Bruno just twirled around and he ran for it. Ran to the courtyard and back into his portrait closing it behind him.

Just as Camilo stumbled into the courtyard too.

"What… HEY!" Camilo shouted. "Come back here! I saw you! I TOTALLY SAW YOU!"

Mirabel's door opened and she groaned as she stepped out. "Camilo… What are you doing?"

"I… I saw Bruno!" Camilo gasped. "I saw him in the living room! He was there!"

"The living room?" Mirabel asked. "What were you doing in the living room?"

"I wanted to see the ghost. Duh! So I hid behind the plants." Camilo informed just as Pepa came out too while blinking.

"You… You saw him?" Pepa asked.

"Yes!" Camilo exclaimed. "But then he vanished. It was crazy!"

Julieta gasped as she came out her door, and then she rushed down the stairs, the others followed her into the dining room where true enough. Though the plate wasn't empty, at least half the food was gone, and the wine glass was dirty.

They all gasped as they looked at each other.

Camilo could only say one thing. "Wow."

Chapter Text

Okay…. So going out to eat the delicious food on the table, and falling headfirst into the trap had clearly been a mistake!

Bruno swallowed as he was sitting in his pink armchair, wide-eyed looking out into the air.

His rats were running around him looking at Bruno with concern and Bruno swallowed as his fingers scratched the arms of his armchair in nervousness.

Soft light had worked itself through the cracks of his wall telling him that dawn had already arrived, and it was further confirmed as the smell of warm arepas came from his left wall, which meant that Julieta was busy cooking breakfast for the family.

On the dot like every morning Mirabel arrived and greeted her mom good morning before grabbing plates. That's when Bruno heard.

"Oh can't forget Tio Bruno's plate!"

Bruno's eyes widened as he sat straight up in the chair. There it was again! They were talking about him again.

Why?! Bruno knew the rules, nobody was supposed to talk about him! They weren't even supposed to say his name! Because his name brought a curse with it just like the rest of him. His family knew that so… What… What the hell?

Bruno could hear the family gathering at the breakfast table, and out of habit though Bruno wasn't thinking about it he sat down at his own little table behind the wall, then put one of the arepas from the night on his fake plate and just looked at it while the family out there were saying their prayers.

Bruno jumped, then quickly folded his hands to join in the last second, and then he started to nibble at his bread.

That's when Felix's voice came. "You know what we need to do? We really need to hang up a hammock! Bruno loved taking afternoon naps in hammocks!"

Bruno spewed out his bite of bread, then wide-eyed looked up.

"I really hope he likes the things we are putting out for him." Mirabel cheered.

Bruno's eyes widened… Did… Did they know he was here? …. Eh…

"You know considering he's a ghost, he has a pretty healthy appetite doesn't he?" Camilo asked.

Ah right… ghost… the cursed spirit Bruno roaming the house. Seemed far more right Bruno nodded to himself… Oh god showing himself had been such a mistake.

"Don't say that." Dolores huffed. "He can hear us right now you know."

Bruno's eyes widened as he froze, and then a shocked voice came from Camilo. "What?"

"Yeah, he's right there, in that wall," Dolores informed and Bruno squealed. He didn't have to look, he knew she was pointing right at him and he was hyperventilating. Oh no… No no no… NOPE! No no.

That's when Mirabel's cheery voice came. "Good morning Tio! I hope you're having a nice morning. I'm sorry Camilo was such a brat last night. Please come back out!"

Bruno dropped his arepa on the table.

There was some silence, then another one.

"Bruno." It was Julieta. "Good morning. I… I'm really glad you're here. We… We would like to see you one day. It would be nice."

"Mijo." Bruno could hear Alma whisper.

"Okay can we stop now?" Camilo asked. "You're all talking to a ghost!" he pointed out.

Bruno's eyes widened… Ah… Right… Suddenly his chest clenched and he swallowed. They thought he was a spirit or a ghost… That… That was pretty terrible, wasn't it? Bruno looked down at his half-eaten arepa. They thought he was dead and he was fine… how awful was he to let them believe it.

But… But if he got outside. They would remember his curse… He would be a burden again. They would have to be dragged down by his presence. He couldn't do that either!

He was hopelessly stuck.

"Dolores has he said anything?" Luisa asked nervously.

"Not a word," Dolores informed. "But he's there."

"That's creepy!" Camilo exclaimed. "How is that not super creepy!"

Bruno swallowed, and he could now feel the silence from outside filling out the room.

"Now now Mijo." Felix finally said. "He's a protector of our family. Like Casita is. Your Tio would never hurt you. He was one of the most gentle human beings I ever met."

Bruno stiffened… huh.

"It…" Pepa whispered. "It's true… He was always very gentle. And very worried about your well-being. All of you kids."

Bruno sat there, tears welling up in his eyes… Pe… Pepa?

"I think I remember," Mirabel whispered. "He would always speak very quietly and be very gentle in the way he treated us."

"Yeah," Isabela replied and she sounded…. Sad. "He was nice," she said.

Bruno stood up, this was way too much. He turned around and then rushed into the hallways while gasping for breath… What… WHAT WAS HAPPENING THESE DAYS!

Outside at the big breakfast table, Dolores blinked. "Oh… He's gone."

Everyone looked at Dolores.

"Lores…. Are you serious when you say you heard him every day?!" Camilo asked his sister.

Dolores blinked at Camilo. "Sure. It's fine, he's nice. And sometimes he makes up really funny stories! He calls them telenovelas. I don't know what that is. But the stories are funny!"

Her brother looked white as a sheet. "Lores… Sometimes you can… Sometimes you disturb me a little. You know that right?"

"Oh." Dolores blinked. "Huh… Really? Okay." she took another bite of food.

Mirabel did not look amused. "Camilo you're such a brat." she snorted.

"I am just saying it as I see it!" Camilo exclaimed and everyone looked at him with exasperated looks. "WHAT?!" Camilo held up his hands.

Finally, everyone just sighed and returned to their food, often the best thing to do was just to ignore this brat.

Chapter Text

Bruno was chewing on his own nails while walking back and forth, it was a wonder his footsteps hadn't worn the floor down to become a new hole as Bruno just kept circling around himself in a frenzy.

What did this mean… What did any of this mean? He had shown himself… He had just been so angry at the townspeople piling on Mirabel.

Everybody had seen him…. It looked like they thought he was a ghost haunting them.

But instead of doing what any sane person would be and chasing the ghost out of the house, they were putting out things for him… Really nice thing too.

That brand of rum was not the cheap kind. And…. Food… And hammock…

It was a trap… It had to be a trap.

But Bruno couldn't figure out why they would want to do it. Or what they wanted with him… To… To give them a vision?

Bruno swallowed…. They probably wanted him to explain the cracks…. But he couldn't do that. That shattered prophecy was still fresh in Bruno's mind and he hoped it was still up there in his vision cave at the top of his tower.

Oh god…. Oh god, oh god, oh god, oh god… Things were weird… Things were so weird.

Bruno walked down the long halls of Casita, to the places where sunshine from the outside would work itself through the cracks.

That's when Bruno heard voices from the garden. A voice Bruno didn't really recognize.

"Come on, please! It won't take long!"

Then came Luisa's voice, shivering and quietly. "I… I don't know. Mirabel says I shouldn't and I…"

"How selfish are you people?" another asked. "We can't move boulders we our bare hands. You guys can do miracles and you're just going to stay inside of the house now?! Really."

Bruno gasped, then he ran to the cracks and glanced out to see Luisa standing there with multiple grown men around her. And Luisa was shaking, she was sniffing and her eyes were misty.

It made Bruno's bloody boil…. She was seventeen! And all of these grown-ass men!

Several pictures flashed through Bruno's mind… Memories…

"I need a prophecy." "Give us a prophecy. That's your job right." "What do you mean you don't want to? You're a prophet right?"

Bruno's eyes narrowed.

Luisa sniffed as she tried to find a way out, though she was taller than most of the men around her. She felt so incredibly small, and the guilt was just overwhelming.

She had promised to build that wall. It was all true! And she had spent all of yesterday just looking through boxes with her family. It had been so much fun. But there were so many things Luisa was supposed to do!

And the poor donkeys! "I…. I'll get right to it." she cried. "I'm sorry! I.."

"HEY!"

Everyone froze, then slowly… Slowly they turned. Luisa did too, wide-eyed she looked to a dark corner under the balcony of the house, there stood a small skinny figure wearing a green Ruana, his hood pulled up so only his chin and mouth were visible from the face.

The men gasped, then stepped back.

"I… erhm… I mean." The small figure stammered. "Yo-Yo-you…. You didn't heed my warning!" he exclaimed, then suddenly raised his hands as his voice seemed to get stronger and more determined "Leave my family alone! Or my curse shall reign upon you all!"

The man gasped as they stepped back.

"Leave now!" The figure reached out his hand. "And do not bother Luisa again! She is not yours to use. The gift was for her and her alone. Not your convenience! And if she decides to share that's up to her alone and you should be grateful! If you're not! I will curse you and your children! Uuuuuhhhhhhh!" he held up his hands.

Wide-eyed the men all looked at the tiny small figure that was honestly smaller than all of them… And then they all screamed.

"AAAAAAHHHHHHH!" The men just all turned around and ran for the hills.

Luisa however just kept standing, wide-eyed looking at the small figure in the shadows.

Then slowly…. Slowly the figure lifted his head, finally revealing the rest of his face looking all normal. And his massive eyes were wide-eyed looking at Luisa.

Luisa gaped as she met those large eyes, that were so wide it seemed like those eyes were almost popping out of his skull.

The man… Wide-eyed looked at Luisa.

Luisa looked back at him… For a while, there was utter quiet. Just the wind rushing through the trees next to them.

"Erhm… " Bruno swallowed. "Hi."

Luisa jumped slightly, then slowly… Slowly she lifted up her hand. "Hi," she replied in a whisper.

And again, there was an awkward silence, the two just looking at each other.

"Erh…" Bruno halted. Then suddenly just shouted. "Isabela shouldn't marry Mariano!"

"huh?" Luisa blinked.

"Bye!" Bruno just shouted and swirled around then ran.

"Hey wait!" Luisa shouted running after the figure that had vanished to the other side of the house, Luisa followed him only to halt… He was gone!

It was like… Bruno had just vanished into nothing and Luisa gasped, then she turned and ran again.

"Mama!" Luisa shouted at the top of her lungs. "MAMAAAAA!"

Chapter Text

Mirabel gasped as she ran towards the kitchen where she could hear someone rambling, and as Mirabel got through the door she was faced with Luisa.

Widely gestured with her arms going in all directions, tears streaming down her face, and clearly unable to speak a full sentence.

"Easy amor. Easy." Julieta tried to calm her daughter. "Deep breathe okay. Deep breathe."

Luisa inhaled a deep breath and then exhaled deeply.

That's when Alma stepped in behind Mirabel. "What's going on?"

Isabela, Dolores and Agustin came too. All blinking at the scenario.

"Ti-Ti-Tio! Tio he… He helped me! He was there!" Luisa gasped.

"What?" Mirabel asked wide-eyed. "Luisa when."

"Right now!" Luisa gasped. "I just… I was in the garden. I was considering trying to relax like… Like you said I should. But then Juez, Osvaldo, and a few others came."

"What?!" Mirabel asked. "Are you serious? We told them to stay away!"

"I felt really bad though." Luisa sniffed. "I had promised you know… And I didn't do it… And… I was just about to. But then suddenly Tio Bruno was there! He came out of nowhere!"

Everyone gasped as they looked at Luisa.

"And… and he said the gift was for me and me alone. Not for their convenience." Luisa sniffed. "And he said he would curse them if they bothered me again… And then they ran away. And then… And then… Tio said hi to me."

Everyone was quiet as they looked at Luisa.

Julieta covered her mouth as her eyes watered.

"You… you talked to him?" Mirabel asked in a whisper.

"I mean… Kind of I guess." Luisa twisted her skirt in her hands. "He said hi… and I said hi… And then he said Isabela shouldn't marry Mariano and then he just vanished! Like puff!" she held up her hands.

Wide-eyed everyone looked at Luisa.

"Wait…" Isabela halted. "Go a bit back… Tio Bruno said that."

Luisa halted, then she looked at Isabela. "Oh no… Isa I'm so sorry!" she gasped.

Alma covered her mouth as well as she looked at Isabela who just looked shocked. Mirabel's heart sank as well, the shock on Isabela's face looked so real.

"Are… Are you sure that's what he said?" Alma asked Luisa. "Mariano is such a kind young man. So good for the family. How could it be bad if he marries Isabela."

Isabela bit her lip.

"I… I don't know." Luisa whispered. "He vanished so suddenly I…"

"It's okay," Isabela whispered. "I just… I erhh." she swallowed. "I just need to… To go."

"Mi Flor. I'm sure there's some misunderstanding." Alma gasped. "We'll ask him. He can't really have meant."

Isabela had already turned around and was walking away, leaving the family in silence.

Mirabel swallowed… She couldn't believe it. She actually felt bad for Isabela! This came out of nowhere and… Isabela looked really upset.

Mirabel glanced around at the rest of her family and swallowed…. They all seemed lost for words. Then Mirabel inhaled deeply.

Well, maybe she should go check on Isabela. Just to be on the safe side.

And so, while the others started to address each other to discuss what had just happened. Mirabel walked out of the kitchen and into the courtyard, from there she made her way up the stairs until she was in front of Isabela's glowing door.

Mirabel hesitated slightly, then she knocked on the door. "Isa," she called… there was no answer. "Isa, I just wanted to make sure you're okay," she said. "I… I'm coming in now so… please don't be mad," she asked as Mirabel grabbed the doorknob, twisted the handle, and opened the door.

The moment Mirabel opened the door, she got quite a shock.

Isabela was just swinging straight across the room on a vine while laughing happily. "WOHOOOOO!" she shouted happily as flowers in multiple colors sprung up behind her just as Isabela let go and plummeted down through the air in a free fall, caught by a big soft plant and Isabela laughed as she laid on her back.

"YES! Thank you! Thank you Tio! I'll make it up to you for the rest of my life I swear!" Isabela cried happily stretching up her arms. "What's your favorite food? I'll have Mama teach me! So I can always make it for you! Best day ever! YAAAAY!" Isabela jumped up and started to jump up and down, the massive flower now working as a bouncing castle. Isabela laughed, then she grabbed a tree and allow it to carry her all the way up to under the ceiling only so Isabela could let herself fall back down on the giant flower, laughing all the way.

Mirabel gaped at the whole scene. "What in the… ISABELA!" she shouted.

Isabela blinked as she lifted her head and blinked at Mirabel, then she grinned. "You know I'm not even mad you're in here!" she laughed as she jumped down the flower and grabbed Mirabel's hands instead, swinging her around.

Mirabel gaped as she was swung around and Isabela let go, making Mirabel stumble and almost drop her glasses. Once Mirabel had gained footing she looked up at Isabela. "What… What are you doing?"

"I'm CELEBRATING!" Isabela shouted spreading out her arms and a firework of flowers in all the colors of the rainbow just flew in all directions.

"But… I don't understand. Don't you want to marry Mariano?" Mirabel asked.

Isabela grimaced. "Mariano is handsome and kind, and a poet and he's so… He's sooooooo boring!" she dropped down on her back. "Can you just imagine it?! Every day for the rest of my life! Same boring day, same boring routine! He wants five kids! My life would be ooooover." she covered her face with her hands, then gasped as she looked up. "But it's fine! Because it won't happen! I'm freeeee! Hahahahahaha!" she laughed as flowers sprouted across the room, making the whole thing look like a wild jungle and Mirabel blinked as she looked around.

"I didn't know you could make that kind of flower." Mirabel blinked.

"Huh?" Isabela looked up, first then she looked around herself and she gasped. "Oh my god…. I … I didn't know that either."

"Huh?" Mirabel asked.

"Oh wow look at this one! And this! This one is orange!" Isabela gasped. "They are not pink, that's awesome! Oh my god, what else can I do?"

Mirabel just looked dumbfounded at Isabela. "I… Isa are you sure you're okay?" she asked. "You don't really… Seem like yourself."

"Oh I am great." Isabela grinned like a pure madman. "I never felt better!" Isabela picked up one of the few pink flowers close and then threw it away. "Goodbye Mariano!"

Mirabel gaped, as suddenly Isabela just grabbed Mirabel's hand, laughing as she pulled Mirabel with her.

"Come on!" Isabela laughed. "Let's see what else I can do!"

Outside, at the casita courtyard… the ground was rumbling. And then suddenly from the ground, all sorts of plants just sprung! Palms! Brightly colored orchids! Cactuses.

Pepa gaped as she looked around herself and Felix laughed. "Wow! Now, this is what I call a garden! Wild and beautiful!"

Alma was gaping as well as she stepped outside with the rest of her family, trying to figure out what was going on.

And inside of the walls… Bruno was looking at the wall… Where there had been a crack only five seconds ago.

"Well fine then!" Bruno shouted holding up the bucket with newly mixed spackle. "Why even bother! If you're just going to fix yourself anyway I might as well nap!" he threw the bucket away so it rolled across the floor and Bruno crossed his arms as he pouted.

The house seemed to laugh at him.

"It's not funny." Bruno pouted.

Gently Casita nudged at Bruno.

"No! It's not funny!" Bruno exclaimed, only to stumble because of the moving floorboards and he huffed. "See I was going to spend my afternoon helping you! But now I am going to spend my afternoon watching some great telenovelas! Think about that!" he huffed and stomped away while Casita laughed.

Cheering at how pretty it now looked with all of these amazing flowers and plant life Isabela was decorating it with.

Chapter Text

All around town, people were gasping as odd things were happening.

Breaking through their roads and wrapping itself around their houses and sands, plants appeared, all kinds of plants.

Cactuses, palm trees, orchids in all kinds of bright colors, bushes, and trees.

The children were laughing as they ran around, examining all these exciting new plants.

The adults, however, were turning pale.

"It… It's the curse." A woman whispered and her lip quivered. "The curse is spreading! To our town!"

Multiple people started to draw the cross in front of their chests, just as a group of men came running.

"HE DID IT! He really did it!" Juez cried out.

"Who?!" They all asked the man.

"Bruno!" Juez gasped. "We saw him, we all saw him! He said he would curse us all. And then this happened."

Padre Hernandez gasped. "Such powerful spirit… Clearly, he will not stop until the town has been destroyed. This must be stopped!"

People all nodded, some were shivering and quivering. Others were just crying out loud while praying to god.

Meanwhile… Isabela and Mirabel were screaming in delight as they swung over the roof of Casita.

"Weeeeee!" Isabela laughed as they landed on the roof, now filled with petals.

And then they started to kick the flowers at each other while laughing loudly.

"here take that!" Mirabel shouted grabbing a bunch of petals and throwing them at Isabela.

Isabela screamed in laughter and picked up a whole armful of petals then came running. "I'm gonna get you now Mira!"

Mirabel laughed as she ran across the roof followed by Isabela, both were unafraid as they knew Casita would catch them if either of them slipped.

Both girls were an absolute mess! Filled with pollen and their clothes obviously ruined for good.

Especially Isabela's delicate light pink dress would never look the same, that was obvious. But also it looked like Isabela couldn't care any less.

They were both dancing around and laughing, throwing plants at each other while people below were gaping up at them.

Until finally Mirabel tripped and she tumbled down the roof, Isabela just managed to grab her, but the force just pulled Isabela down too.

Casita though was there and made a slide for them, so easily they landed in the courtyard, rolling around and laughing out loud.

"You know what you said earlier?" Mirabel asked, and then she laughed. "Best day ever!" she reached up her arms.

Isabela chuckled. "Mirabel. You're such a bad influence!"

"I'm bad?! I'm not the one who wanted to make more pollen flowers!" Mirabel threw one of said pollen flowers on Isabela, which predictably exploded in her face in a cloud of purple.

Isabela splurted, only to grin as she grabbed one too and threw it at Mirabel, and once again the fight was one.

Just as Alma came running in followed by most of the rest of the family.

"ISABELA!" Alma cried.

Immediately Isabela halted, she looked up, at once guilt was written all over her face as quickly she stood up with her hands behind her back, Mirabel too standing next to Isabela.

"oh mi Flor! Mi Amor!" Alma cried. "I knew this had to upset you. I didn't realize this upset!" she sniffed holding Isabela's face. "It'll be okay though! I promise you. We'll figure it out!" she informed. "Maybe Bruno just meant not marrying Mariano right now… But maybe later! Sssssh Mi Flor." Alma suddenly grabbed Isabela and pulled her into a hug. "It's going to be okay… We'll be okay. Just… Calm down."

Mirable couldn't help it… She snorted.

Alma halted, then she turned to Mirabel. "Is there something you want to share Mirabel?" she asked.

"Well… Nothing except that Tio Bruno's advice was really good. And you were absolutely right when you said we should listen to him!" Mirabel stated.

Alma frowned as she slowly let go and turned to Mirabel. "What do you mean?" she demanded.

Mirabel smirked. "Isabela… Doesn't want to marry Mariano! She's not upset. She's happy! That's why we are celebrating!" she cheered.

Alma gaped. "What?" she asked. "That can't be true! Isabela, no reason to lie to make us feel better." she turned back to Isabela.

Isabela's eyes widened, then she gasped. "If… If you really mean that. Then." she swallowed. "Then listen to me! Mirabel is right! I don't want to marry Mariano!"

Alma gasped, and so did Dolores standing behind her.

"But… Why?" Alma asked. "Did he do something wrong?"

"No… he didn't," Isabela admitted. "He's been a perfect gentleman to me but… I don't love him Abuela!" she cried out. "I never did! But you seemed so happy and were really looking forward to having Mariano around. And I didn't want to hurt your feelings or disappoint you! But Abuela… You keep talking about how in love you were with Pedro before you got married! And Mama and Papa, they love each other. Clearly! Tia Pepa and Tio Felix too. If I am ever going to be married, I want it to be like that! With someone who'll also be my friend and have fun with me! And do things I like! If I can't have that I don't want to even be married! And I don't like poetry! But I do like the jungle, and dirt, and running! So… So…" she gasped. "I… I'm sorry Abuela. I'm really sorry."

For a moment there was silence. Alma was looking at Isabela.

Julieta was covering her mouth, and Agustin looked absolutely heartbroken.

"I…" Alma began. "Isabela I…"

Isabela swallowed but raised herself to stand up to her full height as if to challenge her Abuela and stand her ground on this.

"Why didn't you say that?" Alma asked.

Isabela blinked surprised. "You… You're not mad?" she asked.

"No, I…. Mi Flor… I want you to be happy. I love you." Alma whispered. "And I hope one day you find a good man! My happiness started when I found Mi Pedro…. My two girls, their happiness started when they found their husbands. And I just… I wish for all of you to find that happiness."

Isabela gasped. "Abuela…" she whispered, then she looked down. "What if I never do?" she asked.

"Isa you're so young. There's plenty of time." Mirabel had to point out.

"I'm serious. I don't want to be married to anyone right now so.... What if I never do?" Isabela asked seriously. 

