The Jungle Witch

Part 3

Chapter 3 The Jungle Witch

--Mirabel's pov--

I stayed some months at the shelter and collected the allowance at the shelter and collected the allowance and some other clothes as well. I started to think that I was imposing on them.

Then, I accidentally cut myself with my sewing needle, and as the bead of blood fell, it turned into red rock. No, my blood turned into a ruby. I had abilities, and in a modern world, I would be taken to be experimented on for knowledge or power. I poked myself with another needle and willed it to heal by itself. Slowly but surely, I could see my skin heal and knit it completely. It didn't even feel tender, and it was even a bit calloused. So my bloodsheds rubies, my own wounds are healed with nothing left, what else can I do? I cut my hair, and it grew twice as long and curly. My spit/saliva could be poisonous or acidic as the tissue melted away. My tears of pain and sadness would grow plants tied to my feelings grew thorns or other defensive measures. If I cried with happiness, I could create anything I wanted. I realized that the reason my abilities didn't show is that it couldn't help the town I could only help myself. I told the shelter I was leaving, and my bag was ready-packed with clothes, food, money, a blanket, and my two photos.

I went to a little cafe and had a small cup of medium roast coffee. The man serving the coffee seemed familiar though I had never met him before now that I was sure of. The man was older, clean-shaven, and had short curly hair, and he was in the cafe uniform as well. I signed the receipt with my name and a smiley face. I then left, leaving behind the cafe and the strange man. I finally accepted that I wouldn't be able to find my missing Tio. Since my abilities were discovered, I couldn't live in Encanto or civilization. I guess I was always meant to be alone, heh?

I went back into the jungle. I traveled in a random direction, avoiding any paths, I only took the most hidden and covered with brush ways. I was all alone and still hadn't met with any animals. Just as I thought that I heard a whisper, "help me please...so weak...help me please," I looked around only to see a giant boa constrictor that was tangled in a hunter's net.

"Are you talking to me?" I asked and realized I had hissed instead of speaking. The snake twisted in surprise and then hissed in pain. "Hold on, I'll help; just be careful." I slowly unraveled the net and took the snake in my arms. On instinct, I put my hand to the body of the snake. My hand glowed before sinking inside the snake. The snake was healed and had grown even more. The snake mentioned that he could help navigate me to a haven in the jungle that only animals knew about. This would ensure my safety and be available to heal animals as well. If that's ok? As I had nowhere else to go or any idea of where I could go except deeper, in the unknown of the jungle, I nodded yes. The snake traveled up to across my neck and curled his body around my waist. As his head lay next to my right ear, we continued forward.

--Back in Encanto--

Casita was visibly broken but still holding out mostly because Alma, Isabella, and Dolores were strong in denial that anything was wrong. Luisa and Camillo helped build two medium houses that connected Pepa, Felix, Antonio, and Camillo in one and Julietta, Agustin, and Luisa situated in the other. This is as Casita just wasn't functional anymore. Julietta, Pepa, Camillo, and Antonio had already lost their gifts and lived peaceful ordinary lives. They were so grateful that the town realized what was happening. Julietta occasionally cried at night that Mirabel was gone, Isabella was out of her mind, and Luisa still had trouble asking for help. However, Luisa was getting better as her gift slowly faded away.

Mariano and Maria were happily together. They were in the stages of planning their wedding and were a more in love and perfect couple than the town thought. Maria knew all the medical skills; that Doctor Emmanual had, and Mariano was constantly serenading her and bigger declarations of love. Mariano's reasoning for it was so that no one could ever doubt his love for her.

--In the city--

Bruno only realized a week later that the customer was Mirabel. She had worn his old black and gold cloak, pocketed pants, and a navy blue long-sleeved shirt. She had her bag with her, which meant that however long she had been in the city was done. Mirabel was moving on to another place.

Bruno slowly fell in love with the cafe owner-a beautiful woman who made Bruno a better version of himself. He grew comfortable and felt that the city was natural for him. He felt happy. Happy! When could he say he was happy while growing up in Encanto? Maybe when Mirabel was born but truly happy for himself? He couldn't honestly think about a time! It was surprising but more truthful than ever! He loved Madeline, the cafe owner who came to Columbia from America. They married and had one child though late in their lifetimes and never knew about any gifts or Encanto.