El Milagro || C. Madrigal

CHAPTER 12

It is the next day. A warm ray of sunlight made its way into Valentina's bedroom. The sound of a few busy people can already be heard from outside the Esperanza's casa.

Valentina, being too tired from the events and chores from the day after, has yet to wake up and start yet another normal day in her new life in Encanto.

The door to Valentina's bedroom slightly creeks as two heads poked in the room. Ana'a gaze immediately went towards her still sleeping cousin, smiling at how peaceful Valentina looked.

Julian was first to step in the room, quickly making his way to Valentina's bed, climbing up and sitting just beside where the sleeping girl lay. Ana had finally entered the room, standing beside where her younger brother was sitting.

"Valentina?" Ana said in a hushed voice.

Julian placed his small hands on one of Valentina's arms, shaking it slightly before opening his mouth, "Vale, Vale! Wake up!" The little boy shouted slightly. With this, Valentina slowly opened her eyes, adjusting to the morning light.

She then looked towards her two cousins who invited themselves in her room.

Valentina lightly rubbed her eyes and sat up, giving out a light yawn.

"Buenos días, cumpleañera." Ana suddenly said. Valentina looked towards her older cousin before processing what she just said.

"Eh?" was the only thing that came out of Valentina's mouth. Julian giggled before tackling his cousin.

"Happy Birthday Vale!" Julian greeted, his voice filled with joy as he let go of the embrace, getting down the bed. Ana patted Valentina's head gently before telling her to get ready for breakfast. After that, the two siblings left the room for Valentina to freshen up.

Valentina just sat silently on her bed. She then reached out towards the night stand beside her bed, grabbing the necklace that she dearly cherished.

She glanced down, staring at the jewelry for a few seconds before tying it around her neck. Not long after, Valentina was already in her usual attire, tying her customized ruana.

Valentina walked towards the mirror that hung on one of her room's walls, staring directly at her reflection.

She reached out towards one of her pockets, now holding the picture of her and her twin, Gabriel, when they were kids.

"Happy Birthday Gaby.." Valentina whispered as her fingers lightly touched her brother's face in the picture. Not long after, Valentina was already making her way out her bedroom, the photograph tucked back safely in Valentina's pant pocket as she walked down the hallways and down the stairs, heading towards the dining area.

Once she stepped foot inside the room, she was immediately greeted with a sudden hug by none other than her Tia Alehandra, which was also added by her Tio Ernesto as they shared a mini group hug.

"Happy Birthday Tina!" Alehandra said loudly, a bright smile on her face. Ernesto chuckled then patted his niece's head once he and his wife broke off the hug.

"Happy Birthday, sobrina. Come, let's all eat breakfast together." Ernesto said as he gestured to everyone to take a seat around the table.

A few minutes had already gone by. The Esperanzas ate their breakfast peacefully as Ernesto just finished talking about one of the townsfolk that he recently met around town.

"So Tina, how was your time with Camilo and the other Madrigals yesterday?" Alehandra suddenly asked out of the blue.

Valentina swallowed her food before facing her Tia that was seated across from her, "It was... Eventful. How'd you know I was with them yesterday though?" Valentina asked, a little confused as to why Alehandra knew where and who she was with.