"Well I… Then I will hope you'll be able to find happiness regardless." Alma whispered. "Thought it can be hard… Bruno he…" she halted.

They all quieted.

"Bruno…." Julieta whispered. "He… He wasn't happy. And he never found… And then he."

"I can't lose another one." Alma looked up with tears in her eyes. "I want you to be happy! All of you and… I want you to have someone who can look after you! I won't be around forever. I'm old I…"

"You don't have to worry about that!" Mirabel exclaimed. "Even if Isabela never finds someone. I will be there with her! Cause I love her too!" she grabbed Isabela's hand and held it firmly. "That's what family is about right? We can look after each other! Just like we did yesterday!"

Julieta nodded. "I don't think the issue was that Bruno never found one… I think…" she looked down. "It was us… We didn't look probably after him. He was struggling and we…" she looked away.

Mirabel looked up, quiet. And Julieta closed her eyes as Agustin put a hand on her shoulder.

Then Mirabel looked up. "So Abuela! Don't worry about it! I'll be looking out for Isabela! And she'll be looking out for me! And then we'll look out for each other. And then everything is good!"

Slowly Alma looked up, then she nodded. "Okay then.." she whispered. "As long as you're happy."

Isabela's eyes watered, and then she sniffed. "Abuela." she gasped. "ABUELA!" she ran forward and then hugged her grandmother as she cried.

Alma's eyes widened, and then her eyes closed as she returned the embrace. "Nothing is more important to me than your happiness… Please don't lie like that to me again."

Isabela nodded as she sniffed. "Okay… I promise."

Right behind the wall in the living room, in Bruno's little room, he huffed as he had to take an extra large step to get over a new flower bush that had popped up out of nowhere, and then there were vines and flowers just everywhere in his room.

Suddenly a flower just slammed into Bruno's face and he spluttered. "Spffff!" then he spat out a few petals. "Okay, what is going on in here?!" Bruno exclaimed.

His rats seemed to have a grand time just running around on all the new vines, squeaking happily.

One was even sitting with a kiwi from one of the new branches going across the room, just munching on it happily.

"Urghh." Bruno groaned, then he looked around. "You know what… That looks like a really good place to hang a hammock." he suddenly had to admit looking at two thick vines that were almost like tree trunks, and Bruno crawled his way around the plants to find his hammock, and then hung it up so he could crawl up into it.

The scent of plants and flowers entered Bruno's nostrils, and he reached out a hand plucking a Kiwi for himself, which he peeled and took a bite out of. "Okay… this is pretty nice." he had to admit now feeling drowsy, it was almost like being outside in the jungle, and the kiwi was tasty.

Bruno yawned deeply… What a day… God, he hoped things would settle soon. Panic attacks always left him so darn tired. And so, feeling drowsy and really enjoying the smell of all the plants around him. Bruno drifted off to sleep.

Chapter Text

At the dinner table, there was again talk and laughter at the family Madrigal was gathered around for dinner. And all around them, there was all of that bright colorful flora decorating the walls and ceilings.

Alma though glanced around. "Isabela dear… All of this is erh… Very nice but." she hesitated. "Do you think you can… Dial it back a bit?"

"Oh!" Isabela looked up, then blushed sheepishly. "Sorry Abuela. My powers have suddenly just grown so strong that well… It's a little hard to control. But I'll fix this I promise. I'll figure it out."

Alma nodded. "Okay… And maybe you could sweep up the petals when you're done," she asked. "I'm afraid to say there's been many times I nearly tripped today. Those petals can be quite slippery. And though your mother's healing abilities are a blessing. I rather not break my hip in the first place."

Isabela blushed deeply as she looked down. "That's fair," she admitted.

"I'll help you sweep after dinner," Mirabel promised her sister.

"I'll help out too," Agustin promised. "We'll have the floor clean in no time, and hopefully…. I won't fall as much tomorrow." he groaned rubbing the lower end of his back.

"I could have made you an Arepa earlier." Julieta pointed out. "You should just have said so dear."

"No!" Agustin stated. "You've been spending too much time in the kitchen. Waiting a few hours is nothing! You should relax!" he informed firmly.

Mirabel couldn't help but smirk, remembering how her dad had been limping around for hours after he slid in the petals and then plainly refused to let Julieta bake an arepa for him until it was actually time to make dinner.

Luisa glanced up and then swallowed. "Erhm Dolores," she whispered. "You said this morning that… Tio Bruno could hear us while we ate breakfast. Can he hear us now?" she asked.

Dolores smiled, then she nodded. "Si… He's listening in."

Luisa gasped, then she looked up. "Tio Bruno! Thank you so much for the help earlier today!" she cried. "I was actually really scared and you… Thank you for helping me. Even if you don't want people to see you. I… I hope I'll be able to see you again soon! And I really hope you'll like your dinner tonight. I helped Mama make it, she said it's one of your favorites so I really did my best!"

"And thank you Tio!" Isabela joined in. "I was so afraid of telling anybody I didn't actually want to marry Mariano and… Just getting it out there. I feel like I can breathe again and… I don't know what I would have done if this had been allowed to go on. I can never thank you enough."

Julieta smiled. "Thank you, Hermano. You've really looked out for my children, all three of them it seems." she had to blink away tears. "Just like you always have. I hope you'll let me see you soon… I… I miss you."

Alma too closed her eyes. "Mijo… I want to see you," she admitted. "Please… Even just once. Let me see you. I…" she whispered. "I'm sorry I didn't do better when you were here. I'm sorry I didn't…" her voice broke, then she dried her eyes with the napkin. "Forgive me," she asked.

Pepa looked down as well. "I… I'm sorry about what I have said at this dinner table," she said. "I… I was angry. Angry because I thought you had left me and…. I miss you so much Hermano. I always did… So… Come back…. Please."

There was silence around the table and they all swallowed, then finally returned to their dinner.

Behind the walls… Bruno was dissolving into tears. He was a hair away from just screaming "I'm sorry!" and running outside…. He wanted to storm right out, hug them all and cry.

Bruno could barely stop himself, he was pressing himself against the wall with his arms spread out as if he was trying to hug the table on the other side and his lip quivered.

As the sun went down… Bruno had promised himself last night that he would not go out and eat the food placed for him.

But… After what everyone had said. And Luisa had worked so hard on making him food… So how couldn't Bruno at least taste the food? That would be so mean!

Carefully Bruno made his way outside the portrait hole… He headed to the dining room, and then checked behind all the potted plants and new big veins just to make sure the coast was clear… It seemed quiet.

Then Bruno checked the living room too for good measure, even looked below the couches and inside the closets, but found no one.

Finally satisfied that there was no one hiding Bruno sat down by the table. 

And the food was good… It was really good. So was the wine. And Bruno ate his fill… Once again feeling drowsy and wobbly once he was done.

Bruno was just about ready to turn in when Casita gently nudged him again… Bruno swallowed but allowed Casita to guide him outside… out towards the garden.

Quickly Bruno realized she was headed towards the same spot where he had seen Luisa doing the day, being harassed by those men.

Bruno swallowed… as he stepped out on the soft grass looking around. Then he halted as he looked towards the veranda. And there sitting on a bench was…

Pepa?

Pepa was sitting there, her head dropping down and a blanket wrapped around herself as she was soundly sleeping.

At her feet was a white orchid that looked like it had slipped out of her hand… Bruno did recognize it as one of the orchids she would grow in her room.

Bruno swallowed as he stood in front of her sister, he barely even dared breathe, then his eyes watered.

Pepa seemed to notice, she stirred and Bruno froze… Slowly… Pepa opened her eyes and looked up. The moment her eyes landed on Bruno she gasped, then she froze.

Bruno swallowed as he stood there, he didn't even dare move.

Pepa's eyes watered as she saw him, then she smiled. "Hermanito."

Bruno's eyes widened in shock.

Then Pepa sniffed. "I… Bruno I…" she tried to find words. "I mean… Oh god." she dried her eyes. "I wanted to see you and now I don't even know what to say. Oh god, I'm such a mess."

Bruno's lip quivered as well. "That's okay," he whispered. "I erh… you know I was never good with words either."

Pepa laughed. "No you were brilliant… when playing a character that is."

Bruno smiled lightly. "I'm Hernando and I'm scared of nothing," he stated. "The sky may fall down, lightning may strike me. And I will laugh in the face of death."

Pepa chuckled amused. "See." her eyes twinkled. "Camilo didn't get his theater flair from any stranger."

Bruno looked down, smiling lightly. "He's a troublemaker… But a good kid."

Pepa nodded. "Yes…" she looked at Bruno. Then swallowed. "Do you… Want to sit down?" she gestured at the empty spot beside her.

Bruno hesitated, then slowly he walked forward until finally, he sat down next to Pepa.

Pepa's eyes widened as she looked at him… She lifted up a shaking hand, and then… She touched his shoulder and her eyes widened.

"Erhm." Bruno hesitated.

Pepa's wide eyes were filled with tears as her hand moved from Bruno's shoulder, and shakingly she lifted it to touch his face. 

Bruno shivered as he closed his eyes, but allowed Pepa to hold his cheek. And then slip her hand through his curly hair. 

Pepa's voice was breaking. "Bruno." she sniffed, and then, without warning. She leaned over and embraced Bruno holding him tight. "I'm sorry!" she cried loudly. "I'm sorry I didn't look better out for you! You were so sad, I could see it… And I didn't do anything. I'm sorry."

Bruno's eyes widened, then his eyes squinted as he wrapped his arms around Pepa and hugged her back. "Please don't say that," he whispered. "There's only one thing I ever wanted from you… Marry a good man who sees you for the amazing woman you are. Raise three beautiful children. And be happy. And… and you sure did." Bruno gasped. "It makes me so happy."

Pepa burst out crying as she clung to him, and Bruno continued holding her as Pepa cried…. Until it seemed like she had exhausted herself, and drifted off to sleep in Bruno's arms.

Gently… Bruno laid Pepa down on the bench so she would be somewhat comfortable, then wrapped her blanket around her shoulders. Bruno found a pillow and put it under Pepa's head before finally, he bowed down and kissed his beloved sister on the forehead.

Then carefully snuck back, just as the first rays of sunrise were breaking over the horizon..

Not too long after that, the smell of baked goods and coffee came from the kitchen, gently waking up Pepa who blinked away tears….

Had that been…. A dream? Or….

Pepa swallowed, she didn't actually know… But… she knew. It had felt so nice. Just seeing him.

He had looked smaller than what Pepa remembered, and very pale. But it had been him… Bruno.

Chapter Text

Bruno was walking back and forth in his room, thankfully the vines had retrieved some so he had room again. But now he had another conundrum.

A startling realization had started to settle in Bruno's stomach… And he felt terrible.

Because Bruno…. Had made a terrible, terrible mistake.

Part of the idea of going away… Was that his family wouldn't be burdened anymore! That they wouldn't have to feel so sad. That he wouldn't drag them down!

But his absence was hurting them! Bruno had no doubt that Pepa had been so sincere this night, and the people around the table… all saying the same thing.

And they thought he was dead! And it wasn't making them happy.

Bruno had to fix this! He had to do something! He had to come clean. It had all been a terrible mistake. Absolutely terrible.

But how… how was Bruno supposed to do that? How?! Was he just supposed to jump out of the wall and yell?

"Surprise everybody! I'm not dead! Yaaaaay!"

…. Yeah there was no way that would go over well.

Bruno wide-eyed turned to one of his rats, which was uncaringly grooming itself ignoring Bruno's presence in front of it.

"Erhm… Mama." Bruno tried. "Mama look… I… I made a mistake. So… Yeah. I'm not dead! And that's good news, right? Hurray!" he held up his hands, then face-palmed himself.

The rat didn't even notice him, it was just busy licking itself between its legs.

Bruno glared at his rat. "It's like you're not taking me seriously!" he exclaimed.

The rat didn't even acknowledge his existence and Bruno groaned deeply running his hands over his face.

"Okay… Pepa!" he turned to a different rat. "About last night… I…. I erhm… I… I.. What I mean is I… Okay never mind. JULIETTA!" Bruno was now just facing the blank wall. "Look… I can't explain why I went into the wall. But… I don't want you to worry okay? So I was never actually dead… But yeah I was in the wall for ten years and I think I have gone a little bit insane cause I am talking to rats… Okay, a lot insane…. Who the hell lives in a wall spying on their own family?" Bruno slammed his forehead against the wall and he groaned deeply as he stood there with his head resting against the wall. "I got no good explanation…. Hi family. I'm loco.. Totally and utterly loco… you knew that already but it hasn't gotten any better."

Bruno turned around so his back was to the wall, and then slowly… Slowly he slid down, until he was sitting there, and pulled his legs into his chest.

"Look… It's not that I don't want to come out." Bruno swallowed. "I miss you too…. I really do." his eyes watered. "But I don't know how…. I'm really messed up." he covered his face with his hands, then groaned deeply.

Outside the walls in the gardens Dolores gasped, then she smiled. She blinked away a few tears… So he wasn't actually dead.

Oh, what a relief! What an utter relief! At her feet Antonio was sitting on the ground, playing with a couple of rats.

"Man… When do I get to meet Tio Bruno?" Antonio asked.

"Huh?" Dolores looked down at her little brother.

"The rats keep talking about him," Antonio informed. "And they keep saying he's super nice, and he's protecting everybody in the house, and is fixing the house whenever it needs to be fixed. And he's working super hard to keep everybody safe…. He has to be a good person. The rats love him."

"Oh really?" Dolores asked amused.

Antonio nodded. "Animals can tell if a person is bad or good. Very easily. And they say he is good." he looked up at Dolores. "So… Shouldn't he be eating with the rest of us? Why does he only eat in the middle of the night?"

Dolores smiled amused. "Hopefully he'll eat with us really soon," she said.

"Oh okay." Antonio nodded. "He's kind of like a tapir isn't he?"

"A tapir?" Dolores asked.

"Yeah. Tapirs are really shy. And scared of people." Antonio nodded. "So… The best way to see them is to lay out some food and just be really quiet. And then when they come out you can't make any sudden movements. And you have to be really patient and do it a lot to earn their trust so maybe they'll come to you… Is that what we're doing with Tio Bruno?"

Dolores snorted, she laughed into her hand and then looked at Antonio. "Si… I think it is." she nodded. "So like with the Tapir… Just give it time and be patient. We'll keep leaving out food for him and eventually, he'll come out."

Antonio nodded. "Okay makes sense."

Dolores couldn't help but laugh as she shook her head. She was just happy to see things moving in a good direction.

Chapter Text

In the Casita living room, Antonio was using both hands to hold up a pole while Camilo was throwing a blanket over it and spreading it out in a tent-like structure.

One couch functioned as one wall and a chair being the other wall. And the pole now holding up the roof and back wall that was the blanket.

After that Antonio started to run around to find every single pillow in the house it seemed, animals running right after him in excitement, sniffing out pillows and blankets for this collection in Antonio's fort.

Mirabel chuckled at the wholesome sight of Antonio building his fort and Camilo eagerly helping out.

Shape shifting into a small version of himself so he was Antonio's size and they were now on equal terms when placing pillows and blankets.

That's when Mirabel heard it… Singing… From not far away. It sounded like a lot of voices, and Latin.

Mirabel sighed deeply as she walked towards the entrance where she met her Abuela who looked rather concerned, the two looked at each other.

"Abuela you don't have to do anything. I can check it out." Mirabel said.

Alma shook her head. "I will go. This is my house."

Then Mirabel hesitated, before looking up. "How about together? We'll have each other's back!"

Alma blinked, then she smiled. "That sounds like a good idea." she agreed and they stepped outside, to find Agustin, Felix, and Isabela just looking at a long line of people who were walking by the fence while singing.

Alma looked at the three. "Do you know what's going on?"

"It looks like they are walking in circles around the house," Isabela informed. "They have walked past us three times now."

"Have you asked them to leave?" Alma asked.

"I mean… They are not really doing anything." Felix pointed out. "And they are not inside of our property… So. I mean." he commented as the last person passed by them.

"They are hanging garlic all over the fences… That's something." Agustin commented. "And putting crosses on top of the corner pillars."

"Don't they even realize that mi Brunito is a good Christian?!" Alma asked. "He knew the scriptures better than any of us!"

"He did?" Mirabel asked.

"Oh sure. He could paraphrase the bible. Easily. I can't do that." Felix commented.

"And he would be the one telling us not to take god's name in vain. Because that's bad luck." Agustin nodded. "I can't see him ever turning away from god. Not even in death.… So yeah, I don't think this would ever work regardless."

"Ah." Mirabel blinked, just as Padre Hernandez appeared, proving he was in front of the long line, swinging his bowl of incense and holding up a big golden cross. Proving that they were indeed walking in big circles all around the house.

Alma fumed. "To think they think they can send him away… Bruno was a better Christian than any of those people! He was kind! Always ready to help." she pulled off her shoe. "STAY AWAY FROM MY SON!" she shouted throwing her shoe. And hit Padre Hernandez right in the head.

That shocked everybody and they wide-eyed looked at Alma.

"Go home! All of you!" Alma yelled loudly. "You're not taking him from me! Not now when maybe… Maybe I can see him!"

Everyone gasped.

"She's been possessed!" A woman gasped. "She wants the demon to stay!"

"He's not a demon. He's my son!" Alma yelled back. "And he's Pedro's son! Pedro's death made you this miracle! My children and this house… It's all I have left of him. Left of Mi Pedro! So." Alma picked up her other shoe. "LEAVE!" she threw it.

The man she aimed at just managed to dodge and Alma huffed.

Mirabel hesitated a bit, then she bowed down, took off her shoe, and handed it to Alma. "Here." she offered her own shoe to Alma.

"Thank you, Mirabel." Alma smiled kindly accepting the shoe, and then hurled it at the townspeople that all ducked down.

"You guys all heard my Abuela," Isabela commented, she held out a hand, twisted it, and a big vine shot up from the ground itself. "Now get out of here! You're noisy!"

"Sweet Isabela!" A woman cried. "What happened to you? You used to be so sweet and kind!"

"And look at her." A man gasped. "She's a mess!" he referred to Isabela's now very colorful dress and her hair that had multiple stripes of color in it.

Padre Hernandez made a cross over his chest. "The devil has made it into the house. God save your souls. Come! Let's go to the church and pray!" he asked and everyone nodded as they walked away… Or rather fled with their tails between their legs.

Isabela sighed as she twisted her hands and allowed the vines to retrieve Alma and Mirabel's shoes.

"Thank you, dear." Alma sighed as she plugged her own shoes from the vines and sat down so she could put them on.

Mirabel though sighed deeply, she really hoped this wouldn't end up turning ugly.

After dinner, it was about time for their youngest family to go to bed. Little Antonio was in the living room, his arms full of pieces of candy. He was walking two steps, put down a piece of candy, walked two steps again, and put down a piece of candy.

And so there was a line of candy going from Antonio's blanket and pillow fort he had built earlier in the day, looking like it was going to go to the dining room.

Mirabel and Pepa were looking at Antonio's little project, then Mirabel smirked.

"Are you trying to make an animal find your fort?" Mirabel asked amused.

"Yeah." Antonio nodded. "It should be a good sleeping spot for shy nervous animals that wants to hide while they sleep."

Pepa smiled amused. "And what animal are you trying to attract sweety?"

"Tio Bruno," Antonio informed.

That made both women halt.

"I found pillows. That has to be nicer than the wall right?" Antonio asked. "And then I can see him! But I promise I won't scare him." then he whispered. "Just don't be loud with the shy animals."

Mirabel didn't know why, but she snorted into her hand.

Antonio looked up at them. "You don't think Tio Bruno will like it?" he asked, then looked down. "Or is it the food? Doesn't Tio Bruno like caramels?"

Pepa couldn't help it either, she chuckled. "Oh… He loves Caramels. I'm sure he'll love what you put out for him."

"Really?" Antonio asked with a big grin.

"Si, and when you're done. It's time for bed." Pepa informed.

"Okay!" Antonio grinned as he continued his line of candy going from his fort to Bruno's dinner plate.

Though after Antonio had been put to bed, Pepa was there picking up the pieces of candy. And then ruffled up Antonio's fort to make it look like someone had been sleeping in there.

"Erh Tia Pepa. You do know this means Antonio is probably just going to do this again tomorrow right?" Mirabel asked.

"That's fine. I'm just glad Antonio is not scared." Pepa smiled. "And… Bruno would want us to play along! He always loved playing with you, kids. It would make him so sad if we didn't allow Antonio to do this sort of thing."

Mirabel smiled amused. "I see. That makes sense."

Pepa hesitated. "Do you think Bruno would be mad if we wrote a thank you letter for him for Antonio?"

"Well, you knew Bruno best." Mirabel reminded Pepa. "So what do you think?" 

"Oh… Yes." Pepa looked up. "I think he would like me writing it for him… Thanking Antonio. He always wanted to be involved! Yes, I'll make a thank you letter from Bruno! Oh and a gift with it. Do we have some cookies left?" she asked rushing into the kitchen.

In the night, Casita had insisted that Bruno see the fort in the living room. And there was a cookie and a letter Bruno had not written himself.

"Dear Antonio. Thank you for the fort. Love Tio Bruno."

Bruno hesitated… Then he picked up the piece of paper and waddled to the table where he flipped around the paper to get to the blank side. And then wrote the exact same message, just in his own handwriting, and then added a little drawing of an hourglass before replacing it, and he himself could head back to his room in the wall.

Chapter Text

"MAMA! Mamaaaa!" Antonio shouted as he was running across the house. Finally ending in the kitchen where Julieta was baking Arepa's and Pepa was sipping on her morning coffee. "Tio Bruno found my fort!"

"Oh really?" Pepa asked, acting like she was surprised.

"He wasn't there anymore though when I came. BUT HE GAVE ME A COOKIE!" Antonio shouted waving with his cookie.

"No? He did?" Pepa asked with an amused laugh. "Well, you have to say thank you to him then!"

"Uhu. And he left a note too." Antonio showed. "He wrote on both sides though, that's weird. What does it say Mami?"

"Huh?" Pepa looked down blinking. "Oh, let me see." she reached a hand towards Antonio and he willingly gave up the note.

Easily Pepa recognized her own handwriting from the other day on one side, then she flipped the paper and halted.

Julieta quieted too. "Pepa?" she asked.

"It erh… It says Dear Antonio thank you for the fort. Love Tio Bruno." Pepa whispered.

"What does the other side say?" Antonio asked now munching on his cookie.

"Oh erh." Pepa turned the paper back to her own handwriting. "Love you lots and lots. From Tio Bruno."

"Hihihi really?" Antonio asked. "I love him too! I… I think." he blinked a bit confused. Then took another bite of his cookie and looked up. "Mama we gotta write him back. Will you help me write him back?"

"Of… Of course." Pepa nodded still looking a little shell-shocked.

"Tell him that he doesn't have to go back into the wall!" Antonio gasped. "He can sleep in the fort. I made it for him so… He can keep sleeping there it's okay! I promise I won't scare him."

Slowly Pepa nodded. "Yes of course sweet heart. Is it okay if we wait till after breakfast?" she asked. "I just… need to drink my coffee first."

