It all started with a Mariposa

Three Strikes And An Unexpected Encounter

The next day, I was busy drawing as usual. 

I usually don't have much inspiration behind my doodles but today my muse was the one and only Casita. 

I was still fascinated by how it was alive. It actually bent down to wave at me and somehow the rooms and property were still intact. I had also gotten flustered and agitated by the building, which made me laugh.

I was giving my sketchpad my full attention, occasionally looking up to see if I missed anything. When finally, I just came to the conclusion that there was just something about the Casita that couldn't be put into words. Something in my drawing was missing; the liveliness of the house. Such a thing couldn't just be drawn on paper. 

I lifted my head and walked up to the house. "Good Morning Casita." I greeted the house. I refused to show any kind of odd reaction to a building today. Especially today. 

"Can I sit here?" I asked it, gesturing to its wall near the stairs. It did a small motion that indicated a 'yes'. I sat down and doodled, adding anything extra detail that I could while I waited for Mirabel.

Camilo walked in front of me instead. "Morning, Camilo." I greeted. 

"Hey." Camilo replied a little cautiously. I could tell he wasn't acting completely usual. 

"What, no theatrical gestures this time?" I teased.

Camilo grinned. "Nah. I'm saving this day reserved for Antonio." He said. 

"And how's he doing?" I asked. 

"He's doing well." Camilo nodded. "A little nervous but otherwise fine."

"Camilo!" a voice called out. We both turned to where the voice was coming from. "We need your help with the preparations!" The voice belonged to Senor Félix. Camilo turned back to me. "Well, see you later." He said. 

"Bye." I waved as he left.

I then caught sight of a bunch of kids making their way towards a window. They immediately started interrogating the person inside. All it took was one sentence and I instantly knew it was Mirabel inside. 

I made my way over to where all the commotion was.

(A/N: VERY IMPORTANT! I DO NOT OWN THIS MAGNIFICENT PIECE OF WORK THAT YOU SEE BELOW THIS MESSAGE.)

"What's your gift?" Coffee Kid asked. 

"Who's asking?" Mirabel said, covering up the fact pretty well.

"US?!" All three of them let out.

Mirabel slightly laughed. "Well 'us'. I can't just talk about myself. I'm only part of the amazing Madrigals." 

 "Who's all the amazing Madrigals?!" The kids shouted questioningly.

Mirabel sighed. "Ah, you're not gonna leave me alone, are you? Casita, help me out, drawers." Casita obeyed and shook its drawers. "Floors!" This is when Mirabel caught sight of me. I waved. "Doors!" She exclaimed, waving back. "Let's go!"

"This is our home, we've got every generation." The kids followed. "So full of music! A rhythm of its own design. This is my family, a perfect constellation." Mirabel gestured. "So many stars and everybody gets to shine-Whoa!

"But let's be clear, Abuela runs this show. Whoa! She led us here so many years ago. Whoa! And every year our family blessings grow!" She smiled at me. "There's just a lot you've simply got to know, so! Welcome to the Family Madrigal!"