Encanto Fanfiction - Not all miracles are good

28 - Rebuilding

Your papá looks at each of you with a pained expression, as if he's seeing you for the first time. He reaches out gently to take your hand. You recoil instinctively but then extend it to him tentatively. He takes it softly.

"I'm so sorry, hija," he says, tears streaming down his face. "I never meant to hurt you. I just wanted to find your mamá. I thought this was the only way." His voice is melodic and sincere.

You look into his eyes, and for the first time, you don't fear his gaze.

You see the regret and pain etched into his features, and your heart breaks for him. This is the man who raised you, who loved you, who protected you for so many years. You can't just turn your back on him now, even though he has done terrible things.

You take a deep breath and speak softly, "Papá, we can find Mamá together, but we need to do it in a way that doesn't hurt others."

He nods, understanding and grateful for your forgiveness. "Yes, hija, you're right. I will do whatever it takes to make things right."

Delores helps him up as the rest of the family start to appear, hearing the commotion and Mirabel's cries for help.

"What's going on!" Luisa demands. Your papá looks at her sadly.

You feel a wave of relief wash over you as your papá explains his actions. You're not alone in knowing anymore and you're sure he won't try it again. Everyone looks at him with concern and apprehension but his words seem to paint such a picture in everyone's minds they can't help but try to understand.

"Oscar, why would you do something like this? You could have just asked us for help," Mirabel says, still processing everything that has happened.

Your papá looks down, ashamed. "I'm sorry, I've never needed help, never asked for help, I've hurt people that have tried to help."

You can see the weight of his past mistakes heavy on his shoulders. It's clear that your papá has been carrying a lot of pain and regret for a long time. But you also see a glimmer of hope in his eyes, a determination to make things right.

"I don't want to be that person anymore," he continues, his voice steady. "I want to be someone you can be proud of, someone who can make things right."

You nod in agreement, feeling a sense of hope as well. Maybe things can be different now. Maybe you can all work together to find Mamá and bring her back home.

Luisa steps forward, a look of concern on her face. "But what about the gifts, Oscar? Why did you try to steal them?"

Your papá looks at her with a sad smile. "I thought they could help me find her. I didn't know what else to do."

You all stand in silence for a moment, contemplating what has been said. Finally, Abuela speaks up.

"Well, we can't change what's happened, but we can move forward. I think it's best you don't stay here anymore but if you are true to your word, and start to help our community, we can help you find your Maria."

It hurts you a little that you won't be staying here anymore but you're glad that they seem to be forgiving, and you know it's for the best.

They all nod in agreement.

Your papá looks at each of you, his eyes brimming with gratitude. "Thank you, thank you all. I won't let you down."

As the family slowly disperses, leading you outside you catch Mirabel's eye. She gives you a small smile and a nod before heading off to her room. You're still processing everything that's happened but you feel a newfound appreciation for what Mirabel's gift might be.

As you leave the casita Camilo comes and hugs you.

"We'll find her, I'm sure." He says. You hold him tightly.

The family helps you find another place to stay and you continue to help the community until you make a place for yourselves. It's small but you like it. Your papá looks a little less strong all the time, but more at peace, the slightest signs of age make him look wiser. As you lay on your bed, you allow yourself a moment of rest, of reflection. You think about your papá and the pain he's been carrying for so long. You think about Mamá, and the possibility of finding her.

Suddenly you feel a tap on your shoulder. You look to see... You.

"I see your gift has returned." You smirk. Camilo morphs back into himself and leans in to kiss you. You welcome it.

"How are you feeling?" He asks. You ponder a while.

"Hopeful." You say.

"Good, because we might have a lead on your mamá. Antonio asked all the animals to ask each other if they had seen anyone by the name of Maria that matched your description and we may have found her. She could be in a village not too far from here." He says. A tingling warmth flows through your body. 'She might still be alive, she might be close.' You hug Camilo.