"Okay." Antonio nodded. "I can go find some paper!" he grinned as he rushed out the door.

The moment Antonio was gone Pepa rushed to Julieta. "Juli!" she exclaimed holding up the note. "Juli! I only wrote on one side last night! This side it! It!"

Julieta's eyes widened as she saw a little message scribbled on the piece of paper shown to her, as well as a little drawing of an hourglass.

Immediately Julieta just snapped the note from Pepa, ran to the other wall, and pulled down an old worn-out cookbook, she opened it up and rushed through the pages until at last, she found one that had handwritten improvements in it…

Well improvements according to a certain someone who believed that one cup of sugar simply wasn't enough for a pot of cocoa, and it had to be specified that it should be two cups of sugar and no skinny milk, only the good heavy stuff.

Julieta laid the note down next to the handwritten notes and noticed the thin elegant writing, the curl of the t's and L's and she gasped.

"It… It's really his writing. Isn't it?" Pepa asked in a gasp, barely even daring to breathe.

Julieta nodded. "It is." she confirmed. "And this side was blank last evening?"

Slowly Pepa looked up at Julieta, then she grabbed the note, turned around, and started running as she just yelled. "MAMA! Mamaaaaaaa!"

Not long after Alma had the note in her hand, gasping as she heard the story explained by Pepa.

"You… you realize what this means right?" Pepa asked. "We… Maybe we can leave him messages! And ask him what he needs! What we can do so he… You know."

Alma nodded as she swallowed. "This would be helpful… If he would tell us what we can do." she looked up at Pepa.

Pepa nodded as well.

"I have to think." Alma looked down. "What to write…. In the past, I'm afraid that we…" she closed her eyes. "We didn't always understand each other when speaking."

Pepa's heart fell. "Mama," she whispered.

"I admit it." Alma opened her eyes. "I didn't always understand him… Especially in those last days. But that… That never meant I didn't love him. And deep down, I always wished I had just… Just been able to tell him that. And that… I wish.. That I had tried better… To understand."

Pepa looked at Alma, her eyes misty. "I think you already figured out what to write," she whispered. "I didn't always understand him either," she whispered. "I got annoyed with him… Impatient… It was difficult to see him acting so strange and it never got better. I hate to say that.. I even got tired of it. Because I had no idea what to do, or how to handle him anymore. And then when he vanished I didn't know how to deal with that either. So I just chose to be angry…. It's only now I realize that's what I chose… Because it was the easy option." she closed her eyes. "Because if I can't blame him, then I have to realize it was me." she sniffed. "It was me who could see him hurting and didn't do anything about it." she wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. "I could see him slipping away, and I was much more concerned about myself."

"You had two young kids at the time," Alma whispered. "Don't be too hard on yourself."

Pepa sniffed. "You know the other night I… I fell asleep in the garden and… I think maybe I dreamed that… That Bruno was there."

Alma's eyes widened.

"I thought he would be angry with me… But he wasn't." Pepa swallowed. "He told me he only wanted one thing from me… For me to marry a good man who could see how amazing I really am. And raise three wonderful kids… That's actually two things I guess. But you know Bruno." she chuckled. She halted. "I wonder though… Was that a dream? Or... You know." she asked. "It seemed so real."

Alma hesitated a bit, then she smiled softly. "Whether it was a dream or not," she whispered. "That truly does sound like something our Brunito would say." she smiled warmly.

Pepa nodded with tears in her eyes. "I want him back," she whispered. "I don't care if it's like a spirit or an apparition or whatever he is. I want him back."

"I know," Alma assured. "I feel the same…. And now. To be given a second chance." she swallowed. "I just hope I won't squander it."

Pepa nodded. "yeah… Me too." she sniffed. Then stepped forward, and leaned over to hug her mama who gasped, then hugged her back.

"Oh when did I last tell you?" Alma asked. "How much I love you Mi Pepita."

"I love you too Mama," Pepa whispered. "I know I am not always great at saying it. But I do."

"Thank you my darling. It means a lot." Alma swallowed as the two just hugged until finally left together for breakfast.

Chapter Text

In the night, after Bruno's now traditional after-midnight dinner… Casita had been extremely insistent in pushing Bruno back to Antonio's pillow ford.

What Bruno found there though… Was a whole stack of letters. Placed on top of each other on a pillow in the center.

With shaking hands Bruno reached for the top one that started.

"Dear Tio Bruno.

I never got to thank you for even showing yourself and standing up for me on Antonio's birthday."

Bruno glanced down at the bottom and saw Mirabel's signature.

Bruno shuffled the letters now looking at the signatures.

Pepa… Julieta… Isabela… Camilo… Antonio had signed his own name, evident from the way a five-year-old would write, but the writings seemed to be Pepa's.

Wait, was this everyone who had written him letters?! And then there were multiple blank pieces of paper laying next to them and a pen… They wanted him to write them back?!

But…. That… what… What was Bruno supposed to say?! He was too much of a coward to say things in person. Writing things down was supposed to make it easier?

Bruno halted… Could he just write that he wasn't dead?

….. Maybe that could work. He could write. "Thank you for the letters. I am not dead." flee to the bottom of the house, let the families shock and anger play out, and… then what?

He would still have to come out! It wouldn't solve anything!

Bruno looked up, and saw the bottle of rum that had been left for him multiple nights ago… He really felt the need for that right now. So Bruno moved over and poured himself a very healthy big glass of rum to calm himself.

First, he drank a good mouthful to calm himself, then topped off his glass again and returned to the ford, crawled in there with his glass, and swallowed as he started with the first letter.

"Dear Tio Bruno.

I never got to thank you for even showing yourself and standing up for me on Antonio's birthday.

You helped me so much. I was scared… and I was afraid that the cracks really were something I had just made up in my mind. But now I know it really wasn't, and that has helped me so much.

Now that we know you're here. It's obvious that Abuela, Mama, and Tia Pepa miss you a lot.

I hope you will show yourself again soon. And talk to all of us. I want to see you too.

Love. Mirabel."

Bruno's eyes watered as he went for the next one.

"Dear Tio Bruno.

I'm so glad you like the fort! Camilo helped me make it.

You don't have to leave just because the sun goes up though. You can stay there, it's for you.

Thank you for the cookie! Please come out of the wall soon.

Love you lots."

And then of course signed with crayons from Antonio himself. Complete with drawings of different animals.

At this point Bruno was shaking all over his body as he sipped on his rum, hoping it would help his body relax.

"Dear Bruno… Mi Hermano.

I wanted to thank you. For looking over us all this time.

And I wanted to apologize to you. I know that in our last days together, I was unfair, I was frustrated. I shouted at you.

And I am so sorry. I am sorry for everything I said at our dinner table. For blaming you. When I was really angry with myself. Because… Maybe if I had tried harder. Been more patient. I wouldn't have driven you away.

I miss you.

I love you.

Your sister forever. Pepa."

Now Bruno had no choice but openly sob, tears were running down his cheeks, snot was flowing out of his nose. And Bruno was babbling like a little baby.

The mix of tears, wine, and rum was making his brain weird and fuzzy, Bruno could barely even see what was in front of him. Reading was hard through misty eyes but he kept going.

"Dear Tio Bruno. 

For the first time. In I don't even remember for how long. I feel like I can breathe. And it's all thanks to you. 

I was terrified over just saying it. That I don't want to marry Mariano. That I don't want my entire life planned ahead of me. 

Thank you so much Tio. You knew didn't you? I remember when I was small. You told me my powers would grow. And the life of my dreams would be mine. I thought you meant Mariano. but you didn't, you meant this. And you set it right. 

I miss the way you would let me sit on your lap and tell me things. Then you would always ask me about my day and really listen to me. I could always be honest with you when I didn't dare with Abuela. And just like now... I knew back then you would always have my back. 

Thank you Tio. I hope I will soon see you again. Because I really do miss you.

Isabela." 

"Dear Tio Bruno. 

I know this may be a lot to ask. You already did so much for me. Showing up. Telling those men to go away. 

I was really scared. I know I shouldn't be. I am strong. I can handle myself... But I was. 

And now I'm scared again. Scared that I won't see you again so I can thank you. Please come home. 

Mama, Tia, and Abuela miss you so much. And I really miss you too. I miss that you would ride donkeys with me, tell me stories, and play board games with me even when everybody else was busy.

I'm not very brave. But things are actually less scary with you around so... Please come home. We miss you. 

Love. 

Luisa." 

"Mijo. My Brunito.

I hope one day. You will have it in your heart to forgive me.

When you were here. I often did not understand. And I fear now, I barely even tried to understand, what you went through. What was going on in your mind.

I was supposed to keep you happy. I was supposed to keep you safe. And I did neither.

I'm sorry. Mi Mijo. And I want you to know, even if I didn't understand. There was never I day where I loved you less than I did the day before.

From the day I first held you in my arms, my feelings never changed.

I was angry, I was frustrated, and I wanted things to be fine. I didn't know what to do… But never did I not love you. And never am I going to stop loving you with all my heart. Mi Mijo Brunito. 

All my love. Alma."

Bruno just opened his mouth, and then he cried loudly as he laid down among the blankets and pillows, grabbing a big pillow and hugging it tight as he cried his eyes out.

"I love you too." Bruno sniffed. "Mama… I didn't mean to hurt you. I really didn't…." and he babbled, and he cried.

Next to him was an empty rum glass. His belly was filled to the brim with food. His head was fuzzy from so many tears, he couldn't even tell how much time had passed as he just laid there hugging his pillow close, before everything went even fuzzier… Even darker…

And eventually. Bruno fell into an exhausted sleep.

Chapter Text

Bruno groaned deeply… his entire felt so heavy. His mind felt so fuzzy, and his head.. There was a heavy thumping, that felt like it was hitting the front of his brain. Hurting.

His throat was so dry and he groaned deeply.

That's when Bruno heard a gasp in front of him and he halted….

Slowly Bruno opened his eyes, and things were bright…. Though extremely fuzzy.

"Wha.." Bruno asked as slowly he looked up, to see something yellow and very fuzzy not far from him. The top of the yellow thing looked black.

Bruno groaned deeply as he tried to look at the yellow… Brown… Blackish thing, and slowly it started to form into the shape of a little boy.

A little boy with coffee brown skin, and big black curls, wearing warm yellow as he was wide-eyed looking at Bruno.

Bruno frowned slightly. "Tonito?" he asked, then suddenly Bruno's eyes snapped open and it all came back to him… The living room, the letters, shit! He had fallen asleep! And now it was light outside.

Bruno gasped as he scrambled back deep into the fort and Antonio gasped, then Bruno looked up to see Antonio there.

Antonio was still wide-eyed looking at Bruno… then slowly, without taking his eyes away from Bruno… Antonio pulled a cookie out of his pocket. The little boy put the cookie down on the ground, and then shuffled a little back so there was more space between them and the cookie that was now laying there on the ground between them.

Bruno looked down at the cookie, then up at the little boy, who was still looking at him.

"It's okay," Antonio whispered. "It's for you." he gestured at the cookie.

"Errrh… Thanks." Bruno replied. For a moment he didn't move. But then slowly reached out a hand, out of the fort, picked up the cookie, and retrieved it.

Antonio brightened up, looking very happy as he took another cookie from his pocket and replaced the other one Bruno now had in his hand.

Bruno looked down at the second cookie…. Even he could tell this started to become just a little bit silly. Then he swallowed. "I… I'm sorry. I really need to go." he whispered, just as he was about to crawl out.

When suddenly voices were heard from the courtyard.

"Morning Luisa! Morning Tia Pepa!" Mirabel's voice could just be heard and Bruno screeched.

"Eeeeep!" As he crawled straight back into the fort and threw his blanket over himself to hide.

Oh no… no no no. People had started to get up! The smell of coffee had already started to permeate the air. That meant that the coast wasn't clear! It would be impossible to make it to the portrait hole without being seen.

This was bad… This was really bad….

Bruno swallowed, he had to think of something. When he had gone to defend Luisa, Casita had been nice enough to make an opening for him in the outside wall.

Maybe Casita could make him a different opening in here? Bruno gasped, then he knocked at the wall behind him. "Casita… Casita will you let me back in please?" he asked. "I… I screwed up. So please."

The house… Didn't answer him. It was like it was ignoring him.

That was when a teenage girl's voice sounded from the room outside.

"Hi Tonito. What are you doing?"

"Eeeh!" Bruno rolled himself into a little ball and covered himself with the blanket. Then just laid there, shivering.

Mirabel like always had been one of the first people to wake up in the morning. As she liked to be the one setting the table while her mother cooked breakfast.

Only barely had Mirabel glanced at her little cousin inside of the living room as she had walked to set the table, and now she stepped in to see Antonio sitting in front of the fort looking inside.

Mirabel smiled. "Hi, Tonito what are you doing?"

"Mirabel sssssh!" Antonio hushed her. "You're scaring him," he whispered.

Mirabel blinked, then slowly she walked over to Antonio and bowed down to see a bundle of blankets in there… Then she realized the bundle was moving around and she blinked.

Oh… With all the animals in Casita now after Antonio had gotten his gift. Maybe she should have seen this coming. Mirabel couldn't help but wonder though, what sort of animal had decided to make a nest in there.

…. It looked pretty big. So maybe Parce? Parce was a large cat, and cats liked these sorts of hiding places right?

But Parce had never seemed very timid at all… Maybe an anteater? Or maybe one of the capybaras.

"Tonito," Mirabel whispered while she smiled. "What sort of animal is in there?"

Antonio looked at Mirabel like she was dumb. "It's Tio Bruno, obviously. It's his fort," he commented annoyed.

Mirabel couldn't help but smirk amused, though suddenly her smirk faltered… Wait…

She turned back to the figure, completely covered up by the blanket and she hesitated.

Then slowly… Slowly Mirabel reached forward a hand.. And poked the bundle.

Immediately it shifted away, pressing itself against the wall as quick breathing sounded from inside.

Mirabel blinked… What in the?

"Mira," Antonio whispered.

Then slowly… slowly Mirabel reached in again, she picked the corner of a top blanket, and slowly pulled it away suddenly revealing a mess of black curls with strains of gray.

A gasp sounded, just as a long thin hand snatched up, grabbed the blanket, and pulled it back and Mirabel gasped as she sat back.

What… the…. Hell?

There really was a man in there! At once Mirabel grabbed Antonio and pulled him behind herself so she was between Antonio and whoever the hell this was.

"Okay listen!" Mirabel exclaimed loudly. "I'm giving you a chance to explain yourself. But if you won't show your face I'm going to get Luisa. And your ass will be done for!"

There was a loud. "Eeeeeh!" from inside, and it was absolutely a male voice.

"Come on… Let me see your face!" Mirabel demanded.

The figure was just shivering.

"If you have not shown your face on three," Mirabel informed. "I am going to yell for my sister! Okay then. One!" she began.

The figure shook.

"Two." Mirabel inhaled a deep breath. "Three! Okay, here I go! LUI-"

"Wait!"

Mirabel stopped, she looked into the fort and there saw a pale thin face among the blankets.

Black curls were framing the face, and there were massive green eyes, looking frightfully at her. The dark bag under his eyes made him look exhausted, and his skin paler than it probably was.

But also…. The moment Mirabel saw him. She recognized him. From the portraits around town, from the family tree, from his door. But more so that fuzzy image in Mirabel's mind seemed to come into focus! The curly black hair, the lines under his eyes that made him look so tired, the eyes themselves! It was... It was... 

Mirabel gaped. "Holy shit." she gasped.

"ple-please." The man stammered. "Just… Don't say anything. I just… I need a clear coast to go back.

Mirabel was gaping at the man in front of her… Then slowly, she reached forward a hand again… and poked the man in the face.

Mirabel's eyes widened. "You… You're."

Bruno looked at her, still with a finger jabbed into his face. "Auw," he whispered.

"oh!" Mirabel retrieved her hand. "Sorry… I just…" she halted. "For a ghost, you're pretty… You know… Solid."

Bruno swallowed. "Well… That's because… Erhm… I erh… You see." he tried. "The thing is… Well actually… what I am trying to say is."

Mirabel blinked as she looked at him.

"Eeerh… yeah. So erh." Bruno swallowed. "It's complicated." he ended.

Antonio tilted his head from behind Mirabel, then he grinned. "You should come out now. It's nice out here!"

"Errh…. Yeah, I don't know if." Bruno swallowed.

Antonio just chuckled as he crawled around Mirabel and over to Bruno, then offered Bruno a hand. "The rats have told me so much about you! It's nice to meet you."

"Oh… erhm… Nice to meet you too." Bruno blinked. "ah!" he looked at Antonio's hand, then quickly reached over, shook Antonio's hand, and let go as he crawled back.

Antonio giggled, then grabbed Bruno's arm, and then started to pull him out.

Bruno's eyes widened as Antonio pulled, and Bruno followed, coming outside of the little fort, together with green Ruana and everything until finally he just stood there, swallowing.

"So erh.." Bruno whispered. "I should really go."

"Huh?" Mirabel asked. "But…"

Suddenly a big crash sounded, startling everybody.

They turned to the door, and there was Julieta… At her feet was what had once been a bowl of changua.

The bowl was shattered, and the breakfast soup was splattered across the floor and on Julieta herself.

And Julieta was just standing there, her mouth wide open, her eyes wide, her hands in front of her as if she was still holding the bowl.

Bruno was shaking like a leaf. "Ju… Juli." he whispered.

Then… Julieta started to quiver, her lip was quivering, and her face was retracting into an ugly facial expression, then she opened her mouth, but instead of any word coming out. She cried.

Bruno's eyes widened, then he quivered too, his eyes watered and he sniffed.

Then Julieta just screamed. "Brunooooooo!" as she rushed forward, barreled straight into Bruno, and pulled him into a crushing hug while crying. "Wuaaaargh!"

Bruno's eyes were wide, then he gasped, he sniffed, and he returned the hug. "Juli!" he held her tight. "Juli I'm so sorry! I didn't mean… I didn't mean to hurt you! I'm sorry! I really am!"

Julieta sniffed lifting her head so she could see him. "Bruno." she cried again lifting a hand and touched his face. Then she halted. "Huh."

Bruno blinked.

Then lightly Julieta slapped Bruno's cheek, and next thing she pulled her hand through his hair. Then she placed her hands on both sides of Bruno's face and held it tight.

"Erhh… Juli?" Bruno asked.

Julieta bowed down and placed her ear against Bruno's chest, her eyes widening.

Julieta placed her hand on Bruno's forehead, her finger on Bruno's wrist, then she looked up at Bruno.

There was utter silence as the two looked at each other.

"You lost weight." Julieta suddenly said out of the blue.

"Oh… erh… yeah I guess so," Bruno commented. "Erh… So… yeah. Ahem. It's erh." his eyes widened. "BYE!" he suddenly shouted, and then suddenly ran past Julieta.

"What? HEY!" Julieta shouted.

"CASITA!" Mirabel shouted as she ran after him. "Don't let him get away! Capture him!" she shouted as she followed Bruno into the courtyard where Bruno was running up the stairs.

Only for those stairs to turn into a slide and Bruno fell all the way down again, and rolled across the floor. "Casita!" Bruno gasped, his face filled with betrayal. Though he wasn't out of tricks just as Bruno grabbed the wall and started to climb.

Isabela gasped as she came out of her door. "What's going on."

"It's Tio Bruno!" Mirabel shouted. "Stop him!"

Isabela gasped as she send out vines to grab for Bruno and Bruno yelled as he jumped and dodged, he slid under a branch, then jumped on the table and tried to jump up.

Only for Camilo to arrive and turned himself into a large man grabbing for Bruno. "I got him! I totally got him!"

"AAAAH!" Bruno shouted as he got on top of the chandelier just as Alma arrived and screamed.

"Mijo?!"

Now the entire family was there, looking up at him.

Bruno's eyes widened, just as the chandelier was giving in from his weight, and then it fell.

Bruno shouted as he plummeted down only to be grabbed by his ankle by a big vine. And then he was just dangling there with his ruana covering his entire face so he couldn't see a damn thing. He could also tell that his shirt was falling down making his stomach all visible, and he didn't like it… But he was hopelessly trapped.

And then suddenly he was let go and he fell down on the floor in a thud.

"Urggh.." Bruno groaned. "Auw." he removed his Ruana from his face, then looked up. Only to realize his entire family was all around him wide-eyed looking down at him.

"Urh." Bruno looked around. "So… erh yeah… I erh… I should probably tell you guys that erh… yeah… I'm not actually you know. I'm alive!" he held up his arms. "Surprise!"

Everyone was gaping at him.

"huh?"

"Good news, yaaay." Bruno tried in a strained voice, then looked down, he pulled up his hood and pulled his knees into his chest. "Please don't kill me," he asked with a whimper.

"What?" Camilo asked, and then they all screamed.

"WHAT?!"

Chapter Text

In the courtyard of Casita… There was stunned silence.

Which normally would be unheard of when the entire family was gathered at just one spot.

But here they were, all gaping, all wide-eyed looking at the small figure in their midst, curling together on the floor. His hood pulled up, and his entire small body shivered.

It was hard for people to comprehend what had just happened. Felix had heard screaming, burst out of his room, and seen the figure of Bruno hanging from the chandelier.

Luisa on the other hand had arrived just in time to see a human pinata just dangling from one of Isabela's vines, exposing a very thin pale-looking stomach and navel.

And now finally they had all seen the small figure that had fallen down on the floor, gasping for breath, and said that… He was alive. Before curling together like this.

Alma was wide-eyed looking at the figure and then… She fell down on her knees.

For a moment, it seemed like time had frozen as Alma wide-eyed looked at the figure, then slowly, she reached forward two shaking hands. She touched the hood and then pulled it down.

Seeing a face facing down, squinting his eyes as he hissed.

"Mi… Mijo?" Alma asked.

That made Bruno's eyes widen, and then slowly… slowly he lifted his head. Wide-eyed looking at Alma. Their eyes met.

Then Bruno's eyes watered. "I'm sorry." he whispered. "I'm really… Really sorry mama. I.. I never wanted to hurt you. That's not what I wanted." he swallowed. "I just… I…" he glanced down. "I don't know… I really screwed up on this one." his eyes watered, and he had to wipe his eyes with his sleeve. "Screwed up worse than I ever did before… I am so… So sorry. I'm really-"

He didn't get any further as Alma threw herself forward, she wrapped her arms around Bruno and pulled him into a tight hug as she cried her eyes out. "Mi… Mi…" she cried. "Mi Brunito!"

Bruno's eyes widened as he looked up, then his eyes watered, and he wrapped his arms around Alma returning the hug. "Mama." he choked.

"Oh." Pepa covered her mouth, gasping. Then she sniffed. "Ho… How?" she asked. "Where did he come from?"

"I found him in the fort," Antonio informed and they all blinked. "Hihi." the five-year-old grinned. "I wanted to see if he had written a letter back. And he was in there sleeping!"

"Wait." Camilo blinked. "He was actually in the pillow fort?" he asked

"Yup." Mirabel nodded. "I saw him in there too."

