●○• 𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬 •○●
The Madrigals are an extraordinary family who live hidden in the mountains of Colombia in a charmed place called the Encanto. The magic of the Encanto has blessed every child in the family with a unique gift -- every child e...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
CHAPTER 03:: CAMILO'S GIFT CEREMONY
10 years ago
A little boy nervously taps his feet and wipes his hand on his poncho, when the curtains open. The light shines on him as he felt a million gazes from the townspeople. Presenting in the entryway was the five-year-old Camilo, enthusiastic about his gift. He slowly walks with confidence and pride as he recognizes the people in the crowd. He cheerfully waved at his older sister who was excitedly clapping for her brother. He can see Isabela, Luisa, and their parents, who were holding the slightly younger Mirabel, intrigued at the gift ceremony. Tio Bruno can be seen beside them giving his nod of approval as Camilo continued to climb up the stairs.
He looks up to see Abuela Alma holding the glimmering candle of Casita, with Felix expecting Camilo's arrival at the top of the stairs. Camilo's thoughts ran all over his head, with every step increasing its anticipation. His eyes grew bigger as the glowing golden light reflected on his irises. And finally, he reached the top of the staircase.
"Will you use your gift to honor our miracle? Will you serve this community and strengthen our home?" Abuela asked as the young boy happily nodded.
"I will make you proud."
Abuela gestures as she leads Camilo to the magical door. And with no hesitation, Camilo touches the doorknob his smile growing bigger as he witnesses the door glow brighter. But little by little, the door fades along with his smile. His eyes lose their glow as heartbreak and confusion washes over his face, his door vanishing in front of him. He backs away and looks at Abuela for answers, his eyes shaking along his body. Abuela looks at him in horror, and he catches a concerned look from his father Felix. In a moment of fear and confusion, he runs. All he can hear were the calls from his family and the judgemental mutters of the people, but he didn't look back. He didn't want this. He didn't want that.
He continued to run out of Casita and hid around a corner, near the river. Thoughts run around his mind as more questions grew to scare him. All he can do was hug his knees and wail. Uncontrollable whimpers and sobs escape his lips as he quivers in the cold mist of the river.
'Whatever gift awaits, will be just as special as you.' He remembers Abuela's now painful words as his tears continue to fall on the dirty and muddy ground.
The next thing he knew, he was now fifteen, guiding his younger brother, Antonio to his door. He remembers every detail of his own gift ceremony; it was as If it happened yesterday. It was as fresh as the water of the river that day. He can feel the same cold and judging gazes from the people around him.
Present Day
Without even thinking too hard, he walked Antonio. They climbed the stairs; every step was as nostalgic as the other, giving him a reminder of the painful truth. He knew how important this was, how important his gift was supposed to be and how important he was going to be in this family. But just like that, his door vanished through the wall. Despite all this, he loved Antonio so much and continued to push through the pain, helping his brother reach the door.
He hands him off to Abuela.
Abuela asks the same question as usual, and Antonio nods in response. She guides him to the door as everyone stares in anticipation. Will it work again? Camilo notices Antonio's worries but after a few seconds of taking small breaths, he touches the doorknob. The door glows brighter and continues to gleam in starlight. Everyone watches in amazement as the door is filled with magic. Suddenly, a toucan lands on Antonio's arm and gives out a few chirps. Antonio's eyes widen, delighted and surprised by his realization.
"Uh-huh, uh-huh, I understand you!" Antonio joyfully replies as the toucan replies with gleeful squawks. "Of course, they can come!" he giggled cheerfully. The toucan squawks loudly, calling out. Dozens of animals, land, and air come to him, surrounding him like a prince of some sort. And then finally, his door sparked brighter to show his image and name engraved with an animal menagerie. Looks like he can communicate and understand animals! Abuela is overjoyed and relieved by this.
"We have a new gift!" Abuela exclaimed as the people cheered and fireworks go off. Antonio opens the door to his magical room to show an enormous Chocó rainforest. Animals race through the crowd as people slowly go in to be mesmerized by the room. Kids excitedly exclaimed their joys and amazement as a jaguar comes in and scoops Antonio onto his back, giving him the best ride of his life.
"WEPA ANTONIO! Vaya, vaya," his family cheers in joy and delight as they hear Antonio's screams and joyful cries. The jaguar picks up its speed as Antonio anticipates what was about to happen. The animal races up the tree trunk which tosses the boy up in the air and landing on the bouncy hammocks. He continues to skate on the surface of the river, seeing all the different animals. Everyone watches the introverted Madrigal holler with delight. The jaguar brings him back to the family, making them rush to his side to celebrate and give him praise. Félix gives him a big hug and smothers him with kisses, praising and telling him how good he did. Dolores watches from behind, giving her little brother thumbs up and excitedly giddy. Camilo happily watches from behind the crowd, relieved for his brother. Abuela hurries over to Antonio, proud and relieved, pulling him in for a hug, her face and heart full of pride. Camilo's realization show on his face as he remembers every needle in his heart, trying to hold back the pain.
"I knew you could do it... a gift just as special as you."
Those words pierced his heart, coming to the realization that he could no longer hold back his emotions. He tightens his grip on his chest, trying to subdue the pain. He winces, trying to hold back the building tears as he watches his family come together for a family picture. He couldn't take it anymore. Everyone goes nearer to the family as Camilo is stagnant, watching from the distance.
"Everyone together; La Familia Madrigal!"
The brilliant light of a magnesium flash blinds Camilo, feeling as if everything slowed down. It was as if he was taking every moment one second at a time. He watches his family happily posing for the picture, displaying their lavish gifts. And there lays Camilo in the shadows of the dark, failing to keep it together.
