"Hey, watch it! You're cutting in line!"

"I've been standing here for like an hour!"

"Quit bluffing, will you?!"

Indignant complaints and accusations from customers filled the room as the bookkeper watched the scene helplessly behind the counter, unsure how to handle the situation. The sunny weather and a crowded bookstore combined is the definition of a hellish day for work. At least for Estrella. The long line had reached outside the entrance, though it seemed they wouldn't leave until they're satisfied. Her face paled after taking a peek in the empty supply room. Returning her attention to the fuming customer in front of her, she gulped nervously.

"Well? Where is Diana Rivera's bestseller?!" She snapped.

"Uh, well... Ma'am, I'm afraid it's-"

"My daughter's gonna throw a tantrum if she doesn't get her hands on that book!" A man added grumpily from the back of the line.

Estrella felt a headache coming in as she rubbed her temples. "Just another stressful day indeed."

She bites her lip. "Everyone, I'm sorry to say that Unhappily Ever After is now out of stock at the moment."

Grunts and displeasure were exchanged before the crowd finally dispersed as Estrella exhaled with a look of relief. She stood on her toes, stretching her numb legs. Being a bookkeper can be a hassle, standing behind the counter for almost the whole day at that. But today has been extra stressful for her.

"Sometimes, I hate the fact that you're such a famous writer, Leona." She muttered to no one in particular.

☁️ ☁️ ☁️

A thick pile of papers fell on the floor after a loud sneeze occured. In fact, papers filled with handwritten scripts scattered around the room. A small trash bin in one corner was already full of crumpled papers that some had fallen on the floor. Black spots of ink imprinted on the wooden desk, most likely from hours of writing. Books were left open on a messy bed, having bookmarked pages as if every word were used for memorization.

A sudden banging noise occured as the door slammed open, followed by an irritated groan.

"Dios mio, Leona! Is this really a lady's room?!" An old woman came in, her nose scrunched up in disgust.

The said girl rubbed her nose, aggravated. "Jeez, abuela. Ever heard of knocking?"

Abuela Mercedes crossed her arms. "Instead of digging your face into those papers, you should focus on your chores."

Leona sighed. Her Abuela is rather not fond of her job as a novelist, seeing as it takes too much of her time in her room. While she prefers seeing her granddaughter engage in more active tasks such as doing household chores and etiquette practices, Leona's passion driven self had outgrown her responsibilities. Despite knowing Abuela's good intentions being an austere woman she is, Leona is unable to hide her vexation at her constant demands for the sake of perfection.

She scoffed, reminding her of a certain Señorita perfecta Madrigal who seemed to never had a bad hair day in her entire life.

Leona picks up the pile of papers on the floor. "But Abuela, I got so much fresh ideas in my head right now and I just had to jot them down!"

Abuela stared at her as if she had two heads. "You're writing another book already?"

"Uh-huh, it seems my imagination won't let me rest." She laughed awkwardly when her grandmother glared at her.

Leona grunted. "Fine, you win. Just let me clean this mess."

"Good, I'll be downstairs to prepare lunch."

Once Abuela was out of sight, Leona rolled her eyes. "Ugh, what a drag."

"You were saying something?" Came a muffled voice from the kitchen.

"Nothing!"

☁️☁️☁️

The streets of the village of Encanto was buzzing with liveliness as soft giggles and squeals were heard from children playing the game of tag, occasionally bumping into passerbys without muttering an apology in return. As lunchtime had arrived, the overlapping noise of food sellers promoting their respective dishes in hopes of gaining customers is out of question. The smell of freshly made arepas wafted across the road, which without a doubt are made by someone belonging to the famous Madrigal family with a gift of healing from her food.

Leona regretted not covering her nose as it reminded her once again of the Madrigals' giftedness and their benefits to the village.

She snorted. "Ha, the village would be much better if it wasn't for their stupid gifts."

Leona scrutinized her surroundings, careful not to run into a Madrigal. Associating with any of them would be going past the borderline of the most important rule in the Mercedes family. As she sauntered around, Leona had forgotten the appealing greenness of the village. Abuela refuses to allow her to go outside in fear of Leona getting involved with the Madrigals.

Green vines and petunias had sprouted the brick walls of its houses, reaching up the roofs. Shrubbery were found from outside the windows and by balconies. It was as if nature became one with the households.

Once reaching the outskirts of Encanto, Leona sat against a tree nearby before pulling out some papers from her messenger bag.

"Now this is the perfect place to do my work." She mused.

The quiet, peaceful atmosphere made Leona feel relaxed, which increased her motivation of being creative with her imagination. Birds chirped as they flew off to the sky, a gentle breeze passing by. Leona watched the flying creatures longingly.

"Perhaps if I were a bird, then I can soar into the skies and be free from my worries."