Bruno blushed deeply looking down while Alma still clung to him. "It's a miracle…" she swallowed as she looked up with tears in her eyes. "It's a miracle!" she repeated in a gasp as she reached up her hands, and grabbed Bruno's face. And pulled it down to where she could place a kiss on Bruno's cheek.

Bruno gaped shocked. "Ma… Mama?" he asked, then he shivered. "What's going on? This is really weird." he stammered.

Just as Pepa shouted, fell down on her knees too and hugged Bruno from the side.

"Woah!" Bruno gasped as he was nearly knocked over.

"You're really…. You're actually real! Oh my god!" Pepa gasped as Alma let go, allowing Pepa to grab Bruno's face and turn it to herself, squeezing it between her hands.

Wide-eyed Bruno looked at Pepa.

"It was really you the other night wasn't it?" Pepa asked with tears in her eyes. "You were there, and we talked."

Bruno nodded, unable to speak with Pepa squeezing his face.

"So you were here." Pepa sniffed, then she halted. "You were…. Here." she seemed to realize, then slowly let go. "Right… here?"

"Eeeerhh." Bruno scratched his cheek his eyes going everywhere. "Well erhm… I erh…"

"He was in the walls. Si." Dolores nodded and Bruno cringed. "I heard him every day." she informed and Bruno's eyes widened.

"But I don't understand," Pepa whispered. "You said you're…" she poked his face at a spot that started to get pretty sore.

"Erh… Well… erhm." Bruno swallowed. "I… erh…" he bit his lip. "I erh."

People were wide-eyed looking at Bruno.

"I… I know I was more trouble than I was worth." Bruno gasped. "I… I ruined your wedding. I gave the family a bad reputation I… I… I thought it would be better if I just stopped getting in the way all the time." he grabbed his arm and looked away. His eyes watered. "I never wanted to hurt any of you… I really mean that. And I… I'm… I'm sorry." he squinted his eyes. "I read your letters and… I'm so sorry."

Pepa was gasping, covering her mouth as her eyes were wide looking at Bruno.

"So let me get this straight!" Camilo shouted loudly. "Tio Bruno was never dead to begin with, but he was in the house. This whole time?"

Casita made a few clicks.

Mirabel blinked. "Casita says yes." there were more rumbles and clacking. "Casita did its best to keep him comfortable in the walls.

"So you never even left?!" Isabela asked.

"Well erhm… Those mountains are like… Really tall." Bruno swallowed. "And I honestly don't trust myself to survive two days alone in the jungle and erh… Somebody had to fix the cracks."

"Huh?" People blinked.

"Cracks?" Mirabel asked. "You mean…. Like the ones I saw?"

Bruno looked up at Mirabel, then he swallowed. "Casita is full of them," he admitted. "But…. They are inside the walls where you can't see them. So well..:"

"Patching! You said you spend ten years patching!" Julieta gasped. "You meant cracks? Inside the walls?"

"Erhm…. Yeah." Bruno admitted. "Casita has always looked out for me… So at least I could be useful helping out Casita."

There was stunned silence.

"I… I got so much to process right now." Camilo had to admit and they all nodded.

Julieta looked down, then she looked up. "First things first! Bruno needs to eat!"

"Juli." Bruno turned to her.

"Look at you! You're skin and bones!" Julieta exclaimed. "No wonder people think you're a ghost. You're gray! You need a good meal!"

"I… I ate just a few hours ago…. I'm not really that hungry." Bruno whispered.

"NO EXCUSE!" Julieta shouted. "Luisa, take your Tio! Don't let him slip away."

"Okay." Luisa nodded.

"Wait what?" Bruno looked up but didn't get to react anymore before Luisa just picked him up and placed Bruno over her own shoulder.

"So erh… where should I put him?" Luisa asked Julieta.

"Put him in the fort! He seemed to like it!" Antonio cheered.

"What do you people think I am?! A dog?" Bruno asked.

Julieta didn't reply to him. "Just put him on the couch… Could someone help me clean the floor of the living room? I'm afraid I dropped our breakfast in there. So I have to start over."

"I'll clean it up and keep an eye on Bruno at the same time," Pepa promised. "You just concentrate on breakfast."

"Thank you." Julieta sighed deeply.

"I… think I will keep an eye on Bruno too." Alma nodded.

"Okay, the couch then." Luisa nodded as she walked over with one Bruno Madrigal over his shoulder, who was wide-eyed looking out at the room he was leaving.

"What… What's happening?!" Bruno asked hopelessly. "I don't understand!"

Camilo shrugged. "Neither do we."

Isabela nodded. "Truth."

Mirabel…. Could only agree.

Chapter Text

It was quite a scene in the living room. Bruno had been dumped down on a couch, and he was now laying there with a blanket pulled all the way up to over his nose, as he was wide-eyed looking at the four young people standing at the foot end of the couch.

Wide-eyed looking at him.

With massive huge eyes, Bruno was looking at Mirabel, Isabela, Camilo, and Luisa who just stood in one long line looking back at him, also with big giant eyes.

Nobody even seemed to be blinking… They were just looking at each other… Gaping.

"You're scaring him again!" Antonio suddenly exclaimed as he came walking in holding his stuffed jaguar in his arms.

Everyone turned to Antonio who was puffing up his cheeks as he stood there with his jaguar, Bruno included was wide-eyed looking at Antonio.

And then Antonio walked over to Bruno, tiptoed, and put his stuffed jaguar on Bruno's lap. "Here you go."

Bruno looked down at the toy on his lip and he blinked as the blanket fell a bit away. "Oh… Erhm… Thanks."

Antonio grinned, pulled a cookie out from his pocket, and handed it to Bruno. "Here!"

"Ah." Bruno blinked but accepted the cookie. "Tha-Thank you."

Now Antonio was looking intensely at Bruno.

Bruno stiffened. "Wha… What?" he asked.

"Don't you like cookies?" Antonio asked.

"Huh? Oh." Bruno looked at the cookie in his hand. Then quickly took a bite and chewed. "Ummm. Yum yum. Thank you Antonio." he said and swallowed.

Finally satisfied Antonio grinned, he tiptoed up, stretching his small body as well as he could… and padded Bruno on the head. "It's okay. You're safe here." and he stood back.

"Aaaah…. Right… Thank you." Bruno whispered.

Camilo sighed. "Man! What a letdown!"

That made everyone turn to Camilo.

"Huh?" Mirabel asked.

"I thought we were haunted by the ghost of a cursed prophet!" Camilo exclaimed. "But look at him! He's not scary at all!"

With huge eyes did Bruno look up at Camilo.

"He can't walk through walls, he's not seven feet tall! He looks like a wet mouse. I bet he can't even curse people! This sucks!" Camilo proclaimed as he crossed his arms.

"Camilo!" Pepa exclaimed from the floor where she was cleaning up old soup. "Your Tio has never cursed anybody! He sees the future! Things that would happen regardless of if Bruno had seen it or not! He can't change the future only see it!"

"Are you sure?" Camilo asked his mom.

"Where would you even get such an idea from? Curses?" Pepa asked annoyed.

"Well…. You." Camilo commented and Pepa halted.

"Huh?"

"You kept telling how Tio Bruno ruined your wedding day and made it storm." Camilo pointed out.

Pepa's eyes widened, and she gasped. "That… I…. What I mean is."

At once Camilo looked guilty. "It was not just you. There have been a lot of stories from people in town… Lots… A lot."

"People in town?" Pepa asked. "Who exactly?"

Just then in the distance, they could hear Latin singing coming not too far from them, most likely right on the other side of the fence.

Pepa silenced…. Silenced entirely and she froze. Her lip quivered.

"Mama why don't I do that!" Camilo shouted as he rushed towards his mom and fell down on his knees, grabbed a sponge, and furiously started cleaning the floor.

Slowly… Pepa stood up. The cloud over her was dark… then heavy rain came, falling over Pepa as she wide-eyed looked into the air.

Bruno from his spot was wide-eyed looking at her… The singing sounded from outside and Pepa's face retrieved as the cloud over her head started to make odd sounds, and outside the light dimmed as the clouds seemed to grow heavy.

Then slowly… Pepa turned around. "Excuse me," she stated and walked out.

Not ten seconds after a great shout sounded from the outside. "WHAT DO YOU PEOPLE THINK YOU'RE DOING!" and the thunder erupted making the entire house shake.

Mirabel gasped, then looked back at her Tio. Only to realize that Bruno had covered himself completely up with the blanket, now just a shaking lump on the couch.

"See I told you the fort would be better!" Antonio exclaimed. "He can better hide in there!"

They all looked at Antonio.

"Tonito…." Isabela hesitated. "You do realize that Tio Bruno is not actually an animal…. Right?"

Antonio just blinked up at Isabela.

"I don't know," Mirabel commented. "Antonio's way seems to work better than any of our ways. I mean… He actually got Tio Bruno out of the wall so."

"Are you suggesting we should place a bowl of water next to the fort?" Camilo asked from the floor where he was currently busy cleaning. "That would be hilarious."

"Camilo." Luisa gasped. "That's mean. You can't say stuff like that."

"I agree with Luisa I…" Mirabel began, only to be stopped as a figure bolted from the couch and suddenly Bruno with a blanket covering his head was on the run again. "Hey! WAIT!"

"I got it!" Isabela shouted reaching out her hands and suddenly a vine sprung out and grabbed Bruno's arm, making him fall flat on his face.

And then slowly multiple vines came, wrapping themselves around Bruno and lifting him up, getting him back on the couch where Bruno was wide-eyed looking up. his entire face ash gray, and he didn't look like he was present in his own mind.

Wide-eyed Mirabel looked down at him, she swallowed as she walked over, picked up the blanket from the floor, walked back, and put it over Bruno.

She hesitated a bit, then picked up the stuffed jaguar and placed it under Bruno's arms, and lifted the blanket to under his cheek while Bruno was gasping for breath.

Then Mirabel looked at the others. "Maybe… Maybe Antonio has some good points," she commented.

The others nodded.

Isabela hesitated, then she allowed her vines to wrap themselves around Bruno again. Taking both him, blanket and stuffed Jaguar and then lifted him gently into the fort where he could have a sort of hiding spot. And in there he curled together.

Isabela sighed. "Okay, I take it back Antonio… We have a new pet," she commented.

"A pretty traumatized pet it seems," Mirabel commented in a blink.

Camilo smirked. "So who's gonna take him for walks?"

"Camilo!" Isabela shouted.

"He actually really does need a bath though." Camilo then commented. "Not it." he held up a hand.

Mirabel sighed deeply. "Camilo… The day you die you're going straight to hell. You know that right?"

"Yeah I know," Camilo admitted. "But if I am going there anyway, I might as well just go all out," he commented, returning to the floor and making a good clean, obviously not stopping before this spot would be shiny sparkly clean.

And Mirabel sighed deeply, then hesitated….. Yeah, this situation was really bloody weird.

Chapter Text

Mirabel sighed deeply, with her siblings, Camilo and Antonio. They were seated on the couch previously occupied by Bruno.

Outside the sky was still dark gray and the rain falling down… It had happened only a few times as far as any of them could remember. That Pepa had been unable to really control her gift and so she was stuck outside in the rain.

The floor was now sparkling clean and Camilo was chewing on his lip. "Mami…" he whispered.

Alma was standing at the window looking out, looking slightly worried as well but glanced back. "Felix is with her. I'm sure they'll be alright," she commented just as Julieta stepped in looking pretty hesitant.

"So…. Breakfast is just about ready." Julieta informed. "I just…" she halted, then looked around. "Bruno?" she asked.

At once all the kids pointed at the fort.

Julieta blinked.

"Tonito is in charge. We're just following his lead." Camilo informed and all the others nodded.

"Oh… I see… I think." Julieta hesitated, then slowly she walked over to the fort, then bowed down to have a peek inside. She couldn't help but smile as she stood up, then whispered. "You didn't tell me he was asleep... Awww. Tonito you lend him your jaguar?! That's so sweet. Mama you should come see, this is adorable." 

Alma smiled a little amused. "I know." 

"yeah he fell asleep pretty fast." Mirabel sighed. "He seemed pretty freaked out, then he tried to flee… Then when Isabela caught him and put him back on the couch he seemed paralyzed and wouldn't move. So Isabela put him in the fort so he could relax."

"It's worked!" Antonio grinned. "He has relaxed enough to sleep!"

Wide-eyed Julieta looked at Antonio.

"Oh yeah and Tio Bruno is our new pet," Camilo informed.

Mirabel shrugged. "The things Antonio is doing just work. It made Tio come out of the walls and now they helped him relax… So."

Wide-eyed Julieta looked at them, then she turned questioning to Alma.

Alma looked back at Julieta, and she swallowed harshly. "I…" she whispered. "The last time Bruno was here I… I tried to push him to get better. Tried to get him out of the house. Tried to get him involved in different projects across the town where he could help out… I tried to set him up with women. So he could find someone to support him and help him… but everything I did only pushed him further away. It was like… the harder I tried the worse it got and I…" Alma halted. "I don't know how…. I don't know how to help him. So… If this is what works." she glanced at the fort.

"I… I see." Julieta had to sniff, then dried her eyes with the back of her hand. "If it helps any."

Mirabel looked at Julieta. "Mama," she whispered.

Julieta smiled sweetly at them. "Thank you for being so patient with your Tio," she whispered. "I know… he may seem strange to you. But he… He erhm." she grabbed her apron. "He has always been sort of his own person but erhm… It wasn't always like this."

They all looked at Julieta, questioning.

"He… Was a very energetic and playful little boy." Alma admitted. "He would brighten our day, running around like that and making fun. But then… As time went on."

"He… He just seemed to kind of… Slip away." Julieta whispered. "It's hard to explain and… It erh. It wasn't… Sudden. It was slow… Slow changes here and there, you think it's nothing. Ten years goes by and I could barely even recognize him anymore… And I just couldn't tell how that had even happened. He just seemed… Seemed like he had lost his way."

Alma's head hung down. "And I didn't know how to get him back… I tried. But everything I did made it worse."

"And then he was gone." Julieta looked up with tears in her eyes.

There was stunned quiet in the room as they all looked at Julieta.

"You know what," Julieta said. "Why don't I just put the food out on the counter in the kitchen? Just this once. Only today. You can take for yourself and eat it here. Or where ever you feel like. I'll go give Pepa a plate outside too."

At once all the kids turned to Alma, looking for her approval.

"I suppose today is rather unique," Alma said. "Only today." she held up a hand. "Otherwise we eat at the table. Understood?"

They all nodded.

"Tio Bruno should be allowed to eat when no one else is in the room," Antonio spoke up and they all looked at him. "Tapirs won't eat if they know people are looking. It makes them feel threatened," he informed wisely.

They all blinked.

"Well…" Mirabel looked up. "Do as Antonio says I guess."

"It's not like we have any clue what else to do." Isabela had to admit.

"We have a dog now… Tio is our new dog." Camilo commented. "A dog that was beaten by its former owner."

That made Alma's eyes widen, and Julieta froze as well.

"Huh?" Camilo looked up.

"Beaten?" Mirabel whispered. "Demon… Curse… Beaten…."

Camilo's eyes widened as he realized what he had just said. "Oh shit."

Alma's eyes were misty, she was covering her mouth with her hand as she seemed to be shaking, sniffing… But then. She hissed as she looked up, tears falling from her eyes. "Whoever did this…" she swallowed. "They will never again get help from the Madrigals! Nobody helps out in town until we figured out exactly who! Especially you Luisa, are we clear?"

Luisa nodded wide-eyed.

And honestly, Mirabel could only agree with this one. If their assumption was correct… then there would be someone who absolutely didn't deserve their help. Probably more.

Mirabel nodded determined. The magic had been abused, just like Bruno said… Those days would now be over.

Chapter Text

A sweet smell of sugar and chocolate entered Bruno's nostrils.

His body felt heavy, his mind incredibly fuzzy, and Bruno groaned slightly as he opened his eyes, being faced with pillow and blankets… Back in here? Huh..

Bruno looked out of the opening and blinked, there was a tray there. And on the tray, a whole pitcher of what looked like hot chocolate was placed over a little flame to keep it warm. A cup… a big bowl of whipped cream. And two plates. One with arepas and one with cookies.

Bruno blinked at it, then he looked out into the room and saw just one person…. Julieta sitting on the couch reading a book.

Bruno gasped, which made Julieta look up, and suddenly their eyes met.

For a moment Bruno was frozen, then Julieta smiled kindly at him.

"I made it just the way you like it," Julieta informed. "Two cups of sugar. Heavy milk. And in the best news, you can have as much whipped cream as you want."

Bruno's eyes widened, then he blushed as he looked around himself realizing where he was. "Erhm… I can explain… The kids put me in here." he explained sheepishly, then he looked down and realized there was a jaguar right next to him and Bruno blushed deeply. "Tonito gave me his jaguar. Seemed rude to say no."

Julieta smiled warmly. "Antonio is so cute. He has really taken to you. That's wonderful."

Bruno looked down at the ground, with wide-open eyes. He could feel his face being hot and deep red… Then he noticed the drumming of heavy raindrops on the roof and window. He glanced towards the window and saw the heavy rain and the winds tearing in the trees outside. It made Bruno's heart falter. "Pepa is really mad at me isn't she?"

Julieta blinked. "What makes you say that?"

Bruno gestured at the window.

Julieta exhaled deeply. "No it's not you she's mad at," she assured as she closed her book.

Bruno frowned deeply. "I don't understand." he had to admit.

Julieta smiled amused. "How about just drinking your hot chocolate?" she asked.

Bruno looked at the tray in front of him, then he pushed it aside so Bruno could crawl out of the fort before picking up the tray and standing up, then just stood there. "Eh…"

Julieta smiled, her eyes were misty. "Do you want to sit?" she asked gesturing next to her.

Bruno was standing still for a few seconds, then shuffled over to the spot Julieta had gestured at and sat down, placing the tray in front of him.

Julieta smiled amused as she picked up the pitcher and poured a big healthy cup of hot chocolate for Bruno, then topped it off with a massive scoop of whipped cream.

Bruno just looked emptily at it, before suddenly he jumped. "Oh!" he gasped, grabbing the cup and took a sip. The moment the sweet liquid hit Bruno's tongue he had to stop, and then he groaned as the warm drink trickled down his throat, a buzzing warmth seemed to come from the hot chocolate and spread from his stomach and work itself out to the rest of his body.

If that was Julieta's magic or just what hot chocolate did on a rainy day, Bruno didn't know… He just knew he felt warm from the inside and drowsy again.

"Bruno…" Julieta whispered. "I…"

Bruno glanced up at her and Julieta bit her lip, she seemed to be struggling and it tugged in Bruno's chest.

"No one is mad at you. I just think you should know that." Julieta whispered. "We're so happy you're here. So… It's okay," she assured. "Whatever you need I.." she halted. "I'm just really… Really happy you're not dead." she gasped.

Hopelessly Bruno looked at Julieta. "You people thought I was dead?"

Julieta glanced down. "You vanished," she whispered. "I didn't know what to think… That you had left and were living somewhere out there on your own. But of course, there was always the possibility that… And it was terrifying. Then you were there at Tonito's birthday, and I don't think any of us really could comprehend any of it. But we had hope we could see you so… That's what we focused on I suppose."

"I… I'm really sorry." Bruno whispered. "That's not… I didn't mean… I…"

"Stop." Julieta held up a hand, putting her fingers on Bruno's lips so he couldn't talk, then she removed her hand again. "We're just glad you're here." she informed. "You don't have to apologize. I can't say I understand the things you did. But when you said you never meant to hurt us… I really believe it. So… You have nothing to feel bad about." she assured. "Just… Please don't go away again," she asked, her eyes misty. "I missed my brother so much. I want him here."

Wide-eyed Bruno looked up at Julieta, then he nodded slowly. "I.. Okay," he whispered. "I mean I.."

Julieta sniffed, then leaned over and hugged Bruno who blinked, then hugged her back, a single tear running down his face. Then they sat back and Bruno smiled as he picked up his hot chocolate and finished off his cup.

Then took another one and lots of whipped cream that he drank up, then yawned deeply, his eyes fluttering as he picked up an arepa and started to nibble on it.

Julieta smiled, there was a real warmth coming from her face and body as she looked at Bruno. "Do you need to lie down?" she asked.

Bruno shook his head. Then he halted, he looked towards the window and all the rain then he swallowed. "Do you have an umbrella I can borrow?"

Julieta halted, then smiled warmly. "Si. Of course."

Outside, Pepa was sitting on the bench. Felix was next to her holding up a yellow umbrella covering them both while holding her hand.

Pepa squinted her eyes. "You don't have to stay here Felix. This is just me who can't control my emotions!"

Felix shook his head. "You just discovered that there's a good chance your brother has been beaten in the past. And that made him hide for ten years. If anything I think it's incredible you haven't made a storm that just leveled the entire town. You would be right too." he commented. "Besides." Felix smiled as he looked out at the lawn in front of them. "I love it when you just let it all go. Rain and wind? It's beautiful… Just like you Amor."

Pepa looked at her husband, then saw his sincere eyes and she couldn't help but blush as she glanced away.

"I swear you're only getting cuter each and every day," Felix commented.

"Stop," Pepa asked, but was smiling regardless. Blushing.

"Never!" Felix exclaimed and Pepa shook her head.

That's when Felix halted. "Oh…"

Pepa blinked as she looked up too, and saw a small figure in a green Ruana, holding up a blue umbrella as he looked at them.

Pepa gasped as she covered her mouth.

"Here." Felix gave Pepa the umbrella they shared and she took it without thinking. Then Felix kissed Pepa on the cheek and turned to Bruno. "She's all yours," he assured, and then walked through the rain to get inside… Leaving Bruno who just stood there with his umbrella.

And Pepa who was sitting with her own umbrella. Then… Pepa's eyes watered, she sniffed… And before she knew it. There was a little cloud under her umbrella that rained directly on Pepa soaking her in seconds while she was just stupidly holding up her now useless yellow umbrella.

Bruno blinked as he looked at Pepa now soaked and then.. He closed his own umbrella so Bruno was just standing in the rain too, and in seconds. He was completely soaked too.

Pepa blinked at Bruno, who stood there with his closed umbrella. Then she bit her lip, then she snorted.

A nervous tweak was to be found at the corner of Bruno's mouth, and he seemed to be smiling nervously.

Pepa covered her mouth as she chuckled, still sitting there with the useless umbrella.

Bruno seemed to chuckle too, nervously.

Then Pepa looked up, tears in her eyes. She closed her umbrella too, and stood up.

For a moment the two looked at each other. And then Pepa ran forward, grabbed Bruno, and pulled him into a tight hug while she cried.

Bruno's eyes widened, and then he hugged his sister back. Next thing Bruno knew, his feet weren't even touching the ground as Pepa was lifting him up.

"Woah!" Bruno gasped. "Pepi! I don't remember you being this strong!"

"I have not gotten any stronger you ass. You're just tiny!" Pepa sniffed, then put him down and swallowed. "Bruno I'm sorry… I know you didn't make it rain on my wedding. You don't make the future you only…"

"Actually… It wasn't even a prophecy." Bruno admitted and Pepa's eyes widened. "It's just… You looked super nervous," he whispered. "And… I thought maybe you just needed to let it out. Felix loves you so much, he always did. So I knew he wouldn't mind if you were a little wet and… Just letting it go would make you feel better… Or that's what I thought. I'm sorry… It's not really what I meant at all."

