It all started with a Mariposa

The Ceremony

^ A/N: Btw. This is definitely one of my favourite Encanto Songs. Once again, I do not own this magnificent piece of work that you probably see above this piece of text. 

_________

Your POV

I looked at my sketchpad and my mini to-do list.

Okay. Help with the surprise?
Check. ✔️ Even though it didn't end quite as well as we'd hoped.
Antonio is good?
Check. ✔️
Got the earmuffs?
Check. ✔️

Okay. I think I'm all set. 

I walked over to the front door, where I met with Camilo. "Hi." He said. 

"Hi." I replied softly. "What are you doing here?"  

"I volunteered to greet everybody." He answered proudly as many other people arrived. 

I watched as he morphed into different villagers to greet them. 'Hey. Nice to see you again.' or 'Hola Senora.' "Cecilia! Up Top!" He called out to the child, shapeshifting into Cecilia as he gave her a high five.

I switched my gaze to Luisa, who seemed to be giving out cards to the people who were riding donkeys. It was pretty amusing how the people were just going with it. 

When no more villagers were entering, Camilo gestured for me to come inside so that he could close the door. Camilo and I joined the crowd inside the house. On my left, I saw a man with black hair wearing a white long-sleeved shirt, brown pants, and brown shoes. He was staring at Isabela with a mesmerized look while she entertained a small group of people by dancing and creating flowers. 

Camilo caught my gaze and said, "That's Mariano. He and Isabela are gonna be engaged." I nodded in understanding. I should probably go congratulate her. But something told me not to. So I left it at that. 

"Are you good?" Camilo asked after some time. "You seem quieter than usual." 

I arched a brow playfully. Was that his way of saying I'm loud? He caught my glance and smiled himself, any trace of worry slipping away.

I nodded. "I'm just losing my voice a little. That's all." I whispered. 

"Oh. Okay." Camilo said. "Oh. Tia Julieta told me to tell you that you and your family can be with us during the ceremony if you'd like." 

I laughed. This poor boy turned into a message carrier. 

"Thanks. I'll be there." I replied. 

Camilo nodded and went to see how Antonio was doing. As he left, I took this moment as a chance to look around. Casita was beautifully decorated. And suddenly, before I knew it, I was leaning against the wall with my earmuffs sketching the house. Like I've said before: Habits are hard to break. 

Soon, the lights began to dim, indicating that the ceremony was about to begin. Which was okay because I was almost finished. Usually, I don't even realize what is happening, but Casita snapped me out of my thoughts. 

I scurried over to the front, taking a place beside Dolores. "I heard you saying that you were losing your voice." Dolores said softly.

I blinked. I had forgotten she could eavesdrop-I mean hear things clearer than others. 

I nodded. "If you like, I can ask for some medicine for you if your throat is sore."  

I smiled. "That's okay. It's not that big of a deal. It happens often." 

She nodded in response. "Okay. Just know that if you ever need something, I'm always open to listen." She whispered. 

"Thanks." I whispered back, facing Senora Alma.

Alma began telling the story of the miracle and how it came to be. Little Antonio and Mirabel walked up the stairs together, everyone smiling as they did so. 

Antonio gripped Mirabel's hand tightly and began to walk with her to his door. Every step further looked as if it was harder and harder for Mirabel to continue. This was the moment that everything changed for her. I could understand her feeling a little anxious. 

As they reached Antonio's glowing door, Mirabel looked pained. But I saw that she pushed those thoughts aside to help her terrified cousin get to his door.

Camilo POV

"Will you use your gift to honor our miracle?" Abuela said to him. "Will you serve this community and strengthen our home?"

Antonio nodded and Abuela made way for him to get to his door. Antonio slowly headed for the doorknob, his hand trembling. He hesitated for just a second. But then, he gathered the courage to touch the doorknob, and magic swirled around him. 

I heard a soft exhale from beside me. It wasn't a sigh of relief, but more like a free exhale. But I was too focused on what was happening that I didn't look away. 

Suddenly, a toucan landed on Antonio's arm and chirped. Antonio slightly smiled. "Uh-huh, uh-huh, I understand you." He said, surprised. The toucan squawked again, in which Antonio replied with a cheerful, "Of course they can come!"

Then, dozen of animals scurried or flew to him, and his door completed with the sight in front. I caught sight of Abuela letting out a sigh of relief. "We have a new gift!" She announced. 

The crowd cheered and many many fireworks go off. I finally turn to see who had made that noise but the only person I saw was (Y/n). She had placed one side of the earmuff on her ear, wincing in pain as she did this. But then she faced Dolores and her expression turned into a sad one.

She took a deep breath, held it in and quickly placed the earmuffs on Dolores' head to end her suffering. 

I could tell Dolores was very grateful. Oh. That's right. Dolores' ears must've been really hurting. That was nice of (Y/n), but she had her palm on her forehead. Like she had a headache. She saw me looking at her and instantly took her hand off of her head, avoiding eye contact.

What was all that about?