Camilo Madrigal, the one who could light up a room with his smile, was known as the funny, strong one—the one everyone could rely on for laughter and strength. But beneath that warmth, he hid a secret that even his closest family didn't know: Camilo was genderfluid.
Over the years, the pressure to hide his true self weighed on him, especially since he had seen how Abuela reacted to things she didn't understand. Sometimes she could be harsh; Camilo even remembered the occasional slap when he did something that didn't fit her ideals. He often found himself visiting his uncle Bruno, who had been hiding away in the walls, believing that Bruno understood the feeling of being unseen.
But now, the need to be honest with himself and his family was stronger than the fear of rejection. It had been over a year since he'd realized his identity, and he couldn't hide anymore. Today was the day he would tell his family.
Camilo's POV:
I took a deep breath, putting on my pink bracelet, a small symbol for myself and anyone who noticed—today, I wanted to use she/her pronouns. I felt a mix of dread and hope as I left my room and made my way to the table where my family was gathered for breakfast.
Everyone was eating and chatting happily, and I took a seat, gathering the courage to speak up. Just then, Abuela's gaze fell on my wrist, her eyes narrowing.
Abuela: "Camilo, what is that on your arm?"
Camilo: "It's just a bracelet, Abuela. What's wrong with that?"
Abuela: "It's pink, Camilo! That's a color for girls, not boys."
I could feel my heart pounding. I took a shaky breath and summoned the courage to say it out loud.
Camilo: "But I... I feel like a girl today."
A shocked silence fell over the table. I could see my family's eyes on me, and I fought to keep my voice steady.
Camilo: "I'm... I'm genderfluid."
Abuela's face tightened, her shock turning to anger as she whispered, almost to herself, "Out."
Camilo: "Huh?"
Her voice rose, shaking with an intensity I'd never heard before. "I SAID, GET OUT OF MY HOUSE."
My heart broke. I nodded, tears welling up in my eyes, and without a word, I stood up and walked out of the room.
As Camilo left the house, feeling his heart racing as he tried to hold back tears. The world outside seemed colder and quieter than usual, almost as if it had witnessed what had just happened. But even in the weight of that silence, a small flicker of determination started to grow within him. He was finally free—free of hiding and free to be himself, even if it came at a cost.
He walked down the winding paths of the village, unsure of where to go. As he wandered, he remembered the warmth and understanding he'd found in Bruno's hidden spaces. Maybe he would find a temporary refuge with Bruno, or maybe... maybe he could visit his friend Miguel, who always listened without judgment.
As he approached the hidden room where Bruno stayed, he hesitated. It had been a while since he last visited, and he didn't want to overwhelm him with his problems. Just as he was about to turn away, he heard a familiar whisper.
Bruno: "Camilo?"
Camilo turned and saw his uncle peeking out from behind the doorway, a cautious but welcoming expression on his face. Bruno noticed the tears in Camilo's eyes immediately and stepped forward, his arms open.
Camilo: "Tío... I—Abuela—she kicked me out..."
Bruno wrapped his arms around him, gently patting his back as Camilo finally let the tears flow. They stayed like that for a moment, and then Bruno guided him to a cozy corner where they could talk.
Bruno: "You don't have to say anything if you don't want to. Just know that... you're safe here. I know what it's like to feel like you don't belong."
Camilo managed a small smile. "Thank you, Tío. I—I just told them something really important about me, and I thought it'd be okay. But Abuela... she just couldn't accept it."
Bruno nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Sometimes, people need time to understand things that don't fit in their world. That doesn't mean what you feel isn't real or that you should hide it."
Camilo: "I told them I'm genderfluid, that some days I feel more like a boy, and other days, a girl... and sometimes, neither. I wanted them to see me as I am. But it felt like I was speaking a different language."
Bruno took a deep breath, nodding. "They don't know how amazing it is that you understand yourself this way. I know it hurts, but you should be proud of yourself for having the courage to share who you are."
They sat in silence for a while, the quiet giving Camilo a moment to breathe and process. Finally, Bruno spoke up again, his tone softer.
Bruno: "Have you thought about going to stay with Miguel for a bit? I know you two are close, and I can always come with you if you need."
Camilo nodded slowly, a small smile finally breaking through. "Yeah. Miguel... he understands me. I think I'll go stay with him."
Bruno squeezed his shoulder and gave him a reassuring smile. "Then let's go together. And remember, whatever Abuela or anyone else thinks, you are loved. I see you, Camilo, and I'm proud of who you are."
Alone, he walked through the village to Miguel's house. Despite the challenges ahead, Camilo felt comforted, knowing he had people who cared. With Bruno and Miguel by his side, he felt a little more ready to face whatever came next.