Pepa covered her mouth as the wind swirled around them with the rain.

"Peps." Bruno looked up.

Pepa sniffed, and then she cried again as she grabbed Bruno and hugged him close. "I'm sorry!" she exclaimed. "I'm-sorry-i'm-sorry-i'm-sorry-i'm-sorry."

"Peps! No! That's not what I." Bruno gasped. "It's okay! I'm not… What I mean is… I…"

Pepa though was crying into Bruno's shoulder as the rain slammed around them, then slowly. Bruno wrapped his arms around Pepa and just held her.

"It's okay," Bruno whispered. "I was never mad… it's okay," he whispered.

Pepa opened her mouth, and then she wailed as the rain just fell down in giant streams, loudly clashing loudly against the ground. You couldn't even see more than a meter just because of rain. Bruno though didn't let go of Pepa, just held her close while she cried loudly... For ten maybe fifteen minutes and then. Her loud cry turned into a smaller little sob. 

Inside Casita Mirabel looked out, as she saw the first ray of sunshine crack through the heavy clouds. The winds seemed to slowly die down and finally… It was just a light drizzle outside. Pepa and Bruno slowly let go of each other.

Pepa looked at Bruno, who was obviously soaked to the bone. "Wow… you look horrible," she commented.

"Have you looked in a mirror recently?" Bruno asked his equality-soaked sister, then suddenly he sniffed, and then he sneezed. "Atchu!… Urggh." he looked up looking miserable.

"yeah, you're going to take a warm bath now," Pepa informed Bruno.

"You first," Bruno replied.

"How about we both take a bath? There's more than one bathroom in our house." Pepa pointed out.

"That sounds like a pretty good plan." Bruno had to admit.

Pepa smirked amused, then dried her eyes. "Damn I missed you, you ass."

Bruno smiled amused. "I… Missed you too," he whispered. "A lot… So. Ahem." he cleared his throat. "Warm baths?"

Pepa nodded. "Warm baths." she agreed as she grabbed Bruno's arm and together they headed inside as the last of the drizzle vanished and the sun was allowed to shine through again.

Chapter Text

The rain outside had stopped, but there was a lot of mud and some things had fallen down.

So now Luisa and Isabela were outside to fix up the garden.

Isabela made some flowers and plants grow that could suck up the water so the grass wouldn't drown, and Luisa raised up some benches and fences.

She hadn't noticed Isabela walking away, and Isabela hadn't thought much about it. Nor that the rain had indeed stopped, and that meant people dared to come close to the house again. While Luisa was all alone outside.

That's when Juez and a couple of his men lightened up as opportunity lightened up in their eyes.

"Luisa! Hey!" Juez waved.

Luisa froze, then stood up as she turned to Juez and the other men.

"So,… Hi. We were just wondering." Juez began. "You needed a break, we understand. But it has been days now so…"

It was now Isabela turned her head and saw what was going on, her eyes widened.

"We seriously need your help!" Another guy exclaimed. "It has been days! My roof has been leaking for days! And now with this rainstorm. The least you people can do is help out."

Isabela was taking a running step.

That though was when suddenly, Luisa raised herself up to her fullest high, suddenly it seemed like she was towering over the men who all blinked in surprise, her face seemed to be in shadow, and then she spoke a word. Just that one word and yet the tone seemed to say it all. "No."

Isabela stopped in her tracks, wide-eyed looking at her sister.

The men as well looked shocked, nobody had ever seen Luisa like this before. Before right now, they couldn't even have imagined.

Then Juez frowned annoyed. "Be reasonable."

"Reasonable?" Luisa asked. "I remember when I was small." she swallowed. "My Tio Bruno was the best! He was never too busy to play with me! He would read me stories, and drop whatever he was doing to listen to me when I was upset! Everybody else was always busy... Busy helping people like you. But he took the time. So… Who hurt him?" she asked.

Wide-eyed all the men stepped back.

"Who was it?" Luisa asked. "Why should I ever help someone who might have hurt my Tio? Was it you?" she pointed at Juez. "Or you?" she pointed at another man. "Maybe you?" she pointed at the third one. "Until I know who it was. It's over!" she proclaimed. "I'll help the people I can trust! And that's it!" she spread out her arms.

The men all gaped at Luisa, they were standing back. Actually looking a bit scared.

Then one… was dumb enough to frown and take a step forward.

Luisa though, leaned over as she reached over. Just picked the man up by the front of his shirt and lifted him up in the air.

The man's eyes widened and he gasped.

"Either tell me who hurt my Tio back then… Or leave me alone. Understood?" Luisa asked.

The man nodded quickly as he gasped, clearly beyond frightened, and then finally… slowly. Luisa put the man back down and let go. "Get out of here," she demanded, and the men… They all just ran.

Wide-eyed Isabela looked at it all, then slowly walked up to Luisa, gaping like a fish.

Luisa swallowed, already she was bowing together, tapping her fingers. "Was… Was I too harsh?" she asked nervously.

"No you were awesome," Isabela informed sincerely. "It's the least they deserved…. And you were so cool."

Luisa looked down at Isabela. "Really?" she asked.

"A hundred percent." Isabela nodded. "I hope I can be that cool one day!"

Wide-eyed Luisa looked at Isabela, then blushed deeply as she looked down. But smiled to herself.

"So… need a hand over here?" Isabela asked and Luisa nodded as together they returned to their project and got the garden back in order.

Inside Casita a big crash sounded from inside the living room. It startled Mirabel. Immediately she ran into the living room only to be greeted by quite a sight.

Two people just rolling across the floor while laughing…

As it happened though these were two fully grown adults! Two middle-aged adults. Halfway into Antonio's pillow fort.

Bruno and Pepa, both wearing fuzzy warm bathrobes and with damp curls plastered to their faces as they laughed.

Mirabel gaped at the two, and first then did Mirabel realize there were more people in the room.

Julieta, Alma, and Felix were all sitting around the living room table. Just very casually drinking tea with each other.

"Okay, what is going on right now?" Mirabel asked.

That made the tea drinkers turn to her and they smiled.

"Mirabel! It's so great to see you. Do you want a cup of tea?" Julieta asked.

"I… huh?" Mirabel asked. "I mean sure I guess. But what about that?" she asked gesturing at Bruno and Pepa on the floor.

"Isn't it wonderful?" Alma asked happily. "Oh, I remember when they were all small. They would play like this all the time."

"They are fifty, not five." Mirabel pointed out.

"Ah when I first dated Pepa." Felix sighed deeply. "Those two rolling around on the grass."

"And ruining their clothes." Alma rolled her eyes.

"So many scrapes and bruises." Julieta shook her head, then sighed. "It's a good thing I could heal."

Gaping Mirabel looked at the group of people who apparently viewed the brawl on the floor as completely normal.

Then finally Mirabel shrugged. "So tea? Sure." she nodded and Julieta smiled as she poured a cup for Mirabel while Bruno and Pepa had managed to get into the fort, and now seemingly had settled in there, snickering and giggling like two five-year-olds.

Well…. Mirabel reflected. Chances were that indeed this had been exactly what they had been doing all the time when they were kids and young.

So if it was making these two happy who was Mirabel to judge? And then she just sat down among the others and picked up her tea.

Sure… whatever… Made about as much sense as anything else that had happened today.

Chapter Text

It was quite a scene in the living room of Casa Madrigal. The tumbling between two triplets had stopped. Bruno was back to reality.

Pepa though had been quick to just grab his arm and put him back on the couch… and now Bruno was just sitting there in a way too big soft fluffy bathrobe, swaddling his little skinny body and holding a cup of warm tea in his hands.

On his left. Pepa was sitting, sniffing, and drying her eyes. On his right, Julieta was calmly drinking tea.

Next to Pepa was Felix, and next to Julieta Mirabel… And Bruno was just squashed in the middle of it all.

Suddenly Bruno's previous anxieties had returned, and he blushed deeply as he bowed together, pulled up the hood of the bathroom, and then just sat there as a big, white, wooly, fuzzball. Not helped at all as he pulled his legs up so now there were no legs, arms or face visible. Just the white fuzz of the robe.

"Are…. Are you feeling okay Tio?" Mirabel asked.

There was no reply, the ball was just sitting there.

"Do we need to find Tonito so we can ask him about this?" Mirabel asked sincerely.

"I mean… I guess a hamster would like to crawl into its lair to rest at this point." Felix commented.

"So… Should we put him back into the fort?" Mirabel asked.

A few noises came from inside the wooly ball next to Pepa and Julieta, it was impossible to make out though.

Pepa sighed. "We really need to figure out some clothes for him though. The clothes he was wearing weren't just dirty, it was holed. So I threw it out."

"YOU WHAT?!" Suddenly Bruno's head popped out now looking at Pepa with eyes almost bulging out of his skull.

"Not your Ruana," Pepa promised. "Your Ruana is safe. But those pants were coming undone in the crotch and your shirt had holes under the arms and other places."

Bruno's face was now deep red as he looked at Pepa.

"I could go into Bruno's room and see if I can find some of his clothes." Felix offered. "But… I'm afraid everything is covered in sand so…"

"Don't amor. It's too dangerous." Pepa asked. "We'll get some new clothes for him. Until then…" she chewed her lip. "Camilo is about the same size as you isn't he Bruno? So maybe he could lend you some clothes."

Bruno was looking down at his knees, his eyes still speeled open and his face bright red.

That's when Luisa popped her head into the room. Her eyes widened as she saw Bruno. "Tio!" she gasped, then smiled. "Are you feeling better? You look better than this morning."

"I… erhm… Yes… Thank you." Bruno stammered.

"That's good." Luisa smiled kindly. "Erhm… There's a new door in the dining room. I don't know what it's for."

That made everyone look up.

"What?"

"It just… It sort of appeared." Luisa informed. "It's next to the family tree."

That made Bruno's eyes widen and he stood up. "NOOOOO!" he yelled and rushed towards the dining room.

That made everybody else look at each other, and then they all stood up to follow, all the way to the dining room where true enough.

A green door had appeared, right next to their family tree and Bruno was all over it. "Casita! Casita quick. Get it away!" he waved his hands. "Don't let them see!"

"Bruno?" Julieta asked.

"ARGH!" Bruno turned around, then leaned up against the door with his palms against the wood behind him. "Fa… Familia. Hi? Wha-wha-What are you doing here?"

They all blinked at him.

"So…. Where does that go?" Mirabel asked.

"What? Where does what go?" Bruno asked.

"The door Bruno," Pepa commented.

"Huh? Oh this?" Bruno pointed behind himself. "Nowhere! Absolutely nowhere!"

Mirabel looked down. "There's a B on the door handle." she pointed out, then looked up. "Do you have a room back there?"

"What? No… nooooo." Bruno shook his head. "It's nothing. Just boring stuff," he assured.

Of course, nobody was convinced.

"Tio… How can something both be nothing and boring stuff?" Mirabel asked.

Pepa sighed, then she stepped forward, and gently pushed Bruno aside.

Bruno whimpered, then looked up at Pepa, biting his lip.

Pepa gave him an assuring smile. "Don't worry about it, Bruno. Whatever this is, we'll figure it out together," she assured as she grabbed the doorknob, twisted, and finally opened it up to reveal a room.

A little room that looked like a fully furnished living space.

There was a pink old worn-out chair, standing in front of what looked like a homemade little stage. There were shelves, filled with items such as books, tools, eating utensils, tooth brushes, a hammock that was folded up, and more. It was quite the clutter.

There were small paintings on the walls, of animals and landscapes, a clothesline with clean clothes hanging from it, as well as a zinc tub standing under the clothesline.

There was even a dining table with a single chair standing up against the wall and Bruno looked down.

"yeah… Erh… so…" Bruno swallowed.

They all looked at him.

Alma, Julieta's, and Pepa's eyes all watered.

Then Julieta inhaled deeply. "It's not as bad as I would have feared." she then commented lightly. "You really kept things clean."

"Oh Si! Wednesday is cleaning day!" Bruno stated. "Monday is washing day! Friday is sweeping day! Must keep clean!"

That's when Pepa's eyes widened. "RAT!" she suddenly shouted and all gasped, then they all noticed, there wasn't just one. There were many. "RAAAAT!" Pepa shouted as she ran, grabbing for the broom.

"Woah-woah-woah! WAIT!" Bruno grabbed Pepa's arm and pulled her back. "Just wait, they are not." he began, when a rat crawled all the way up Bruno's back, over his arm and landed in his hand. "They are mine," he admitted. "This is Lucia!" he held up the rat and they all wide-eyed looked at it. "And here's Arcadio, Rebecca! Jose." he introduced rat upon a rat. "Sofia, Aureliano, Petra, Gaston."

Soon enough Bruno had his arms full of rats that all seemed at ease with him.

"They are my friends," Bruno informed. "And… I taught them not to go into the house. They are very good rats! Very well behaved!"

Wide-eyed they all looked at Bruno. Bruno looked back at them, shaking all over his body.

"So…. This is your home huh?" Mirabel asked, then shrugged. "Is there any reason to change that?" she asked. "I mean sure. It could use some tidying up. But we can handle that right?"

They all looked at Mirabel.

"Is there any reason Tio Bruno can't keep living in here if that's what he wants?" Mirabel asked. "Isn't this better than camping in the living room? And if his old room is covered in sand and too dangerous to go into. This seems pretty good." she commented. And they all looked at each other.

Then had to admit… There was a point.

"But we need to tidy up!" Alma proclaimed. "You have done very well keeping it decently clean Brunito. But I am seeing old toothbrushes!" she pulled up her sleeves. "Let's get started!"

"Huh?" Bruno blinked.

The rest though just nodded in agreement and before Bruno knew it…. There was a home invasion going on.

Chapter Text

Another family activity had begun, and the entire family was collected, all helping out…

The Casa Madrigal dining room was now filled with items, all kinds of items.

Books, pieces of paper, chipped cups, pieces of clothes… All of Bruno's stuff made its way outside while the strong smell of soap was heavy in the air.

Bruno had at least been given his Ruana back and was now sitting in the corner, facing the corner of the dining room. Trying to comprehend the utter betrayal he had been subjected to in less than 24 hours.

Casita… Had not woken him up before the family had awoken this morning. Casita had not allowed him to go back through the portrait hole.

And now Casita had made a new door so his entire family could ransack his home.

The betrayal was real…. And Bruno knew. He could never trust this house again.

"There there." Antonio patted Bruno on the head.

Bruno sighed deeply as he looked down at the stuffed jaguar Antonio had gotten from the living room and now placed at his feet. What had Bruno become? Seriously?

Alma was at the dining table looking at all the different items, on her right there was a big box, and on her left a tub of soap water.

Alma picked up a cup and turned it around, seeing how it was cracked almost all the way through. Then threw it into the box where it shattered. Then she picked up a fork, looked it over, and nodded in satisfaction before more gently putting it into the soap water.

It was not lost on Bruno now… That there were definitely more items in the trash box than there were in the cleanup tub.

But also there was a piece of paper in front of Alma where she was writing a list.

Pants

Shirts

Socks

sandals

Blanket

toothbrush

hairbrush

......

And so the list went on. Items Alma thought she ought to buy or find for Bruno. And it made Bruno's heart fall down his stomach… He really didn't deserve this… Didn't deserve it at all.

That was when Bruno suddenly realized, it had become quiet inside of his room… And it had been really nosy before… What?

Alma too looked up, blinking and Bruno swallowed…. Did he need to explain himself?

Bruno was shaking, But slowly, he stood up… And dared to walk to the door and looked inside… Only to see his family gathered around his table looking at it and Bruno's heart sank…

Oh no…. The plate…. The poor imitation of his plate…

Suddenly his family seemed to notice he was there, and they all turned to him, there were tears in every eye.

"Erh… I erhm." Bruno swallowed. "I just… I…."

"You always sat down at the table when we sat down at ours," Dolores whispered. "And said prayers with all of us."

"He did?" Mirabel asked Dolores.

"yeah." Dolores nodded. "I heard him every day… Saying his prayer. Asking god to bless his family."

Julieta was covering her mouth with her hands as she shook.

Bruno lowered his head. "I… I never actually wanted to leave," he whispered. "And I guess I… I guess I was lonely. I erh." he sniffed, and had to dry away a tear. "I'm sorry I…."

"Bruno." Pepa's voice broke.

"It really meant a lot to me when you added my plate." Bruno had to admit as he looked up. "I couldn't believe it. I thought it had to be some kind of dream." he sniffed, his eyes now completely wet. "And the food…. And it was so good. So…. Thank you. I mean… I…."

Pepa couldn't help it anymore, she stormed forward and picked up Bruno in a hug so he wasn't touching the ground. Quickly joined by Julieta who was less than a second before.

Then came Isabela… And then Camilo and Mirabel. Before Luisa just wrapped her large arms around all of them and lifted everybody up into the air.

"Gu-Guys." Bruno gasped.

Alma had slowly walked in, so she could look down at the table and the painted plate, her fingers brushed against it. "Oh Brunito," she whispered.

"Never." Julieta gasped. "Never again will your plate not be out for you! It's not happening."

Bruno squinted his eyes, then he nodded as she sniffed. And the entire family was just one crying mess as they bawled and hugged.

And then the house itself joined in too, scrambling them around in the best way a house could give a hug.

Okay fine….. fine! Bruno was not mad at Casita anymore…. Mostly.

Chapter Text

Since the dining room table inside the dining room was now completely filled up with stuff.

Alma was setting up the table on the patio, usually reserved for breakfast if the weather allowed it. Thankfully though, the sun was now shining and the weather was nice and warm. Though kind of humid due to the rain from earlier in the day.

They would manage, after all, this dinner…. It wasn't just any dinner.

Alma's eyes watered as she looked at the plate in her hands, such a simple thing that Casita had provided for them, a plate for each family member with their name put upon it.

Alma remembered when she had first found these plates, her babies had been three. And they had all been so happy and delighted when she told them those were their names.

Soon after they had all learned how to write their own names too, copying from the plates.

They had been so cute back then… And little Brunito.

Alma had to blink away tears as her thumb touched his name on the plate in her hand… And then she remembered the fake one. Just a painting in Bruno's little room and it made her heart sink.

So…. Every time… Every meal they had. Bruno had been sitting down too… Said a prayer too.

And if he didn't have any food then what? Had he just been sitting there waiting for them to finish with their big meals?

Alma held the plate towards her chest as she closed her eyes, then finally cleared her throat as she looked up again and put down the plate… Not at the end of the table. But to the right of her own so they could sit together and Alma smiled.

Then Alma turned around, she was wiping away a tear with her hand as she stepped through the door into the living room only to halt.

Because in there… On the couch… Was one Bruno Madrigal out for the count.

All curled up under his oversized ruana he loved so much, and sleeping deeply.

Alma could feel herself shaking again, then she grabbed a blanket from the fort still on the floor and moved over to put the blanket over Bruno.

However, as Alma pulled the blanket up over Bruno's shoulders she halted as she saw his face.

…. He looked so small. And so very worn down.

Bruno had always been smaller than his siblings… And smaller than all the children his own age. The way he had carried himself in later years had not helped him in the least and he ended up looking tiny.

Suddenly Alma felt weak. Like she was going to fall over any second, and she sat down in the nearest chair. Then looked at Bruno again, his thin sunken in face, the dark purple bags under his eyes, his skin had a weird grayish tone that did not at all seem natural, strains of pepper mixed with his otherwise richly black hair.

It was always difficult for Alma to comprehend that her children were now old enough to be grandparents themselves.

Comprehend that her babies were now twice the age Pedro had been the day his life had been taken from him.

Even now, as Alma could clearly see the stubble on Bruno's cheek and how there were gray hairs among the stubble… She could see the wrinkles around his eyes, the bags under his eyes. And yet all she could really see. Was that small boy that just brightened up by the mere sight of her.

That boy that would reach up his tiny hands while gasping. "Mama!"

Alma had to blink away tears again… He looked so ill too… he always looked ill. When he was young. When he had become a doting uncle. And especially now.

Alma swallowed as she remembered, how he had started to stay close to the walls and crawl around in the shadow. It had seemed so odd and it had made people uneasy. So Alma had instructed Bruno to straighten up, to walk in the sunshine, to be proud… But it had the opposite effect.

And then Camilo had just said it… A dog that had been abused by its former owner. And the way all the townspeople had been acting?

Holding ceremonies outside of the house trying to exorcise the demon?

It made a cold fury grow in Alma's chest. How dared they? How did they dare!

Her Brunito had always been shy and kind, always ready to help whenever needed, and always considered everyone's wellbeing before his own. He was a saint!

So those people…. Alma's hands tightened… The lord didn't allow murder. But she was tempted.

That was when Pepa came in. "Mama," she whispered.

"Yes dear." Alma looked up.

"I think you should see this," Pepa whispered and Alma nodded as she stood up and followed Pepa into the dining room, then into Bruno's little room behind the family tree where the floors and furniture were now sparkling clean and smelling of soap.

From there though, Pepa headed to a different door that was at the right wall of the room, this door though was clearly a makeshift home made door, made from old boards awkwardly put together with rope and nails.

Willingly did Alma follow Pepa through the little door and was led to a small hallway, this one though looked old, dusty, and like it was utterly falling apart.

Alma's eyes widened. "This is…"

"The inside of the walls," Pepa whispered. "We got no idea for how long it goes… The magic rooms are massive inside but only take up little space outside so we can't count on what it looks like just by looking at the outside. I mean… My room is a giant field, it shouldn't be possible to actually fit in the house."

Alma nodded as she followed Pepa, they didn't have to move long though before they took a turn and ran into Felix, Camilo, and Dolores just wide-eyed looking at the wall.

Alma glanced too and then blinked.

It looked like a giant spiderweb, just going across the entire wall, the ceiling.. Even the floor Alma realized as she looked down at her feet. A spiderweb of spackle holding the whole thing together.

"It just keeps going," Camilo informed. "I tried walking a bit that way, and it just goes on and on and on." he pointed. "And honestly, if I kept running I was kind of afraid I would get lost."

Felix nodded. "It looks like it might be like a big labyrinth in here. I don't think it's a good idea to go explore on our own."

"I think it's safe to say." Isabela swallowed nervously. "If Tio Bruno hadn't been back here patching it all up." she turned to Alma, now looking at Alma with wide shocked eyes. "The whole thing would have collapsed all around us a very long time ago."

There was a stunned silence all around them.

"He…" Pepa gasped. "He was keeping us safe… he was keeping all of us safe. And he didn't even say a word about it."

Alma gasped, holding her hands over her chest. Then she glanced down. "Mijo…" she whispered.

Chapter Text

"Come on, come on!" Antonio giggled as he was holding Bruno's hand, dragging his uncle with him across the room.

Bruno was yawning deeply, his big hair was standing in all directions and his eye bags looked extra heavy as he bleary-eyed looked up.

"How much can one person sleep anyway?" Camilo asked.

