Fly High, Butterfly

Chapter Nineteen

The night was becoming cool, and the people of the town finally relented. Abuela Alma had been telling the people of the Encanto to go to their own homes and get some sleep for some time now. Even as the sun fell, the people had insisted on staying. Despite the fact that they had been there all day, they wanted to remain and help them in other ways. Some of the townsfolk had helped Julieta make food for everyone, which was a great relief to the oldest of the triplets. Other people had brought hot drinks as the night chilled, and suddenly there was a pile of pillows, blankets, and comforters. After that, they finally listened to the oldest of the Madrigals. With hugs and fond farewells, the families and people of the Encanto went home, leaving the large family to sleep.

To sleep in their giant wreck of a house. They had all gotten a lot done that day, but there was still much to do. Rubble and remains had been pushed to the side, but the place felt big and empty now. Building would start tomorrow, so all the walls they had were the bits that had remained standing. Despite this, the Madrigals were happy, grateful even. The town had given them everything they would need for tonight. They would be fine. Most of them were already setting up some blankets and comforters, getting ready to head to bed. All of the makeshift beds were fairly close to each other, some just touching, some of the beds too big for just one person. After a day like today, they felt like a cozy sleepover was perfect.

Well, most of them.

Bruno swallowed slowly as he looked up at the stars, his tired head a flurry of thoughts. He held back while the others got ready, not because he did not want to help, but because he was a little unsure how. He had helped a bit with clearing the house today, but even then, he had been hesitant and kept mostly to himself. There had been so many people that day. He had been moved by the town's eagerness and willingness to help too, but he was not used to a crowd. Even when he had lived with his family, for years, he had kept mostly to himself. Especially after the townsfolk began to label him as "creepy". And it all had been slightly overwhelming and big. Bruno was used to living in small, cramped spaces. Outside was so... open. And a little loud.

Maybe a lot loud.

Bruno had been determined to help, and he still was. He knew they would pick up again tomorrow, and he wanted to do more. However, he had limits. He noticed that he tired more easily than the others; something from living alone within the walls, he surmised. He would only eat what he felt was needed, and enough not to be noticed. He had not had much to do to exercise while within the walls. Even he could see that he was skinny, pale, and gaunt compared to almost everyone else. He knew there was not much he could do about it in the moment, but he would work harder tomorrow anyways.

A light breeze brushed over his shoulders, making his poncho sway at his sides. He shivered slightly as a chill ran up his body, and he noted that the night definitely was getting colder. One of those nights. With a sigh, he pulled his eyes away from the bright light of the moon and stars. The family was almost finished setting up the "beds", it looked like. Bruno found himself smiling a little at them, as they smiled and laughed with one another. The weight of today seemed to be the last thing on their minds. Or maybe it was what was making them feel so close to each other at the moment. It looked so... warm and comforting. He still felt estranged from it, even though he was standing right there, near to them and in plain sight.

It was weird.

Still, he felt more satisfied and at home than he had in ten years. Maybe longer. Sighing quietly to himself, he sat himself down against the wall behind him. Pulling his poncho more closely over himself, his eyes half closed as he watched the other Madrigals begin to put out the candles. Another breeze blew, and he shivered again, pushing the shaking a little to make himself warmer. His body was tired, his mind was tired, he was tired. Pulling his knees up to his chest, he closed his eyes and hugged himself. His mind quieted quickly, which almost surprised him, but after working so hard today, he figured it was because he was exhausted. It felt weird, sleeping outside the walls, but he was too tired to feel too nervous about it right then. He felt the rats nestling themselves under his poncho, and relaxed his body, ready for sleep.