Outside the Encanto

Antonios Gift

Several people, including yourself, rush after him, but unlike everyone else you make it out before casita shut its doors. You fly after the sobbing child, along with Mirabel and Felix Madrigal. The two soon run out of breath, and you trail lightly behind Antonio and allow him to find a comfort spot to cry. In his case, the very same hill where you broke his brothers nose.

Muffled cries come from Antonio, and ever so quietly you sit next to him. He looks at you in surprise, but doesn't move. The best thing about kids, they don't see you as a threat to their lives.

"You're very fast. It's impressive." You say, not looking at him. He looks up at you though.

"I can't do it." He chokes, then buried his face in his knees.

"Why not? You're pretty special, if I do say so myself." You turn your body to face him, and he tilts his head in your direction again.

"If I don't get a gift, Abuela will be upset. I'll let my family down." He wipes his nose.

Of course. Mirabel. He must've told her this earlier, right? You remember the fear that you would not get a gift, because your family gets your gifts from the very same miracle candle, although your own black and white candle fuels it. Two days later, however, you realized you got your powers. Such a strange feeling, like you had it all along, knew how to use them. Lately, however, your powers have been weakening. You figure it's just lack of use.

"You know, I got a gift. Even though Mirabel didn't get one, I still received mine." You show off an impressive array of the elements, and even make a tiny jaguar out of water. He giggled.

"You're more than some gift." You whisper, while he leans his head on your chest, and you wrap your arms around him. The two of you sit like this for a minute, until he gets up.

"I'm ready." He takes your hand, and together you walk back towards the casita.

..........................................................

Casita opens its doors for you, and you walk in. When you get to the crowd, there's gasps and whispers. You're used to it, but terrified for Antonio. You glance up at Señora Alma, and she's frowning. Looking around, everyone is frowning. Except Camilo. He had more of a stunned expression.

You're releasing your hand from Antonio's, but he just clutches it tighter. He looks up with you with pleading eyes, as if begging you not to leave him.

"Please." He whispers, and your heart turns to jello. So do your legs. You can barely stand, but you know you must be brave. For Antonio.

In unison you march, refusing to look at anything except ahead, and ignore the whispers and rumors that will surely follow this night. Antonio clutches your arm now, his eyes closed. You reach the stairs, and take a quick peek at the Madrigals.

Augustine looks puzzled.
Julieta isn't smiling, but she's not frowning either.
Isabella is glaring at me.
Luisa looks like she's going to cry.
Mirabel looks confused.
Dolores is standing up straight, her head tilted as if trying to hear my mind.
Camilo is smiling, and nods his head.

You and Antonio begin up the stairs, and you look at the remaining family.

Señora Alma has a poker face on.
Señora Pepa has an angry face on, and a thundering cloud above her head.
Señor Felix is whispering in her ear.

The top of the stairs is right here. Antonio let's go of your arm, so you rush to cower behind his parents. Señor Felix gives you a nod, but you can't tell what's conveyed there. You look around for your familia, and spot them in a corner, watching the ceremony. Maria catches your eye and waves, alerting your Abuela and Tia Sophia. They stop her waving, but look up at you as well. You turn back to the ceremony, and see Antonio reach for the door. A collective breath is drawn in the audience. Yours included.

Suddenly a toucan lands on his shoulder. Is he.. speaking to it?

"Of course they can come!" Antonio looks up, and a flurry of wild animals parade in. He opens his door, and inside is a giant wildlife habitat. People start to flood in, and you manage to hop out of the way as a jaguar, much like the one you made for Antonio earlier, ran and started carrying Antonio on his back, throughout the entire room.

"We need a picture!" Señora Alma and the Madrigals gather around. A photo is snapped, in which various poses are made, each to their gifts. A figure exits the room, and you realize the problem.

The one called Mirabel had been left out of the picture.