"I don't know," Bruno admitted. "It feels like I have slept way too much, but also not nearly enough… It's just so much happened. I just…"

"You clocked out. Got it." Camilo smirked as they finally stepped out on the patio.

Only for Bruno to halt, suddenly he was all awake.

The entire family was there, standing around a setup dinner table, standing behind each their chair just smiling.

Bruno's eyes widened as he looked at them all. "What?"

"Come sit down!" Mirabel grinned happily as she pulled out a chair, the one to the right of Alma.

Bruno was stunned into quiet, his entire body just froze as he stood there like an idiot.

"It's dinner time duh!" Camilo exclaimed. "And we're not even allowed to sit down before you're here!"

Wide-eyed Bruno looked at Camilo, clearly not comprehending a single thing. Then like a dumbass Bruno pointed at himself in question.

"Yes! You!" Camilo exclaimed. "It's your name on the plate and everything! So sit your ass down!"

Again Bruno just stood there, then his lip started to quiver, and he sniffed.

"Oh no please don't," Camilo asked. "If you cry I'm going to cry. And I don't want to be a crybaby."

Pepa meanwhile was sniveling and then blowing her nose.

"Mami." Camilo gasped.

"No, I'm not crying." Pepa sniffed in a broken voice. "I'm not crying at all. You're Crying… Okay I'm crying!" and she cried into her handkerchief while the cloud over her head rained down on her.

Felix smiled amused as he whipped out the umbrella next to his own chair and held it over Pepa.

Luisa blew her nose, and the entire table just shook as it sounded like an elephant blowing its trunk.

"I think Tio should sit down now," Antonio commented as he marched Bruno over to his seat next to Alma.

And on Bruno's left was Julieta, while right in front of him was Pepa crying her eyes out with Felix shielding her from her own cloud.

Bruno blinked at his sister, then slowly… Slowly sat down on his chair and only then did the other sit down too.

Felix was the last one as he tied the umbrella to the back of Pepa's chair so it was held up by itself and kept her safe.

Then Bruno looked down in front of himself only to gasp as he was seeing his own plate, with his name on it and everything. And Bruno's eyes watered again as his throat tied itself together, then she sniffed.

"It's okay." Julieta smiled as she reached over and picked an Arepa from the bread basket. And then placed it on Bruno's plate. "Just eat," she whispered. Then she picked up the spoon in the rice bowl and piled up a hill of rice on Bruno's plate. And then a piece of chicken… and then another piece of chicken. And then gravy. And then guacamole and cream. And then she poured up a glass of wine for Bruno… Not a tiny one, it was almost topped off.

And so as Julieta worked on Bruno's new food mountain, Bruno was just blinking as he looked at all the things being piled on and then finally topped with a decorative piece of parsnip.

Bruno turned to Julieta, his eyes big, his mouth opened. And then finally he spoke. "I don't think I can eat all that." he blurted the honest to god truth.

"Just eat what you can," Julieta asked.

"And try to leave room for the Leche cake!" Pepa gasped. "I did my best making it! I know I am not Julieta, but I know you love Leche cake!"

"What? There's dessert too!?" Bruno asked. "I… That… I mean… I…"

"Well, it's a special celebration." Julieta smiled warmly.

Bruno swallowed, then nodded slowly… That was when he heard sounds from the other side of the garden fence and he blinked. "What's that?" he asked, then squinted his eyes. "That sounds like…. Singing?"

"Oh just ignore that." Pepa rolled her eyes. "That has been going on for days now."

"huh?" Bruno asked as the usual line of people led by Padre Hernandez came walking while echoing their latin phrases. Bruno tilted his head. "Are they blessing the house? That… That's nice of them I guess."

Mirabel snorted, then looked down.

"No don't tell me." Bruno gasped. "There's a bad spirit on the loose? Mama! We gotta hang up some sage. And put some salt on the doorsteps so it can't enter dreams. Especially to the kid's room! And the Padre should bless our house crucifix! Did you remember to place the brooms right? Handle down, the broom head up."

Camilo just lost it, he screamed from laughter as he held his stomach and laughed.

It was hard for the others to stop themselves too as they giggled, and then laughed.

"Huh?" Bruno looked around. "What's going on? I don't… I…"

"Bru-Bruno." Julieta gasped with tears running from her eyes. "The spirit… It…"

"IT'S RIGHT THERE!" a voice suddenly sounded from the other side of the fence and Bruno looked up, only to realize the entire group was wide-eyed looking at him, their faces now drained from blood.

Bruno blinked at the group on the other side of the fence, then he swallowed… and slowly… Slowly he raised a hand. To shyly give them a greeting.

The Padre suddenly held up his golden cross. "Begone demon!"

Bruno blinked, then looked behind himself and then back at the Padre. "Que?" he asked.

There was silence, just utter silence. The Padre was holding up the cross in a stretched arm. Bruno was blinking deeply confused and the wind just blew over them.

And then Camilo screamed from laughter, he hammered his fist into the table and he cried. "I can't… I just can't."

the others smirked as well. Isabela laughed into her hands, Pepa was biting her lip which ended up in her snorting through her nose instead. Felix was covering his face with his hands, but he was laughing.

Alma clearly put up a brave fight, but it was kind of a lost cause.

Wide-eyed Bruno looked around, then smiled nervously. "Hehehe." he tried awkwardly.

The group on the other fence though were backing away, clearly freaked out and Bruno looked up towards them. "Erhm…" he began.

And then… they all ran. The people on the other side of the fence just… Ran away.

Bruno gaped. "What? … I… What just happened?" he asked confused. Then Bruno squinted his eyes. "I feel like I am missing something.... Important." 

Luisa blushed deeply. "Well, you did tell them you would curse them if they didn't leave me alone."

And Bruno gasped as the coin seemed to drop. "Oh." he blinked, then his eyes widened. "Oh nooooo."

"This is the best thing that ever happened to me." Camilo laughed.

Bruno however looked utterly guilt-ridden. "They… They're really that scared of me?"

Pepa shook her head. "They deserve it. Don't feel bad Hermanito."

"But." Bruno began.

"Listen to Pepa. They could just mind their own business." Alma huffed. "Now, we can say our prayer. And then we'll eat."

"Oh… Okay." Bruno whispered, and then with the rest of his family he folded his hands, and together they all said their prayer before finally tugging in.

Chapter Text

After so much food, a big piece of cake, glasses of wine, and a glass of rum for the cake.

Bruno was barely even awake. He was stuffed. His mind felt like fuzzy cotton, his body was heavy, and his balance was all out of control. Bruno could barely even stand up by himself and was now supported by Pepa as he groaned.

Camilo was snickering. "Such a scary demon oooooooh." he held up his hands.

Bruno blushed deeply as he looked down. Then mumbled a few incoherent words.

"So tell me." Camilo smirked as he held his hands on his hips. "Did you really make the Padre's hair fall out?"

"Huh? No!" Bruno exclaimed. "I noticed his bald spot… And well his Papa is really bald so… I commented that erhm… He should probably look out for that."

There was stunned silence as they looked at Bruno.

"Wait…" Isabela blinked. "That wasn't a prophecy? But…" she frowned. "What about Senorita Puzmertos fish? She never keeps quiet about it."

Bruno looked at Isabela. "She was dumping a whole bag of fish food in there… As a treat. I told her she needed to put that fish in a different clean bowl immediately or it would die." he looked down. "I should probably have put that better, she was just twelve and wanted to treat her fish."

Camilo was covering his mouth with his hand as he laughed. "Please tell me Osvaldo's gut is a mistake too."

Bruno looked up. "Is he still eating two bags of candy a day?"

Camilo looked up, he held up a hand. "Excuse me." he said, then turned and walked around the corner. And then the sound came. "AAAAAH! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"

Mirabel was biting her lip, trying hard not to laugh. But it was hard, there was a lot of snickering going on.

Eventually, Camilo came back, gasping for breath. "Just to be clear… You can see into the future right? It's not just all… obvious observations."

Bruno swallowed, then he nodded. "But…. My visions are rarely erhm… They are rarely very specific. They can usually be interpreted in many ways…. It erh… It's often like." he gulped. "Drawing pictures in the sand while the wind is still blowing… So it gets all washed out and it's hard to see. And it's only very few things that are actually determined at all."

There was a stunned silence as everyone looked at Bruno, and Bruno blushed as he looked down.

"What about…" Alma hesitated. "That night."

Bruno's head snapped up, his eyes wide.

"You did go to have a prophecy… I asked you to." Alma hesitated. "What did you…"

"NOTHING!" Bruno shouted as he let go of Pepa. "Absolutely nothing! I saw nothing!" he spread out his arms.

There was stunned quiet… It was pretty obvious. Bruno had seen something.

"Bruno," Pepa whispered.

"No no… no no no no." Bruno shook his head as he backed away. "Not a thing… no no…"

"TIO!" Mirabel stepped forward and Bruno halted. "If you don't want to tell…. We won't ask. Isn't that right guys?" she asked the people around her.

There was silence.

"We won't ask!" Mirabel shouted. "So don't ask again! If he feels it's right he'll tell. Right Antonio?"

"Right." Antonio nodded.

Again there was silence and Alma nodded. "Right," she whispered. "I will not ask again…. Forgive me."

Bruno looked up. "Really?" he asked.

"I promise," Alma assured.

The relief… Was Palpable. Bruno just seemed to groan from relief and was almost falling down before Julieta caught him.

And Bruno groaned. "I don't want to give prophecies anymore…" he whispered. "Everybody always takes it the wrong way… Every time."

Mirabel swallowed. "Is that… Is that why you went into the walls?" she asked in a whisper. "So you wouldn't have to make any more prophecies?"

Slowly Bruno lifted his head, he looked at Mirabel, and at that moment he just looked so tired and worn down. "Partially." he finally whispered.

Alma closed her eyes. The air was somber and Pepa swallowed.

"You don't have to make any more prophecies if you don't want to," Pepa assured.

"It's your gift to use. Right?" Luisa asked. "A gift for you and you alone… Like…. Like mine." she whispered.

Bruno glanced up at Luisa, but then he looked away.

Alma looked down. "You said…. The magic… was falling apart. The cracks… Because the magic has been abused. I… I didn't realize. I didn't think."

"It… It has gotten better lately." Bruno informed. "The cracks they erhm… they started going away. Which was really weird honestly."

Mirabel looked around. "We have all been doing better lately too," she commented. "I have felt so much better these days."

"Yeah me too." Luisa nodded.

"I just feel this weight off me." Isabela sighed deeply.

"I do feel better now," Pepa admitted and they all nodded.

Alma's eyes watered. "I hurt you didn't I…. I hurt you all… I didn't mean… I…" she stepped back, and then finally fell down in the chair. "I didn't mean." she whispered. "I was just… I… I was so scared."

"Mama." Bruno looked up and Alma looked down.

"The magic… The magic protects us. Keeps us safe." Alma whispered. "What if it broke? And what if they came back… Those men. And what if they took you from me… I just… I can't." she covered her face with her hands.

Bruno gasped, then slowly he let go of Julieta and walked over to Alma instead, he sat down on his knees in front of Alma, then took her hands.

Alma gasped as she looked up and met Bruno's eyes.

"It's okay," Bruno whispered. "It's okay Mama."

Alma's eyes widened, then she sniffed. "Brunito I… I'm sorry I pushed you away." she swallowed. "I'm sorry I… I just didn't know what to do. I can't stand the thought of losing you. Of losing any of you. And then you were gone… and I was so scared. So I decided not to think about it and just.. Just concentrate on the town. At least that was something that could distract me."

Bruno's eyes watered, then he stood up, and just hugged Alma.

Alma's eyes widened. "Oh." she gasped and then hugged Bruno back.

There wasn't a dry eye in the house, and multiple handkerchiefs were drying eyes as Bruno slowly let go.

Bruno smiled lightly as he stood up again, only to stumble. And Luisa rushed forward grabbing her uncle.

"Sorry." Bruno groaned. "If it's okay by all of you guys. I think I'll just go lie down now."

"Where do you want to lie down?" Julieta asked. "Do you want to borrow a bed? The couch? The fort?" she asked.

"I just… I just want to go to my room." Bruno admitted. "This day has been a lot… I want my hammock."

Pepa smiled amused. "Sure." she nodded and Luisa smiled as she easily just picked up Bruno in bridal style.

Bruno didn't even bother to object, he looked like he was half asleep anyway.

And though Bruno's room was still lacking most of its smaller items, Pepa could quickly find the hammock and the hooks obviously meant to be used for it so Luisa could now put Bruno down in his hammock and Julieta could pull a blanket over Bruno until finally, everyone said goodnight.

However outside, as people were about to disperse to their own rooms, Alma halted and turned. "Mirabel," she called out.

Mirabel froze and then turned to face her Abuela, everyone else was doing their own thing. It was only the two of them.

"Mirabel I…" Alma whispered. "I have been hard on you," she whispered. "I blamed you for things you didn't do. The magic failing…. Bruno went away. I didn't know why."

"So you thought it was me?" Mirabel asked. "I touched my door and it vanished. Then Tio Bruno vanished too… I see."

Alma swallowed. "I was unfair… And I was harsh. You only ever tried to help. And you have helped. So much… I am so sorry. Mirabel."

Mirabel looked at her Abuela. Then she smiled. "It's okay," she said. "I get it now. You just wanted to protect everyone. And you really missed him, didn't you?"

Alma nodded. "I did."

Mirabel smiled, then she stepped forward and hugged her Abuela making alma blink surprised, then Mirabel stepped back. Grinning at Alma.

"Mirabel you…" Alma gasped. "You're… Quite something."

"Well. I was taught by a great family." Mirabel grinned. "A family that was protected by you."

Alma's eyes widened.

"Goodnight Abuela!" Mirabel beamed. "See you tomorrow!" and she dashed off leaving an Alma who was just stunned for words.

Alma's family were… Incredible people. Each and every one of them. What had Alma ever done to deserve it?

Chapter Text

This morning, Julieta woke up feeling light as a feather. Like always she woke up next to her beloved husband.

Agustin who would always look so neat in their daily life, but in the morning before he tidied himself up, he was kind of a mess.

Stubbles on his chin, his mustache all bushy, his hair standing out in all directions. He was laying on his back with his arms spread out and snoring loudly while saliva was to be found in the corner of his mouth.

He was such a handsome man and Julieta was so lucky. And so she leaned over kissing Agustin on the cheek, feeling the harshness of his stubble on her lips and she chuckled to herself.

After that Julieta headed to the bathroom, after quickly washing her face, putting up her hair, and putting on her dress she headed out of her room and down towards the kitchen.

There was always such a quiet calmness in the house here in the early morning. Julieta did enjoy this time quite a lot.

Just a time to be by herself and enjoy the warm morning sun that would shine through the window of the kitchen.

Though before heading to the kitchen, Julieta smiled to herself as she headed to the dining room. Her heart almost leaped inside of her chest as she saw it. The new green door! It was still there! It wasn't just a dream.

And Julieta rushed over, as she stood in front of the door she hesitated a little bit, then finally knocked on the door. She waited five seconds and then finally opened the door to be faced with that same hammock hanging in the room, and its occupant groaning. By the sight of him Julieta's heart made a summersault, she gasped for breath. And then she smiled happily. "Bruno."

"Urgh." Bruno groaned as he turned to Julieta, then drowsily opened his eyes. "Juli…"

Julieta smiled warmly as she stepped inside. "Good morning."

Bruno blinked as he looked up at her. "Erhm… Morning."

Julieta's smile just widened. "Is there something you want for breakfast?"

Bruno groaned. "Honestly. I am still stuffed after last night's meal," he admitted

"Oh… I see. Something light then." Julieta nodded and Bruno groaned again. "Are you alright?" Julieta had to ask.

"Sorry I just… I have not been drinking for ten years. And now I've been drinking wine and rum two nights in a row. I'm not feeling too good." Bruno had to admit.

"Ah, I see. I'm so sorry we should have thought of that." Julieta gasped. "Why don't I make you some coffee then? That should help."

Bruno nodded.

"And if you would do me a favor and take your coffee with heavy cream for the time being. I need you to gain some weight." Julieta informed.

Bruno blinked, then nodded slowly. "Su-Sure… whatever you say."

Julieta smiled. "Thank you Hermanito." then she leaned over and kissed Bruno on the cheek, and felt his stubble too, pricking her lips,  and she chuckled as she stood up. "You do have shaving gear right?"

Bruno nodded. "Yeah."

"That's good." Julieta smiled, she couldn't help herself but run her hand through Bruno's curls just one time and finally left to start breakfast in the kitchen.

The first thing Julieta did was put over the water for coffee, she always had to make two pots of coffee for the breakfast.

Then she started to mix the dough for arepas, while in her head Julieta was planning on making some fruit bowls and some avocado plates. Something light and easy to eat.

Soon enough the arepas were on the stove, and the smell of bread and coffee was in the air… Just as it knocked on the door.

Julieta looked up… already? So early in the day?

Julieta closed her eyes. She wondered what it would be this time? Someone asking for Luia's help or someone saying Pepa should come out.

But also maybe… Someone could be hurt and needed healing. And Julieta could not say no to that, so she grabbed an arepa from the stove and headed to the front door, opening up.

Only to be faced with one Mariano Guzman with his arm just filled with flowers.

Julieta blinked. "Ma… Mariano!" she gasped. "What a surprise. What?"

Mariano looked at Julieta. "I just… I wanted to make sure that everyone is doing okay here," he admitted. "People have been speaking about ghosts and demons and that they have seen things. I also wanted to apologize for postponing the proposal for so long. I hope everything is okay."

Julieta smiled amused. "Things are just fine," she assured.

"That's good." Mariano nodded though he still seemed hesitant. "Oh, these are for you." He then said giving Julieta just one of the bouquets he was holding. "I hope you're well."

"Oh!" Julieta gasped. "Oh how kind of you." she accepted holding it. Then looked up. "From your Mama's garden?"

Mariano nodded. "They are from Abuela too. She arranged the bouquets last night. She's also sorry she hasn't come around. She's just… Well… She's scared." he admitted. "And she's scared for you guys."

Julieta chuckled. "Believe me she has nothing to worry about," she assured.

"Really?" Mariano asked.

Julieta nodded, just as Bruno came in, clearly aiming for the kitchen and the coffee, looking utterly bedridden and more dead than alive. 

Mariano looked up and then he froze.

"Huh?" Bruno looked up, then he blinked. "Oh, Mariano. Hi Kid." he lifted his hand in greeting, then groaned as he ran that hand through his hair. "I need coffee." he groaned.

Slowly Mariano lifted a hand too, then wide-eyed just stood there.

Julieta smiled at Mariano. "You remember Bruno right?" she asked. "When your Abuela took you over here. He would sometimes look after you while he looked after Isabela and Dolores too."

"I…. yeah. I remember." Mariano nodded slowly.

"Do you want to join us for breakfast?" Julieta asked.

"Huh?" Mariano looked at Julieta. "I mean… I… That's very nice of you. Of course. I just.. What I mean is."

"That's wonderful. Come inside." Julieta ushered Mariano inside. "Just make yourself at home. I'm going to put these in water," she said and headed towards the kitchen just leaving Bruno and Mariano there, alone.

Mariano was wide-eyed looking at Bruno, holding the flowers in his arms.

And Bruno groggily looked up at Mariano.

"So… Erhm." Mariano hesitated. "Senor Madrigal… You look." he hesitated. "Good."

Bruno lifted an eyebrow. "No I don't." he flat out stated, then yawned deeply and scratched his neck. "I know I look like heck. That's okay, you don't have to lie."

"Oh… Okay." Mariano nodded. "So what's it like?"

"huh?" Bruno looked up.

"You know." Mariano tried. "Being… not alive but still around. Must be interesting."

For a moment Bruno looked at Mariano, then he bit his lip and snorted.

"What?" Mariano asked Bruno walked over, then put his hand on Mariano's arm.

"Look! Not dead. All corporal." Bruno commented.

Mariano gaped. "But… Tonito's birthday!" he gasped. "You appeared and vanished!" he exclaimed. "out of nowhere. You…"

"I was on the roof all along. All I did was stand up, and then bow down again." Bruno commented.

"Then… What were you doing on the roof?!" Mariano asked.

Bruno held up a hand, then he halted and he slowly took it down. "Erhm… That's a long story," he whispered, then looked at the flowers in Mariano's arms. "So… I am guessing one of those bouquets is for Isabela huh?"

Mariano nodded. "Of course."

Bruno looked up at Mariano, then sighed deeply. "I can't believe I am the one who has to tell you but… Yeah, that wedding is off."

"What?" Mariano asked. "But…"

"Isabela…" Bruno hesitated. "She doesn't want to marry right now. And she doesn't want to have any children. At least not right now. But also maybe never."

"Oh." Mariano faltered. "I see… That's… She didn't tell me."

"Yeah, she probably should have told you that," Bruno admitted. "Though… If I may offer a suggestion."

Mariano looked up. "Si?"

"That bouquet you brought for Isabela…" Bruno hesitated then looked up. "Give it to Dolores."

"Dolores?" Mariano blinked.

"It would make her very happy if you would give her those flowers," Bruno informed.

"It would?" Mariano asked.

"Oh believe me it would." Bruno nodded.

"Oh… Okay." Mariano nodded.

Shortly after that Bruno and Mariano sat down on the patio with coffee served by Julieta.

Soon enough the rest of the family came down too and Mariano stood up as he faced the family.

"Ah. Senora Madrigal." Mariano dressed Alma. "These are for you." he offered her a bouquet. "My Abuela hopes you're doing well. She's been very worried about you."

"Oh how thoughtful." Alma smiled. "I should go visit so she can know I am okay." she nodded. "Perhaps I will come by in the afternoon."

Mariano smiled as he held just one last bouquet of flowers, he glanced over at the other people around there. Isabela was averting her eyes, looking kind of ashamed. And Dolores was looking down at the floor, her fingers twisting around her skirt.

Then finally Mariano seemed like he had made a decision, he walked over to Dolores and offered her the flowers. "Here."

"Huh?" Dolores looked up, her large eyes wide in shock and surprise.

"A beautiful woman deserves beautiful flowers." Mariano smiled kindly.

Dolores looked up, her mouth dropped open as she gaped. And then she yelled. "Aaaaahhhhhh!"

"Huh? What?" Mariano blinked.

"I love them!" Dolores shouted as she just grabbed the bouquet and held it close. "Thank-you-thank-you-thank-you!"

"Oh… you're welcome," Mariano replied.

Dolores giggled into her bouquet. "Are you staying for breakfast? Do you want to sit next to me?"

"Sure….?" Mariano commented a bit unsure.

"Ooooh. Can I hear one of your poems?" Dolores asked.

"Wait, you want to hear my poems?!" Mariano asked completely bewildered. "But… Isabela always tells me to stop with the poems."

"I love poems!" Dolores gasped. "I like hearing people reciting poems! The way the words can rhyme and sounds so nice together. And your voice when you recite, it's fantastic! I could listen to it all day!"

Mariano's eyes widened, then he gasped, and then he grinned. "Of course! I would love to!"

Isabela couldn't help it, she made a fist and pulled it down just hissing. "Yes!"

