Blind Sights [Encanto OC FF]

8 | "Thank You."

"Leti...!" Emil was in awe as he watched them set the table. There were rainbows! And so much food! And flowers! "There's so much! I've never seen so much before! And the flowers are so colorful! And—And—Wow!"

Dolores giggled at the sight of Emil's sparkling eyes and drooling lips. Aletia, who was holding both of their hands as they led her carefully down Casita's stairs, was still quiet to it all. But the way she squeezed her hand spoke for her.

Aletia could 'see' the love and effort put into something. When something is given enough care, an impression is left behind. She could see how happy someone must have been, how much they loved what they were doing... or how much hate was there.

So when her eyes gazed down the stairs, there was a light in the air she never thought she'd truly 'see' again. Streams of happiness danced above Pepa, winds of excitement flitting through everyone's hair. It spread her joy to everyone else as they danced their way around the table, setting it full of foods all made with an abundance of love.

Even Casita was dancing with them, her magical signature twirling and swirling in bliss all through the room. Her musical drumming and rhythmic tunes only added to the almost festive atmosphere.

Aletia could see it all, and she didn't know what words could describe something so beautiful.

Even so, she did not keep her eyes open for more than a moment. It was a habit of hers to never keep her eyes open too long. While these people, her family, didn't seem to mind them, she was so used to others being... put off by them.

"Hi everyone!" Emil greeted, pulling her from her thoughts. After getting over his initial fear, he became a bundle of sunshine. His eyes sparkled when he saw Antonio on his jaguar, "A really big kitty! Wow!"

"Hi! I'm Antonio." He got down from the big cat, "and this is Parce!" The large feline walked up to the four-year-old slowly, giving him a lick that made the baby giggle.

"H-hello, Parce," Emil said shyly, the jaguar responded by rubbing his cheek affectionately. The baby giggled, hugging him before doing his brotherly duties. "This is Leti, the best sister ever."

"Hola, Antonio," Aletia said gently. She knelt down towards him, feeling him step forward. Slowly, she took his small hands into her own, "It is nice to meet you."

"Y-You too! I'm really glad both of you feel better." Antonio was a bit flustered by Aletia. Her presence reminded him of both his hermana and his mama put together. It was... warm. It was nice. The big cat nudged him out of his thoughts, the child laughing as he translated, "Parce says he's happy too!"

Aletia opened her eyes just a little, allowing her power to flow through them. Parce was a lovely beast, full of affection and playfulness. The jaguar rubbed its cheek into her palm, prompting her to pet his soft fur. A rumbling purr from the giant kitten made a smile appear on her face.

With her eyes open, almost like Antonio, she could tell what he was 'saying' to her. "It's nice to meet you too, Parce."

The moment was ruined by the growl of a very hungry tummy. The tiny child was thoroughly embarrassed by it, flushes of pink coating his cheeks and ears.

"Food...?"

Giggles could be heard before Antonio held out his hand. "Come on, you can sit with me!"

"Yay!" Emil quickly grabbed Aletia's hand before using the other to grab Antonio's, who led them to their seats before the buffet of lovely food. The blind girl listened as Emil excitedly squealed, pulling on her dress to get her attention.

"Leti! There are arepas! Papi used to make those all the time! Um..." Emil immediately became a bit shy, looking at the adults who were cooing on the other side of the table. "Can we have one?"