Missing Embroidery

A/N: This story takes place about a month after the reconstruction of Casita.

Disclaimer: I do not own Encanto. All rights belong to Disney.

"Forty-six, forty-seven, forty-eight, forty-nine, fifty!" Antonio dropped his jump rope by his feet and raised both arms in the air, sporting a victorious smile.

From the village fountain in front of him, Mirabel gave her cousin a rapturous ovation. "Outstanding! I can see you've practiced hard!"

"It did take a while," he stated, his young voice pretty exhausted.

"Well, doing fifty jumps isn't exactly the easiest thing in the world, but you conquered it, and I can say that I'm very proud of you." Intrinsically, Antonio was growing fast. Mirabel would never forget those precious days of babysitting him, though she was still his babysitter when necessary. She had numerous priceless memories of them together that she kept near and dear to her heart, moments that reminded the girl of their profound relationship and her unconditional love for Toñito. At his age, he was constantly learning and discovering. It was such a treat anytime Mirabel watched Antonio explore his Gift or play breezily in the neighboring forest. She knew she didn't need a super impressive talent to be an admirable big cousin/sister figure to him. Being one was a gift in itself and, if anything, the greatest gift she could ever have, apart from having an exceptional family. As Antonio proceeded to blossom with the passage of time, Mirabel would merely continue to support and care for her best friend.

The boy wiped a palm across his droopy brows. "I feel happy now that I got to that number. I've never jumped so many times."

"You're becoming a pro at jump roping. Before you know it, you'll reach sixty jumps or maybe even one hundred!"

He chuckled amusingly. "One hundred is huge. I'll have to practice way more for that."

"How about you sit next to me, Antonio?" Mirabel patted the spot beside her. "You look tuckered out."

On weak legs, Antonio trudged forward and plopped down on the fountain's edge, pressing himself against Mirabel. A breathy "phew" escaped his lips.

The teenager mildly messed with his wild afro, her facial features full of affection. "Rest that body, primito. You've done a great deal of exercise."

Antonio smiled up at his prima before relaxing his head on her lap and lowering his eyelids; he had gotten cozy.

She curled her arm around him, then watched the village life ahead. The plaza was bustling as usual, with villagers shopping for essentials, donkeys pulling loaded wheelbarrows, frisky children running about, and whatnot. One change that did occur in this town was its decreased reliance on the Madrigals' powers, but not to a large extent. After the successful reconstruction of Casita, plus a beneficial life lesson on self-worth, the family came to use their Gifts at will and take desirable breaks, now devoid of unwelcomed, harmful stress and pressure that just left an extreme wound on them. On a brighter note, the villagers themselves had been doing favors for the Madrigals, reciprocating their generous actions. Things were, without a doubt, going hunky-dory in all respects.

Within fifteen minutes of quiet observation, Mirabel's thigh started to feel ticklish. Her gaze landed on the open-eyed Antonio, the kid tracing an embroidered design on her skirt. A giggle followed from this.

His face met hers, his moving finger not off the design. "Mirabel? How long did it take you to make these?"

"Quite a while, as there are many of these things. But it wasn't any trouble at all. I had a swell time decorating this skirt, and I completely adore every part of it." She patted the blue fabric in affection.