Mirabel smiled amused and Bruno sighed in relief, as Dolores and Mariano left together Isabela just rushed over and hugged Bruno.

"Thank you! Thank you so much!" Isabela just cried holding up Bruno.

"That… that's okay." Bruno gasped. "I didn't really do anything… I just…"

"JUST A SECOND MARIANO!" Dolores suddenly shouted and then rushed back out and joined Isabela in the hug, hugging Bruno tight. "I love you Tio Bruno!" she cried, kissed Bruno on the cheek, and rushed back inside to meet with Mariano.

"Dolores." Pepa gasped. "She… I had no idea she liked him that way!"

Bruno blushed as he was put back down by Isabela. "He's the man of her dreams," he admitted scratching behind his ear. "But she… Well… She knew he was going to be engaged to someone else. However… You know. Just because you're engaged to someone doesn't have to mean you will actually marry them so… I guess he was technically engaged to Isabela for a while, just not officially so." he shrugged. "I'm glad it worked out."

Camilo blinked at Bruno.

"Yeah, Cami. That one was an actual prophecy back in the day." Bruno sighed deeply. "But like I said. The prophecies would often be vague anyway so… I'm just glad that Isabela and Dolores are both happy."

Isabela looked at Bruno, then grinned. "I am so… So glad you're back!" she outright cried. "I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!" she grabbed Bruno again.

"Wuargh! Woah!" Bruno gasped for breath. "Is… Isabela. Can't… Breathe." he gasped.

Alma smiled. "How lucky we are that this worked out… Though I do wish that Isabela and Dolores had just told us earlier," she commented.

Isabela blushed as she let go of Bruno and looked down.

Julieta shook her head. "Well from now on. Perhaps we just tell each other these things ei?" she asked, then clasped her hands together. "Now who's ready for breakfast?"

And everyone cheered.

"ME!"

Chapter Text

"So let me get all of this straight." Mariano began as they were all seated around the breakfast table on the Patio. "Senor Bruno was never dead."

All the other people around the table shook their heads.

"Well, that's a relief." Mariano sighed deeply. "Senor Bruno. I'm really happy you're not dead. That's wonderful."

"Erhm… Thanks." Bruno blinked. "Yeah that would kind of suck if I was dead." he had to admit.

"So… You left the Encanto but came back?" Mariano questioned. "For Tonito's birthday?"

"Erhm… Well… something like that." Bruno swallowed. "Kind of…"

"I think it's wonderful you came back. It would be a shame if Tonito was never allowed to hear you tell a story. That was my favorite part about coming here when I was small." Mariano nodded.

Dolores was just one grin as she sat next to Mariano, looking at him with adoring eyes.

Antonio gasped. "The rats did say you tell stories. They don't understand what you say but they believe your stories are good," he informed Bruno. "Can I hear one? Please?"

Bruno smiled amused, then glanced down. "Sure," he whispered.

"Abuela is going to be so relieved too." Mariano sighed deeply. "She hasn't mentioned senor Bruno much since… Well you know. But when she does she always says he was such a kind man. And Alma never deserved to lose both a husband and a son. Especially not two men who were so good."

Alma gasped. "Paula said that?" she asked, then smiled down at her plate. "It is good to know that not everyone in town has it out for Mi Brunito."

"Well, you two have known each other from before the Encanto was created. Right?" Julieta asked.

"Si." Alma smiled amused. "She was at my wedding if you can believe it. We always kind of dreamed that our families could become one somehow."

Dolores's grin only widened and Julieta smiled amused. "So how's the town?" she asked Mariano. "You know… In General?"

"Oh. Well." Mariano hesitated. "People are of course… Still pretty startled."

"That's a nice way to put it." Camilo snorted. "They keep showing up here you know. Walking all around the house while singing." he rolled his eyes.

"That's not most of the townspeople." Mariano had to point out. "Most of us have to work, you know? Those fields are not going to tend to themselves. And neither is the bakery nor the carpenter. Most of us have gone back to work." he shook his head. "And well… I heard some saying that if anything bad happens, it's because we deserved it. So we shouldn't disturb anyone living here." Mariano glanced down. "Those people seem to feel really bad about it all."

"That's awful," Bruno whispered. "I'm not dead!" then he looked up. "I have to go explain."

Camilo looked at Bruno. "Tio… If you're going to just waltz right into town. Please take me with you! I beg of you!"

Pepa rolled her eyes. "Oh just let them stew. They deserve it," she stated as she jammed her fork into a piece of avocado, and then stuffed it into her mouth. Chewing furiously.

"Pepa." Bruno gasped. "That's not right! I have to tell them the truth. They are all scared? That's awful!"

"And what about you?" Pepa asked. "You're always scared! And you always were back then. Perhaps you should at least tell us who hurt you."

Bruno spluttered. "What?! How… How did you know?!" he asked.

There was stunned quiet. Bruno looked around, and then he sunk into his seat.

"We didn't know for sure. Now we do." Pepa commented and Bruno's head turned deep red.

"You were acting like an abused dog Tio. That's how we found out." Camilo commented.

"Antonio noticed you've been acting like an animal. Camilo pointed out it was like an abused animal specifically." Mirabel informed.

Bruno just pulled up his hood and looked down.

Wide-eyed Mariano was looking at him.

"Ahem." Alma cleared her throat. "Perhaps this isn't the time to discuss this. We do have a guest." she pointed out.

"It only happened a few times!" Bruno blurted. "Don't worry about it! Just a slap here and there. It wasn't much. And it wasn't a big deal!"

Alma looked at Bruno, suddenly the air was cold. "We will discuss this further… Later," she informed.

"For now. They can all stew." Pepa nodded.

"Then we can scare the crap out of them later." Camilo grinned.

"Cami seriously?" Isabela asked.

"Who would ever hurt Senor Bruno?" Mariano asked honestly bewildered. "He's a little odd yes. But he has always been so kind to me and Mi Familia." he hesitated a bit. "Though I suppose a lot of people have been saying nasty things. I can't say I ever really understood it." he shook his head. "I don't understand how anyone can just bring bad luck. I spend a lot of afternoons with Senor Bruno when I was a kid and I don't think I have been unlucky. His gift is part of the miracle right? And the miracle protects us. So." he shrugged.

"People think he brings bad luck?" Julieta asked.

"Well… It's what I heard." Mariano spoke quietly. "I only saw it a little when I was small. People telling Senor Bruno to leave so he wouldn't bring them all bad luck."

Dolores nodded. "Si… That's what I heard in town."

Everyone turned to Bruno. Bruno's eyes were firmly on his own lap, while his hand was fumbling across the table until he found the salt shaker, put a bit a salt in his other hand, and threw it over his own shoulder. All the while Bruno had not removed his eyes from his lap.

Isabela blinked. "Tio Bruno has done that my entire life, hasn't he?" she asked.

"And before you were born." Pepa swallowed.

"Bruno… Do you still have a rabbit's foot in your pocket?" Julieta asked.

Bruno sighed deeply. But pulled up a rabbit's foot from his pocket and put it on the table. Then he reached under his ruana and pulled out a cross he was wearing in a necklace around his neck to show it. And finally… a sprig of dried sage he put on the table.

For a moment the family got to look at the items before Bruno put it all back on his person before looking up.

People were looking stunned at him.

"He he." Bruno chuckled nervously. "Trying to ask for good luck never hurts. Right?" he asked. Then he looked down.

"Bruno…. You're not bad luck. You know that right?" Julieta asked.

Bruno sighed deeply. "Part of me does," he admitted. "But all the rest of me…" he sighed deeply. "Feel like we should really hang up more crucifixes and the brooms must be placed right or there's going to be a disaster with me walking freely out here."

"Oh… Mijo." Alma whispered.

Julieta swallowed. "Thank you for telling us Bruno," she said sincerely. "We can make sure that all the brooms are placed right. If it makes you feel better."

"It… Kind of does." Bruno had to admit.

"All right. No problem." Julieta nodded.

For a moment there was silence.

"So Mariano." Agustin cleared his throat. "How are the fields? Isn't it soon time to harvest some grapes? I could really go for some grapes soon."

"Oh absolutely. We harvested some yesterday." Mariano smiled. "I can bring some later if you want."

"You would? That would be fantastic." Agustin smiled happily and finally, the talk could go back to more mundane things giving Bruno a needed break.

Chapter Text

"Bruno you don't have to do a damn thing!" Pepa exclaimed. "Just stay in here! You can tell Antonio a story! Or take a nap. I don't know."

Bruno shook his head. "No. This isn't right," he informed. "It's deceitful and it's not nice to let people be afraid."

"Mami. Just let him go out there." Camilo asked looking kind of excited by the prospect.

… The singing exorcism choir led by Padre Hernandez was back. Now though they had made camp outside their front gate. Sitting on their knees in the grass praying.

"Brunito." Alma sighed deeply. "You truly don't have to do anything."

"The Exodus mama! You shall not bear false witness to your neighbor!" Bruno exclaimed. "The proverbs states, a false witness will not go unpunished, and he who breathes lies will perish!"

Camilo lifted an eyebrow. "So… Tio. What does that book of yours say about grudges?" he asked.

Bruno blinked at Camilo. "Matthew's words. For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your father… So we should forgive."

"Man." Camilo snorted. "If Padre Hernandez didn't have it out for you, you two would get along great. But seriously, I think he should forgive you first. I mean… Aren't you supposed to at least pray for and have compassion for your enemies? Those dudes never prayed for you. Only for their own safety."

"It isn't right!" Bruno exclaimed as he turned to the front door, then he halted, and he swallowed.

"Tio?" Camilo asked.

Bruno turned his head, his eyes suddenly looking very large and pitiful. "Erhm… would…" he whispered. "Maybe if…"

"You want one of us to go with you?" Pepa asked.

Bruno nodded pathetically.

Pepa sighed. "Fine." she walked over and looped her arm around Bruno's. "Let's get this over with then."

Camilo just grinned as he ran along, eager to follow the two just to see what happened, and together they made their way outside… to the front gate. And opened the door to see all the people sitting on their knees with closed eyes while the Padre stood with his back to Bruno, Pepa, and Camilo.

"Yea! Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil! For you are with me!"

At that Bruno opened his mouth, and just followed along with the psalm.

"Your rod and your staff, they comfort me."

"ARGH!" Padre Hernandez jumped in shock, everyone opened their eyes and then gasped as they all looked at Bruno. And then screamed again.

Which made Bruno scream and he pulled up his hood now bowing over.

"Our lord bless this soul!" Padre Hernandez shouted as he just grabbed a pitcher of water and threw it over Bruno. "Blessed holy water purify this lost soul!"

Camilo fell down on the ground, now laughing his ass off.

Bruno spluttered. "Spffff."

And then he just stood there with his hood up, dripping water. The Padre and all the people gasped as they looked at Bruno.

"So…. Erhm." Bruno swallowed. "Look." he tried. "This is all really nice of you guys and stuff, but…. We erh. There's been a misunderstanding." he tried. "You see… I erhm… I'm not actually."

"WHY WON'T YOU JUST LEAVE!" a woman screamed as she stood up. "You always brought everyone here bad luck! My Papa broke is leg because of you!"

Pepa's eyes widened.

"Senora Cruise." Bruno gasped just as the woman grabbed an apple next to her as she stood up, raised her arm, and was just about to throw it when suddenly. Her arm was grabbed. By Pepa who had stepped forward and stopped the woman.

"So… You're one of the people." Pepa sneered. "Something tells me that's not the first thing you ever threw at him."

The woman gasped.

"Pepi please! This is not what." Bruno tried.

"Stay out of this Bruno," Pepa demanded.

"Mami!" Camilo gasped, he was no longer laughing but standing up.

Senora Cruise now narrowed her eyes, her arm still held firmly by Pepa. "I should have known… you're all demons," she commented. "You should all be exorcised."

That made Bruno's eyes widen, and then he exclaimed. "Step away from my sister!" he exclaimed as he grabbed Pepa and pushed Senora Cruise away. "Why won't you just leave my family alone?!" he asked. "I warned you! I tried to warn all of you! All you have to do is leave us alone!" he exclaimed loudly as suddenly his eyes flashed green and everybody stood back.

Bruno huffed. "Colossians said. For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, there is no partiality!" he gasped. "God is judging you too! For condemning and harassing those you don't understand! If you wish to be saved, live a good life on your own. And… GO AWAY!" he shouted.

Everybody scrambled back, there was gasping silence, and then, once again… They ran.

Bruno stood back, his eyes were massive and he just whispered one word. "Ups."

Camilo snorted, then shook his head. "Well, they deserved it."

Bruno was now shaking like a leaf. "Oh no… No no no." he shook his head.

Pepa shrugged. "At least I bet we'll be left alone now." she sighed deeply.

"I need to go lie down." Bruno swallowed, and then finally staggered back toward Casita.

Chapter Text

"There there. It's okay." Antonio informed as he was patting Bruno on top of his curls.

Bruno was just laying on the couch, all rolled into one of the blankets wide-eyed looking in front of him.

"You should use the fort. It'll help." Antonio commented.

Bruno didn't reply, just laid there.

Pepa sighed deeply as she was sitting in one of the armchairs holding a cup of coffee. "How long has it been now?" she had to ask.

Mirabel turned to the grandfather clock standing in the corner. "One hour, 24 minutes."

Alma exhaled. "He didn't have to talk to the Padre." then she sipped her coffee too.

"Well." Pepa hesitated. "At least we know that Senora Cruise is for sure one of the people who have been after Bruno," she commented. "I think it's safe to say everyone in that group is a prime suspect. And the people who don't bother with it aren't."

Alma hesitated. "You don't think the Padre?"

Pepa's eyes widened. "You think a priest would…"

"Well." Mirabel hesitated. "He is their leader… At least it seems like it is."

"The Padre never hurt me!" Bruno suddenly exclaimed raising himself up. "He doesn't like me. But he was never one of the people who asked me to leave or threw things or anything."

"Well that's a relief," Pepa admitted. "He was kind of self-important when we grew up though."

Alma frowned. "Wasn't he a couple of years under you in school?" she asked.

"Five years," Bruno muttered. "His uncle was the Padre at the time and everyone already knew he was going to follow in his uncle's footsteps while his older brother would take over the family carpenter shop. He was sort of an apprentice even back then."

Pepa nodded. "I remember. Older Padre Hernandez. And of course, Elonzo Hernandez at the carpenter shop is his brother."

Mirabel smirked. "He's bald too. But he has a big beard." she chuckled into her hands. "Oh no! That means Nicolas is probably going to go bald too one day isn't it?" she asked referring to the carpenter's son.

"I…. I don't know." Bruno swallowed.

Pepa sighed. "So not Padre Hernandez. That's good. But Senora Cruise."

"It… It wasn't that bad." Bruno blushed. "She has the right to tell whoever to leave… And she only threw a potted plant at me that one time."

Alma closed her eyes, then she stood up, walked over, and picked up a piece of paper, she turned back to the table and then wrote just one name.

"Senora Catrina Cruise."

Then Alma looked up. "Anyone else?"

Bruno shut his mouth tight.

"Well later then," Alma commented as she stood up, and then attached the note to the wall.

"What… What's that for?" Bruno asked.

"People we are not going to help out anymore," Pepa informed. "It's that simple."

"That's… that's not nice though." Bruno swallowed. "We should forgive."

Pepa held up a hand. "Verse of Matthew! If he repents seven times. I will forgive seven times." she looked up. "first they have to actually admit they did wrong and apologize. Then we can forgive. Even god can't forgive if you won't confess first. Right?" 

Bruno's mouth closed stunned.

"Heh," Pepa smirked satisfied.

Just then a voice called from the courtyard. "Alma! Alma is it true?!"

"Paula?!" Alma blinked calling Senora Guzman's name.

Soon enough one Abuela Paula Guzman arrived, guided by Casita. Closely followed by Mariano who was holding a whole crate of grapes.

Paula gasped for air. "Mariano! Mariano told me that… Bruno!"

"Erhm." Bruno swallowed as he slowly sat up. "Ha… Hallo… Senora."

"Oh." Paula covered her mouth with her hands.

Slowly Bruno stood up from the couch. "It… it's nice to see you again Senora. Oh and not dead." he held up a hand. "See." he asked.

"Little Bruno." Paula gasped. "Let me see you!" she rushed forward and then just grabbed Bruno's cheeks. "Look at you! As cute as the day you opened your door!" she grinned happily shaking his cheeks, then let go.

Bruno blinked. "Auw," he whispered, then rubbed his now pink cheeks.

"But so thin. Well, I am sure that Julieta will fatten you up nice and good in no time. This is great news." Guzman nodded.

Pepa smiled amused. "It's nice to see there really are people in town who are happy to see Bruno back."

"Well of course." Guzman turned to Pepa. "I have known you three since you were all infants. Don't forget! Oh how I remember coming here for Friday coffee and you three would crawl all across the floor giving your poor mother a heart attack when you were about to pull down things from the shelves. Thankfully Casita was there to look out for you too. Otherwise, I fear Alma wouldn't have survived." she smiled. She sighed deeply. "We used to talk about how cute it would be if one of Alma's girls would fall in love with my little Julio. Obviously, that wasn't meant to be."

Alma halted, then she cleared her throat. "Paula I… I'm sorry about all that Mariano and Isabela business. I suppose he informed you of that as well."

Paula sighed deeply. "It did seem too good to be true," she admitted to Alma. "I suppose we both got blinded by eagerness."

Alma nodded. "I really thought they liked each other," she admitted. "I guess I… Pushed it more than I thought I did."

"I suppose I did too." Paula sighed, and they both sighed.

"Can I offer you a cup of coffee?" Alma then finally asked. "Julieta is baking cookies. I believe they should be done any minute now."

"That makes sense. Bruno looks so thin! She is fattening him up isn't she?" Paula asked.

"Absolutely." Alma nodded.

"Mama!" Bruno exclaimed. "Please." then he wrapped his arms around his own body. "It's not that bad," he muttered.

"No it is," Pepa commented in a deadpan tone. "I really don't think you're supposed to be gray."

"What happened?" Paula asked. "Bruno dear. Are you ill?" she asked. "Is that why you came back? And where have you been?"

"Well, I errh." Bruno swallowed. "You know… here and there." he shrugged.

Paula blinked.

"Places." Bruno finally ended.

Paula frowned a bit, then finally shrugged. "Thank god you didn't get yourself killed! It's dangerous out there."

"Yeah…" Bruno scratched his neck. "Why don't I go see if those cookies are finished?" he asked and then rushed out.

Paula smiled as she looked after him. "Still so skittish huh? Some things never change."

"No," Alma replied. "And I'm grateful for that. Honestly."

"So erh…" Mariano tiptoed. "Is Dolores home?" he asked.

Mariano didn't even have to say more before Dolores's door just slammed up and Dolores rushed all the way down the stairs and then up to Mariano. "Yes I am!" she exclaimed.

Mariano blinked, then he smiled. "Do you…. Want to take a walk with me?" he asked. "And just you know… Talk?"

Dolores was just jumping up and down on the spot. "Eeeeeeeh! YES!" she exclaimed. "Oh, the crate. put in the kitchen! Then we can go. Come on, come on!" she exclaimed grabbing Mariano's arm and pulled him out.

Wide-eyed did Paula look after them.

"Oh yeah and that Isabela and Mariano problem seems to have resolved itself," Alma informed.

Paula blinked, and then a smile spread across her face. "That's wonderful!" she exclaimed. "Oh, and Dolores seemed so happy! She would be so good for Mariano!"

"And Mariano would be good for her." Alma nodded, then they both grinned and clearly looked beyond happy.

Pepa sighed. "Just leave the kids alone. You both did learn your lesson about pushing it right?"

Mirabel groaned deeply. "I don't think any pushing is required here."

And as Dolores and Mariano were walking out the door. Dolores holding into Mariano's big muscly arm… That point did seem pretty obvious.

Chapter Text

Mirabel blinked as she was looking out of the window from their living room…. It was quiet out there. Really quiet.

It was almost dinner time and it was quiet. "Wow, it's weird not having the singing," Mirabel commented.

"Yeah, usually they are back just after a few hours," Camilo commented. "You think they have really been scared away for good this time?"

Bruno lifted his head from where he was sitting on the floor with Antonio and a bunch of rats they had been playing with.

"It would be nice." Mirabel sighed. "If they would just get the message."

Bruno lowered his head, then he chewed his lip. "I should really tell them…"

Camilo rolled his eyes. "You tried Tio. Just do what Mami said, let them stew."

"But…" Bruno's lip was outright quivering.

"It's okay," Antonio informed. "Just relax." he reached over so he could pat Bruno's hand like he would pat one of the rats around them.

Bruno looked down at his hand that had just been patted, then he looked up.

"Well," Camilo commented. "They'll probably be back tomorrow," he commented. "I'm hungry. When is dinner ready?"

"Ten minutes Cami, ten minutes." Mirabel shook her head.

"Ten minutes too long." Camilo groaned deeply.

The next day as the family collected for breakfast, there was still no singing. Bruno was clutching his plate to his chest as he looked around as if afraid something would fall down on top of him. But nothing happened.

Hours went past and there was no singing… Bruno started to shake as he was peer out of windows and hide behind curtains.

The rest of the family was pretty on edge too…. Suddenly the lack of chanting, singing, and heavy incense really was unnerving.

Finally, at around noon, it knocked at the door and Dolores wasn't rushing down the stairs, so it didn't look like it was Mariano.

Pepa sighed deeply as she walked across the courtyard, halfway towards the door Julieta came out from the kitchen holding an Arepa in her hand and the two sisters looked at each other, then headed for the front door together.

It knocked again and Pepa sighed deeply, then finally she reached out her hand and opened the door.

To find one solitary figure. Padre Hernandez in his priest robe, looking haggard as he looked up at them with bloodshot eyes.

Pepa blinked a bit taken aback, she looked behind Hernandez but didn't see anybody else, then she looked at the Padre. "Can I help you?" she asked a bit coldly.

Hernandez exhaled deeply as he looked down. "You may remember yesterday…" he halted. "Senor Bruno Madrigal showed himself in front of us all and.. He had a few words to say."

Pepa nodded. "He did."

Hernandez looked up to. "I too…. Will be judged by our father in heaven. He will not be partial. And the wrongdoer who will not confess his sin will be punished."

"Yes." Pepa nodded.

"I spend the night reflecting upon this." Hernandez then admitted. "I confessed my sins to god. I reflected upon the past… Then I reflected upon Senor Bruno Madrigal's words. From the night he appeared at Antonio's celebration. He said that we the people in town are the ones at fault. We first relied upon a miracle and then took it for granted. That is indeed a sin."

Julieta blinked, Pepa however stood tall.

"In the verses of the old testament… Joseph the prophet was the one to interpret the Pharao's dreams. He brought the bad news that seven years of famine were to come. It made many angry. But his warning allowed them to stock their harvest and live. Though Joseph's message was unpleasant, it was a warning from god nonetheless, and he was but a messenger." Hernandez commented.

"So… What you're saying is that Joseph in this story. He was a messenger, not a harbinger." Julieta commented.

