Chapter Text
“Abre sus ojos. Open your eyes.”
Camilo slowly opened his eyes, letting the glow of the beautiful candle invade his eyesight and lighting the nursery. It was the night, it was his birthday. Or to be more precise, his Gift ceremony. The little boy looked at his abuela with a curious look.
“This candle is where the magic comes from ?”
Alma nodded. “This candle holds the source of the miracle."
"Where does it come from ?"
Alma brought Camilo closer to her as the Candle emitted a bright light and she recited the tale.
“A long time ago, when my three children were born, your abuelo Pedro and I were forced to flee the dangers.” The lights showed the people trying to cross the rivers as people in horses purchased them. “And though many joined us in hope to find a new home, we could not escape the dangers, and your abuelo-” She took a sharp breath and the light that represented Pedro vanished. “-was lost.”
As young Alma cried and she gripped her triplets tighter, Camilo frowned at the sight. “The story is sad.” He said bluntly.
Alma looked a bit surprised that the normally so mischievous boy was so glum, but tonight was not a normal night.
But like the mood now, the situation Alma was in became very dark. But at this moment, the candle glowed and from then on emanated a glowing light with magical swirls that exploded in a circle.
“In a dark moment, we were given a miracle. The candle became a magical flame that could never go out. It blessed us with a refuge in which to live. A place of wonder.”
“The Encanto.” Camilo repeated, his mouth in a thin line.
“The Encanto.” She said as the magical house appeared out of thin air. “The miracle grew, and our house, our casita itself, came alive to shelter us.” The house opened its doors and waved at Alma who waved back with a timid smile.
The time went past five years, and the triplets turned five. Camilo saw Bruno and Julieta with curious expressions on their faces whereas his mama Pepa looked overexcited. Camilo frowned as memories of “Clear skies” came back to his young ears.
“When my children came of age, the miracle blessed each with a magic Gift to help us. And when their children came of age-" Camilo saw his sister and two older cousins in front of their own golden doors.
“They too chose to have magic.” Camilo’s voice was a whisper as he frowned once more. His heart was heavy in his chest. He wanted to tell his abuela the truth, but he waited. It was not polite to do so.
Alma nodded. “Exactly. And this family’s Gifts made our house our paradise.” Both of them watched the outside full of colored houses, flowers, and trees. Camilo couldn’t help but think of Isabela whenever he saw her making her beautiful flowers. Pink was pretty, but he preferred yellow.
“And tonight will be your turn, Camilo Madrigal. Strengthen our community. Strengthen our home. Make the family proud.” At this moment, the firework started, and Casita bounced a clock, which made Alma sigh.
“Yes Casita, we’re coming.” She said as she lifted her nieto off her lap. Camilo opened his mouth, but couldn’t find the words he wanted to say. By the time he wanted to say something, he was behind the curtains.
When the curtains opened, he received applause from the townpeoples and his family, who were in front among them. His parents and Abuela were at the top of the stairs, excited to see the Gift that Camilo would receive.
With a sigh, the little boy walked slowly on the red tiles, ignoring the people’s confused looks about the frown on his face as his little heart continued to pound against his chest.
Camilo was now at the bottom of the stairs. He took a step forward, and everything became a blinding light, before everything became black.