Never the Same

Is This Love?

Silence.

There is quiet.

I went for a while in the pitch-black forest without saying anything until I heard the sound of flowing water in the distance. A broken teenager was all I could see when I arrived at a rushing river and peered at its mirrored surface. I looked away immediately and started to cross the river.

I was close to the river, which was cold and drenching me. I drew a trembling breath and kept on moving into the pitch-black depths. I had left Encanto behind, feeling lost and unsure of where to go next I wandered for days, searching for a new place to call home. I don't recall how long I walked, but I eventually came upon a tiny town. I came to a dilapidated sign that read Bienvenido a Montera. It was a quaint and charming place, with winding streets and cozy cafes.

I strolled down the street while other others walked merrily, unlike Encanto. I was walking aimlessly when WHACK! I collapsed.

"Are you alright, Ay Lo siento mucho?" A deep teenage voice spoke. As I fumbled for my glasses, everything seemed incredibly blurry.

"It's alright," she replied, blushing at my own reaction to him.

"Los Siento, I'm just really clumsy. " I responded trying to pick myself up and trying to find my glasses. He flashed me a smile that made my heart skip a beat.

"My name's Manny," he said, extending his hand. He helped me up and gave me something only I realized it was my glasses.

"Thank you," I told him as I smile sheepishly.

"I'm Mirabel," she said, taking his hand and feeling a jolt of electricity run through her body. I put my green glass on and caught the eye of a young man dubbed Manny Noceda.

We talked for hours that day, about everything from our families to our dreams. Manny was a kind and gentle soul, and I found myself opening up to him in a way I never had before.

As we parted ways that night, I couldn't help but feel a sense of longing. I wanted to see Manny again, to talk to him more, to be near him. It was a feeling I had never experienced before.

Over the next few days, we met up several more times and we explored the town together, hiking through the mountains, and watching the sunset from a nearby hill. I felt alive and free when I was with Manny, and I knew that I was falling in love with him. After a few years, I changed my name to Camila Hernadez and I fell harder than before as Manny ask me to be his girlfriend but that changed after three years of dating.

As the sun began to rise, Manny took a deep breath and began to speak. "Mirabel Camila Valentina Rojas Hernadez, you mean the world to me. You make every day better just by being in it, and I cannot imagine my life without you. I want to spend the rest of my life making you happy, and I hope you'll do me the honor of becoming my wife."

My eyes filled with tears as Manny got down on one knee and produced a small box from his pocket. He opened it to reveal a stunning diamond ring that sparkled in the morning light.

"Mirabel, will you marry me?" Manny asked, his voice full of emotion.

I nodded frantically, my tears spilling over as I threw my arms around Manny's neck.

"Yes, yes, a thousand times yes!" I exclaimed as Manny slid the ring onto her finger. Manny leaned in and kissed me. It was soft and gentle, but it sent a shockwave of pleasure through my body. I kissed him back, and we stayed like that for what felt like an eternity.

From that moment on, we were inseparable. Our wedding came and went and I have thought of my family. But at last, Manny and I spent every moment we could together, exploring our love for one another and the world around us. Until I found out something that can change our lives for the better.