Hernandez nodded. "Correct. And I asked everybody to stay at home and reflect on this today."

"Wow." Pepa snorted. "This is the first time since all this began I have seen you act like an actual priest!"

Hernandez's eyes widened, then his head lowered. "I fear that sounds correct." he swallowed. "I came… Because I wish to ask Senor Bruno's forgiveness. Then perhaps he will be able to find rest in his soul."

Pepa lifted an eyebrow and then shrugged. "Sure you can ask, but whether he'll forgive you is up to him," she commented. "I'll be keeping an eye on you though. So watch your tongue."

Hernandez nodded. "Of course…. And." he halted. "Senora Cruise went too far. I had no idea she had such animosity in her soul."

Pepa sighed deeply. "That's her problem, isn't it? Come on this way." she gestured for Hernandez to follow her.

Hernandez blinked, but willingly followed the two sisters into the dining room, and from there they walked towards a green at the back wall.

Julieta knocked at the door. "Bruno dear. There's someone here to see you."

It took a little while, Hernandez blinked, before suddenly the door opened, and on the other side was a pretty bleary-eyed Bruno Madrigal. "Yeah?"

Hernandez's eyes widened, and he gasped in shock as he stood rigid.

Bruno looked at him and his eyes widened too. "Oh.. Pa-Padre." he stammered. "I… What I mean is… I…"

"Senor Madrigal." Hernandez. "I…. Forgive me!" he exclaimed as he bowed down.

"Huh?" Bruno blinked.

"Forgive me for I have sinned!" Hernandez exclaimed.

Bruno just stood there. "I mean…. Sure?" he commented, shuffling a bit back looking unsure of himself. "It… It's okay. You were just singing songs, not like it hurt anyone."

"No! I have sinned!" Hernandez exclaimed as he stood up. "I must repent! You are a messenger and it was never my place to judge!"

"Errrh…. Kay." Bruno blinked.

"Whatever punishment you will bestow upon me I will bear it and no longer complain!" Hernandez exclaimed. "Losing my hair was deserved. Take my legs, I don't deserve to walk."

"Woah-woah-woah-woah!" Bruno held up his hands. "I am not going to saw off your legs! What are you talking about?!"

"What can I do to bring you ease?" Hernandez asked. "All souls deserve rest."

Bruno blinked. "Wait…" he commented. "Pepa and Julieta did tell you I'm alive right?"

"What?" Hernandez looked up at Bruno.

"Alive. Look." Bruno reached forward a hand and poked Hernandez on the chest. "That's what I wanted to tell you guys yesterday! It's very nice of you that you're trying to protect the town from an evil spirit. But I'm not dead!"

"Huh?" Hernandez blinked.

"This is my room. I live here." Bruno pointed over his shoulder.

Hernandez's eyes were round as tea cups. "YOU ROSE FROM THE DEAD?!"

"What? No!" Bruno shouted. "I'm not Jesus! I just… never died in the first place."

"What?" Hernandez blinked.

"I was never dead!" Bruno exclaimed. "That's what I tried to tell you people yesterday! Nobody is haunting anything 'cause I never died!"

Hernandez just stood there gaping like a fish.

Then Julieta put her arepa into Hernandez's hand. "Here I think you need this," she whispered.

Slowly Hernandez turned to Julieta, then swallowed. "Would…. Would one of you perhaps mind… Telling me what is going on?"

Pepa smirked. "Sure. I promised Bruno that if you repented I would forgive you. This is a pretty good start." she had to admit. "I'm still mad at you. But we gotta start somewhere. Right Bruno?" she asked.

Bruno nodded. "Si. The Padre did his part by extending his hand, now we have to accept it."

Pepa sighed. "You're really too good for this world you know," she commented and Bruno blushed deeply.

Hernandez swallowed. "I think I need to sit down," he whispered, then finally pulled out a chair from the dining table and fell down in it, gasping for breath.

Well…. So far so good at least.

Chapter Text

"Well…. Honestly." Bruno commented as he was sitting in front of Padre Hernandez out on the patio at a little round table. "I don't think life is supposed to be easy. And… Even if things have been hard. I always think of how Jesus did so much for everybody, he even healed people. They didn't have to ask but he did it. He never did anything wrong. Yet they punished him… And he still forgave them so… If he can forgive everybody even though they have been so awful. Then I would be a fool not to do the same."

Hernandez was just gaping as he looked at Bruno, his eyes beyond wide.

Bruno rotated his coffee cup in his hand as he glanced down. "I got no reasons to complain." he ended.

Hernandez looked down, then he swallowed.

"Are you…. Okay?" Bruno asked.

"I erh." Hernandez whispered. "I only now realized. This is the first time we have ever talked. Isn't it?" he asked.

"No we talked." Bruno commented with a frown.

"We exchanged words, we never had a conversation." Hernandez sighed as he looked down. "That is my failure. I am supposed to talk to everyone in town. So they know they can come to me if they need guidance."

"I'm older than you though." Bruno pointed out. "And I remember how freaked out the younger kids were of me… Your uncle wasn't very happy to see me."

Hernandez looked down. "He did talk about you…" he admitted. "And… He always told me to watch out for the prophet and his…"

"His cursed prophecies." Bruno nodded. "I know."

Hernandez sighed. "It scared me as a kid," he admitted. "And… I was terrified that I might lose my hair like my Pa and uncle," 

Bruno smiled amused. "Hey if I may say it. You may not have hair but you maintain an incredible profile. And your skin is flawless. Just look at me, I had bags under my eyes since I was twenty." he pointed at his prominent dark bloodshot eye bags. "And I'm short! My nose is huge!" 

"It's really not that bad," Hernandez informed. "What you have suites you." 

Bruno smirked. "Thanks. You too. And I have to admit. I do love my hair." Bruno admitted in a slight blush. "I would be devastated if I lost it all. I don't think I could pull that off, unlike you."

"It is very nice hair." Hernandez agreed. 

"Thank you," Bruno replied in a whisper. 

In the living room, Camilo was gaping as he was looking out of the window. "Are you kidding me?" he asked. "They are friends now?!" he asked. "The Padre spend so many days trying to exorcise Tio Bruno and now they are just friends?"

Julieta smiled lightly. "I have a feeling if people would just have talked to Bruno… Nobody would have been able to resist." she looked up. "Honesty always shines through."

"Not that Camilo would know a lot about that," Isabela commented.

"HEY!" Camilo exclaimed. "That's so not fair! I am honest!"

"Sure." Isabela rolled her eyes.

Julieta however smiled as she looked out the window too. "I think it's wonderful," she whispered. "If the Padre can see how Bruno really is… Maybe the others can too."

Camilo looked at Julieta. "I don't think it's everyone who can. That's just not how it works."

"Probably true." Julieta sighed deeply. "But…" she looked up. "I think Bruno wants to give everybody the chance. That's just how he is."

Camilo blinked. "I…. Okay seriously how was anyone ever scared of this guy?" he asked. "Abuela is right. He's a bloody saint!"

Julieta smiled amused. "He is," she confirmed. Then her smile faltered. "I guess that's also why it could be easy for people to take advantage of him… And us."

Camilo glanced down, then nodded. "Good thing we have Abuela and Mirabel to beat the crap out of all of them when they try too much," he smirked.

Julieta chuckled too. "That's true." she agreed.

Chapter Text

The sun was shining on a beautiful Sunday morning, and the entire family Madrigal was dressed up in their Sunday best before going out to town.

Well, all except one… Bruno had hidden away inside of his room after breakfast. But no one was going to pressure him if he wasn't ready to face the entire town.

Also, like Alma liked to point out… If anyone's soul needed saving. It really wasn't Bruno's, so if he just kept a little private sermon in his room, as he had apparently done every Sunday the last ten years. Who were they to tell him he was wrong in doing things his own way?

Also… Alma was very afraid of pushing Bruno at all. She wasn't the only one.

And so together, minus Bruno, the family Madrigal left for church. They had not been there last Sunday since that was when the Padre had been busy leading the charge against them.

But Bruno had obviously made up with the Padre, even spending a good portion of yesterday's afternoon with him. So the family needed to follow the good example. Or at least try.

Still though as the Madrigals walked towards the church, many people were giving them side-eyes.

Others though seemed relieved, and some even greeted them happily.

"Alma!" Paula Guzman just beamed. "How good it is to see you out in the open! And all of you." she smiled.

"Dolores!" Mariano grinned.

And Dolores just zoomed right over to Mariano grabbing his arm. "Hi!" she exclaimed.

Mariano blinked, then blushed and looked down. "You look really nice today," he whispered. "Is that a new bow in your hair?"

Dolores gasped. "It is… You could really tell? Uuuuuuh!"

Mariano smiled. "So… Do you want to sit together?" he asked.

"Yes!" Dolores just exclaimed without skipping a beat.

Mirabel smiled amused, then glanced at Isabela. "You were never that way with Mariano." she had to point out.

"And I don't want to be." Isabela sighed. "I just don't feel it at all. But… I am glad for Dolores." she smiled. "I really am. And Mariano. He's a nice guy, and he's always been very nice to me. I just… You know." she shrugged.

"I know." Mirabel smiled. "You know…. Whenever Mama steps into the room and Papa sees her. He just lights up. Every single time. And when Mama sees Papa playing the piano, she always smile. And it's a smile that looks like it's coming from the inside… That's what I want."

"That does sound nice," Isabela admitted. "I hope you get that one day…. And I hope that's what Dolores and Mariano will have."

Mirabel looked towards Dolores and Mariano just looking at each other, smiling lovingly. It was like a glow came from them and Mirabel smiled.

"I think they will be okay," Mirabel whispered.

Once the family stepped into the church, Hernandez was there, greeting everyone with a handshake, the moment he saw the Madrigals he lit up.

And he greeted them happily. "You came!" he gasped. "Even though…"

"Well." Alma smiled. "It's what he would want us to do. He didn't say it, but we all know" she commented. They didn't even need to know to say who 'he' was.

Hernandez understood and he smiled. "Of course…. Perhaps he'll come too one of these days. I hope so."

Alma smiled softly. "When he's ready Padre. I'm sure he will."

Hernandez needed then gestured with his arm. "Please." he gestured towards the church. "Come sit. And if you would stay for coffee afterward, that would be a delight." he smiled kindly.

Alma nodded as she smiled. "Of course." then the family headed in and proudly sat at the front of the church, not even looking at any of the people who were glaring at them.

Soon the bell was ringing, and they sang their first song and then. The Padre started his preaching.

Hernandez was standing in front wearing his traditional priest robe, and in his hands was the traditional bible.

For a moment Hernandez was quiet, then he looked up, and closed his book.

"He that is without sin among you, let him cast the first stone."

People blinked, a little confused.

"This was the message of our lord Jesus. As a woman was brought before him, caught in the act of adultery. They asked Jesus if they should stone her till she stopped breathing and Jesus answered thus. He that is without sin among you, let him cast the first stone."

Again people looked a little confused, they glanced around at each other and then back.

"Part of my job, as the Padre of our beloved Encanto. Is to speak of the stories of the bible every day." Hernandez commented. "It becomes easy to just quote the stories and then not think much more about it. It is so easy to forget the most important part of this… To reflect upon the words. What does it mean? What are these stories trying to teach? He that is without sin among you, let him cast the first stone."

Alma blinked a little stunned as she listened too.

"By the end, the men who brought forward the woman could not cast any stone. Because none of them were without sin. Those who accuse others, who demand the punishment of others. Rarely will they be without sin themselves. If ever…. Perhaps it's time to look inward and reflect. For by the end of the day, none of us are without sin."

Mirabel gasped as she finally realized… What Hernandez was doing. And the best thing had to be how he wasn't reading from a book or a script. The Bible was firmly closed and tugged under his arm as he spoke.

"It is so easy to blame others for the hardships in our lives. But no one has ever said that life here on earth would be easy. As humans, we must all suffer at some point, all must experience loss and grief. But then, we must also not take for granted the good things we have! Each day we get to witness such amazing miracles! You plant a seed, and from it, a flower will bloom. That is a miracle!" he stated. "Each morning the sun will rise, and bless us with light and warmth. That is a miracle! Every day a new life is created, whether that is a bird hatched from an egg or a human born. That is a miracle! Each day we have miracles all around us. And yet… We take those miracles for granted. And we forget to see how lucky we are to be here, in this Encanto, now at this time. And give thanks for how blessed we are! We…"

The Padre was cut off as the big door at the end was slowly opening up and a head poked in through the small crack, a thin face framed with big curls and people gasped.

"Ah sorry." Bruno gasped. Then he whispered. "Sorry… I am so sorry." he tried. "I'll just go. I'm sorry."

"Please stay!" Hernandez shouted loudly. "the church is supposed to be open for all who wish to come! Please Senor Madrigal. Come join us!" he asked.

Suddenly a big murmur came, a lot of people gasped, some looked frightened and the sounds rose.

Hernandez held up his arms. "Quiet down! All quiet down! This is a place of worship!"

That made people's eyes widen and they quieted.

"Also it is a place open for all of god's children." Hernandez pointed out. "Bruno Madrigal also is one of god's children. Just like all of us. And that he is among us once more is a miracle." he informed.

Bruno bowed his head, blushing deeply.

"Please come and sit down," Hernandez asked. "You have been gone from the Encanto for a long time. It is time you should rejoin us. It is a joy to witness that your demise was never true."

Suddenly there was silence, utter silence. Everyone turned to Bruno and Bruno blushed deeply as he looked down.

"Yeah erhm so… I'm not dead," Bruno whispered. "I didn't die so erh… I'm really sorry."

Multiple people stood up and a big shout. "WHAT?!"

Alma shook her head as she stood up, then walked all the way down to where Bruno was and grabbed his arm, then she looked up. "My son left the Encanto. He didn't die! And we are all grateful! Also, he is inside our most holy place and lighting hasn't struck down yet. So… Calm down." she huffed as she pulled Bruno with her going to the front and Bruno blushed deeply while people gaped.

Hernandez smiled warmly as he waited for Bruno to take a place, sitting between Alma and Julieta, who both reached over to hold Bruno's hands, and he blushed deeply. But held unto the hands of his mother and his sister. 

As Bruno had sat down Hernandez looked up. "I happen to be aware that many in this church have ill feelings towards Senor Bruno Madrigal. And some even wish to see him punished." he lifted an eyebrow. "To those I say. He that is without sin among you, let him cast the first stone."

People gasped as their eyes widened and Hernandez cleared his throat as he pulled out the bible and opened it again. No one's eyes though were as large as Bruno's

"Now let us pray. And then we shall sing the next psalm." Hernandez instructed and the people nodded.

After the end of the Sermon, there was coffee in the Parish house, just like every Sunday.

Bruno had retrieved to the shadow, his hood was pulled up and he was shaking like a leaf.

Mirabel smiled as she walked over to her uncle with two cups of coffee, one she handed to Bruno.

"Tha-Tha-Tha-Thank you." Bruno stammered as he took the cup. Only for his hands to shake so much that drops were spilling over the edge of the cup.

"I honestly can't believe you came," Mirabel admitted.

"Well… The Padre a-a-asked me too." Bruno swallowed harshly. "An-an-and he never asked before. So-so-so-so."

"You did amazing Hermanito." Julieta addressed him kindly. "You don't have to stay. I can follow you home if you want."

"Tha-tha-that's okay." Bruno stammered as he glanced around, then realized a couple of people were glaring and he immediately put the cup of coffee to his lips and just downed the whole thing before gasping.

"Bruno?" Julieta asked.

"Okay, I think I'm ready to go home now." Bruno then gasped.

Julieta smiled amused. "Do you want me to follow you home?"

"Well… You… You don't have to." Bruno gasped. "But… erhm… It…"

Julieta chuckled amused. "Sure. I would love walking with my favorite brother!" she smiled then she halted. "Wait, Bruno… Isn't this the first time you have been outside of Casita for… For ten years?"

Bruno looked like he was hyperventilating as he stood.

Quickly Julieta grabbed Bruno's coffee cup and handed it to Mirabel. "Dear, would you mind putting this where it's supposed to be?" she asked.

"No of course not," Mirabel assured.

"Thank you amor." Julieta smiled and then quickly grabbed Bruno's arm, and guided her clearly fear-stricken brother home towards Casita.

Mirabel just smiled. Her Tio sure was an absolutely amazing person. They were all so lucky to have him back. As the Padre had said. It really was a miracle.

Chapter Text

It didn't take too long for the family Madrigal to make it home for church, the moment they were home Mirabel started to search for her Tio.

It took Mirabel about five minutes to find him, inside his own room… In the corner of that room. On the floor. Rolled up in a blanket, shaking like a leaf while Julieta was sitting next to him stroking his hair.

"It's okay Hermanito. I am so proud of you." Julieta whispered. "You did so well… It's going to be okay."

Suddenly Antonio walked past Mirabel and into Bruno's room, holding his stuffed jaguar in his arms. And then laid it down next to Bruno.

Mirabel couldn't help but smile. This entire ritual Antonio had of giving Bruno his stuffed jaguar whenever Bruno had a panic attack had to be Mirabel's favorite thing… Ever.

Maybe she should make a different stuffed toy that could be Bruno's own personal stuffy that Antonio could give him. Maybe a big, fluffy, fat, rat in stuffed form. Mirabel nodded to herself as the decision had already been made in her mind. 

Five minutes after Alma arrived too, holding a cup of tea that she bowed down and placed next to Bruno. "You've been so brave today Mijo."

Bruno glanced up, looking at his mother with shocked eyes.

Alma smiled as she reached forward a hand and touched Bruno's cheek. "I love you so much Mi Brunito," she whispered, leaned over, and kissed him on the forehead. "The Padre was a little disappointed you didn't stay, he wanted to ask you if it was okay he had used so much from your conversations yesterday in his sermon… He wanted to come so he could ask himself. But I told him you probably needed to rest for the rest of the day."

"I…. Thank you." Bruno whispered. "And… If the Padre asks again I… I'm honored that he considered it good enough to…" he blushed. "You know… Use at all. I didn't really think."

Julieta shook her head. "You're a very smart man Hermanito," she informed him. "I hope you'll realize that soon."

Bruno closed his eyes, clearly beyond exhausted and Alma shook her head amused.

The surprises for the day weren't over though, it didn't take long before it knocked at the door.

And there was a whole family out there, the family Escobars. Who Alma didn't really remember being among the people in Hernandez groups.

Senora Escobar had her arms filled with flowers and she smiled as her children were tugging her skirts. "I just wanted to say it's wonderful that Bruno made it back safely. I'm happy for you Senora Madrigal. And I hope he'll accept these as a welcome home gift!"

"Oh!" Alma gasped. "How wonderful. Senora I am so sorry. I know Bruno would love to thank you himself. But he is so overwhelmed right now. Going to church was a lot for him. But I'll be sure to tell him you came!"

Senora Escobar nodded. "I understand. He did seem pretty ill," she admitted. "I hope he's all right. Julieta's food can heal him right?"

Alma smiled lightly. "With time," she assured.

Already as she was talking the next person came from the gate, and two more.

As the day went on, it seemed like one-third of the town at least had been by Casita to greet Bruno welcome back.

Of course… One-third of the town wasn't the majority and not even half.

But… It was enough Alma decided. It was wonderful to see that not everybody in town hated her son. And the Padre had changed his mind, so there was a chance that in time, they could work on it all.

Also, this gave Alma and the others a pretty good idea of who it would be okay to help… All though, in the future. They had to think of themselves first and not allow other people to rely on their gifts for everything.

As dinner arrived. Bruno finally emerged from his room again. He looked very worn out, and not entirely awake. But he was sitting down with the rest anyway and was suddenly stunned at all the flowers in front of him.

"Erh… Isabela?" Bruno asked.

"Not from me," Isabela smirked. "Those are from the family Sanchez, those are from Lorena Diaz. And those from the Estobans." she started to point. "The chocolate is from Paula Guzman. She said they used to be your favorite."

Slowly Bruno looked up. "I don't understand."

Mirabel smiled. "They are welcome home gifts." she smiled. "You'll get one from me too. But it's going to be a couple of days."

"Oh… That's okay. You don't have to." Bruno assured.

Already Pepa was whispering into Julieta's ear and Julieta smiled giving her sister a thumbs up.

"You don't have to give me anything either!" Bruno exclaimed.

"We want to. So shuff it." Pepa shrugged.

Bruno blushed deeply as he looked down, then smiled to himself as he shyly glanced up and they all grinned.

Things had gotten better since Bruno had come back, that was for certain.

Things weren't perfect, there would be difficulties ahead, but that is just life. But they were moving forward stronger together.

And whatever was to come. They would be sure to face it together as the Family Madrigal.

The end.

Chapter Text

Hi everyone who has read this story and has so loyally been reading my Encanto stories. 

I just wanted to quickly tell you what's up and where I am headed from here. And since there's no way to update or contact anybody on this site... This is the only way I could think of doing it. 

The likelihood of a new Encanto story from me is rather slim.... As I have started to do research in preparation to write an original fantasy book. 




What this fantasy book is going to specifically be about is not entirely determined as that will depend on what I find in my research. 

Because my first concept is that I wanna make a fantasy book. That's inspired by Conan the Barbarian/The Witcher/God of War in story structure and style.... But the setting will be a fantasy world inspired by AFRICAN myths, mythology, and creatures. 


It's something I really want to do. Just to make a point that you don't HAVE to constantly blackface English literature. But you can write fantasy just based on a different mythology than Nordic and English. 

And it has been done before in the past. Successfully too. Disney has done it. A lot. Encanto itself is an original story taking place in Columbia and is using the book. "A thousand years of solitude." written by a Columbian as its source of inspiration. 



Aladdin is a franchise that includes three movies and a tely show people really like based on MIDDLE EASTERN mythology. And it's so beloved. I loved it too growing up. 

I keep saying they SHOULD make a television show based on "Moana." where Moana travels to different islands in Polynesia and we actually learn more of their culture and mythology and she gets to encounter more of these gods and demi gods. It would be super cool. 

"Avatar the Last Airbender." is just one of the GREATEST fantasy shows ever created period.... Based on ASIAN settings and mythology. If you guys have not seen it you SHOULD. It's amazing. 

I already mentioned "God of War." but yes... and based on GREEK mythology rather than English. 

I also grew up with lesser-known fantasy things such as "Papyrus." "Nofret." are both based on Egyptian mythology and takes place in ancient Egypt. 



But of course, I also want my work to be good. So I am starting by doing research, I just ordered a ton of books on actual African mythology... So already I am doing more work than your average Hollywood writer and Producers. 

One thing I know is that I want the content of my work... To be traditional. I want my lead to be a Conan type, and I want the story to be cool and epic. I want to write a world that's really fun and gives the sense it would be so cool to see on the big screen. 


I would LOVE to keep in contact with those who like my work and I would love to have back and forth in regards to the progress of my story. 


I really love how it's working here that people comment on what I do and I then take legit inspiration from the comments as I move forward.... But I am not sure how to do it. 

Should I have an Tumblr blog? Would any of you guys even go there? How can we communicate? 


And of course if ANYBODY knows of any African myths I should be aware of, say the word so I can look up the myth and read it :)