Outside the Encanto

The Dead Door

Once everyone had fallen asleep, you put on your training clothes, a short black skirt with black tights and a black top. Once you get to Mirabels room you'll change back into another dress, one more fitting for a girl your age. You throw them into a bag, the bag over my shoulder, and hop out of the window. It's not too long of a drop, and you know how to land.

The village is pretty at night, candles are lit in the windows of houses, and the stars are bright. You usually enjoy nighttime walks, but this time, you don't waste a second. You get straight to La Casa Madrigal, pick up a rock, and chuck it into the window.

A pair of eyes look down at you , and a rope is dropped down. You grip it, pull twice, and look up. You're awarded a thumbs up and the eyes disappear. You lean back far, using your legs to push upwards. You're almost to the window when you slip, and a necklace falls out of the bag. It's got a picture of Mama inside, along with baby Maria and you. I can get it later.

You swing your legs over the window, sighing, relieved I'm finally in the room. It's so childish, like it belongs to a five year old. You guess it was only made for children anyways, since Mirabel was supposed to move out years ago. Mirabel is standing in the middle of the room, not sure what to do.

"Hey. Listen, I don't know what's going on, but if we're gonna solve this, I need to know everything." You barely utter the words.

"Last night when you left, I heard Abuela talking to my Abuelo Pedro's picture. She said our family was vulnerable, and she knew about the cracks-"

"Hang on, she knew about the cracks and still made you look like a liar?" You interrupted. Mirabel looked at you, then gave a little nod.

"I also spoke with my sister after breakfast. Luisa says she feels pressured to be the strongest, and can't relax. Last night at Antonio's party, she said she felt weak. Oh, and Dolores said there were rats talking in the walls. But Dolores always gives out these strange hints at things. It doesn't matter too much." Mirabel explains. "Luisa also said to find Bruno's vision. That's what we're gonna do." She says proudly. You're not sure why.

"Is that it?" You ask. Mirabel nods. "Alright. I've got different clothes I'm going to wear. Do you mind.." Mirabel turns around. "Thanks." You quickly change into a more traditional skirt and blouse but leave the shoes on. Who knows what Bruno's room is like?

There's a sharp knock on the door. You practically fly under Mirabel bed when the door opens. Mirabel is in the corner, now trying to act natural. Two pairs of feet enter the room.

"Mama needs you Mira. There's a ton of dishes from tonight's dinner and she needs help if she's going to sleep tonight." Luisa explains.

Mirabel sighs. "Sure. I'll take care of it."

You hear them leave the room, but still see a pair of feet. Then you realize who it belongs to.

Dolores. She plops herself down on Mirabels bed, right above me. Her feet swing ever so lightly.

"If only Y/N were here.." She toyed. You knew she could hear your heartbeat, but you tried to hold your breath anyways.

She faked a sigh. "I'd tell her to go after Camilo. I hear her saying his name in her sleep. Isn't that cute?"

There is no way.

"Alas, she isn't here, so it doesn't matter. Only Lilith is only here for his name. Oh well.. better get back to my chores." Dolores stands and exits the room.

It takes a minute to process what you'd heard. Dolores thinks you're a better match for Camilo? Well, you hadn't thought she of all people would even like you. She's bound to hear the endless rants about her family. Now that you think about it, she must've heard every word. A sudden, strange new feeling washes over you, although you don't quite know what it is.

Your thoughts are interrupted by the door opening. You see Mirabels dress and roll out from under the bed.

"Alright, everyone is officially in their rooms. We're gonna have to sneak out quietly." She whispers. You give a nod in response.

The pair of you tiptoe the way to Bruno's door. Unlike the others, it's just wood. You'll admit, you really like his door. Bruno looks so young, but dangerous. Behind you, Mirabel is shaking. No wonder you're drawn to the door. It's mere mention spreads fear.

"Come on. Let's go." Mirabel says, opening the door.

Another door, this time a frame and in an hourglass shape, awaits you. A flurry of sand cascades down, blocking your view. Mirabel feels some of the sand.

"Casita.. can you.. turn off the.. sand?" She asks? Turning around. The tiles plink in response.

"You.. can't help in here?" She questions, confused. The tiles increase their plinking.

"I'll be fine! I need to do this. For you, for Abuela, maybe a little for me.." she trails off. She takes a deep breath.

"Casita, shh.. someone will hear you." You warn, and the plinking stops. Mirabel is stepping towards the sand.

"Hey wait!" You say. You offer your arm. "Together?"

Mirabel looks at you, smiles, and accepts the gesture. Your elbows are now locked. "Together."

In unison, you take a step into the hourglass room, and immediately plummet downwards.