Outside the Encanto

Battles Won

It's the morning after.. well.. you know. You don't know how long you spent lying in bed, thinking. There were so many things replaying in your head from yesterday and you still can't make sense of them. Not to mention the worsening rumors. The marketplace has become hostile, well.. for you at least. At least you've got some people willing to be kind. Or maybe they're just scared.

You look around and see the Madrigals exit their home again. They're quite sophisticated, and you can't help but watch them.. until you catch the eyes of Felix and Pepa Madrigal. They start toward you, and you look away, focusing on my shopping. Today, beads for Tia Sophia and ribbons for Maria. You've just payed for the goods when a voice calls out.

"Excuse me, Y/n?" You turn around to see Señor Felix speaking to you, Señora Pepa a foot behind him, with a hand on his shoulder.

"Hello, Señor." You say, not wanting to be rude but not letting your voice shake, as you prepare for the worst.

"We wanted to say thank you for last night." He says, not at all what you were expecting, but you're grateful for it nonetheless.

"Antonio might've not went to his door without you. I don't know what you said to him, but it worked. He said you inspired him when I tucked him into bed." Señora Pepa says.

"I didn't realize I had such an impact on him. Thank you." You say, not sure how else to phrase it.

"How would your family like to come over tonight? So we can say a proper thank you." Señor Felix says, and even Pepa looks surprised. She composed herself within a second.

"Uhm, is that a good idea?" You ask, skeptical.

"Yes Felix, is it a good idea?" Señora Pepa looks at her husband.

"Of course. It would please us very much if you and the rest of the L/n family would join us tonight." He says, no regret in his voice.

"Well, it would be an honor. Gracias, Señor." You thank him, and the two leave you be. You've never been more glad your family wasn't inside the Encanto.

Well, luck sure wasn't on your side. Because when you got home, everyone else was there too.

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

"Familia!" You cry, running over and embracing anyone who will hug you. Your Primo Eduardo gives the tightest embrace, and everyone fills you in on the story.

The raiders had come early, about fifteen minutes before our soldiers could get there and defend. Several homes were destroyed, but only three human casualties were accounted for. Two other people were missing, and they are suspected to have been kidnapped by the enemy soldiers. After and hour or warfare in the village the soldiers were driven miles away, and victory was claimed. They spent the night in a rich woman's home, and returned only a half hour after I left the house this morning.

"Wow.. I'm so proud of you guys." You hug Papa, but he backs away after only a moment. "Someday I will make you all proud too.

"You already make us proud." Andrés says, and murmurs of agreement are passed around. It feels good.

"Well uhm.. then I suppose I should tell you all.. we've been invited to the Madrigals home tonight for dinner."

A dead silence rang louder than the church bells. And one by one, you convinced them to go. Even Papa.

The twins will get to wear their dresses after all.