The day of the festival was alive with energy. The streets were filled with festive music, the rhythmic beats of cumbia drums blending seamlessly with the melodies of traditional Colombian instruments like the accordion and guacharaca. Stalls lined the streets, selling everything from colorful handmade crafts to steaming plates of arepas and empanadas. The air was thick with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and grilled meat, mingling with the vibrant laughter and chatter of the townspeople.
Mirabel stood in awe, taking it all in. Despite Mrs. Julia’s insistence that it was a day off, Mirabel found it strange not to have something to do. She gravitated toward Maria and Catalina’s stall, where the two sisters were setting up an array of goods—woven bags, clay pots, and vibrant fabrics.
“You’re supposed to be relaxing,” Maria said with a playful frown when Mirabel offered to help.
Mirabel waved off the concern with a grin. “I can’t just stand around while everyone’s busy. Let me help!”
Catalina smirked at her sister. “Told you she wouldn’t stay still.”
Maria sighed dramatically, her hands on her hips. “Fine, but only if you accept a discount on your stay at the inn.”
Mirabel shook her head quickly. “No, no, I can’t accept that—”
Maria leaned in, her expression suddenly serious. “You will accept it, Mirabel Madrigal, or I will hug you so hard you won’t have a choice!”
Catalina burst into laughter at her sister’s antics. “Maria, don’t scare her!”
Mirabel couldn’t help but laugh, raising her hands in surrender. “Alright, alright! I accept!”
With that, she joined them, helping to arrange the items on display, chatting easily with the sisters. They worked in sync, occasionally pausing to wave at familiar faces or share a laugh over a joke. Mirabel felt at home in the lively atmosphere.
As she handed a customer a beautifully woven bag, her eyes caught a familiar figure in the crowd. Mateo, dressed still in the embroidered ruana, was walking with a group of friends. She smiled and waved, catching his attention.
Mateo’s face lit up when he saw her. He said something to his friends before jogging over, a cheerful grin on his face. “Mirabel! You’re working even on a day off?”
“Old habits die hard,” she replied with a laugh.
Before they could continue, the lively beat of a cumbia song filled the square, and a crowd began to gather in the center to dance. Mirabel couldn’t help but tap her foot and bob her head to the music, the infectious rhythm tugging at her.
Catalina nudged her. “Go on, join them!”
Mirabel shook her head, her cheeks flushing. “Oh, no. I’m not much of a dancer.”
Maria gave her an encouraging smile. “It’s a festival! No one cares if you’re good; just have fun.”
Mateo extended his hand to her, his expression warm and inviting. “Come on, I’ll teach you. It’s easy, I promise.”
Mirabel hesitated, her embarrassment warring with the pull of the music and the kind encouragement of her friends. Finally, she smiled and placed her hand in Mateo’s.
He led her to the square, where couples and groups spun and swayed to the beat. Mateo twirled her gently, making her laugh, and soon they fell into a playful rhythm. Mirabel found herself letting go of her inhibitions, the music guiding her steps.
They laughed together as they danced, Mateo occasionally throwing in an exaggerated move to make her giggle. Around them, the townspeople clapped and cheered, the square alive with joy.
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Mirabel Had To Go
FanfictionMirabel left the night of Antonio's ceremony, leaving behind letters for her family as she starts her journey. Mirabel knew this was the best way she could help... But as the Madrigals realized how much Mirabel impacted their life, and now she's gon...