"I've decided."

"On what?" 

You looked over at her, taking a deep tired breath before setting down the fabric in your hands. "-- I'm never getting married." 

Mirabel raised an eyebrow then laughed, she lifted her feet off the pedal of the sewing machine, as she  turned to you, shaking her head slightly. "I don't know, seems like a big thing to decide all of a sudden."

You crossed your arms and huffed. "I'm just saying if this is what it takes to make a wedding happen. I'm better off running away and eloping, less stress." – but no big feast though – was the only real downside you could think of at the moment. 

The past week has been nothing short of hellish. The whole Madrigal family has been busy trying to make sure this upcoming wedding would be perfect, or at least close to it, and of course, ended with you wanting to help out.

You stretch out your arms, hands a bit sore. You had been helping out Mirabel with sewing and crafting decorations and repairing some clothing – with that said, your work wasn't exactly the best, especially compared to Mirabel's, though she was quick to reassure you that the difference wasn't that noticeable, and for your sanity, you were inclined to believe her. 

Mirabel chuckled, playfully rolling her eyes. "Alright, be sure to tell the one you would be running off with beforehand though." 

"Well, yeah." You said with a laugh, leaning back against the chair, eyes once again drifting off towards the dress carefully set off into the corner. A wedding dress – Dolores would be using her mother's dress, with a few additions and adjustments, one thing was sure; she was going to look absolutely stunning. 

"One again, you outdid yourself, Mirabel." You complimented. 

Her lips pulled into a smile. "Thanks, but save it for the actual wedding day. Something else might catch your attention." Mirabel muttered, causing you to furrow your brows in confusion, but soon enough you shrugged it off.

You hear a knock on the door, quickly you jump to your feet, not wanting Mirabel to get out of her designated sewing zone. "I'll get it." You said, already walking towards the door and pulling it open without much thought, a piece of paper is the first thing that comes into your view, then a second, later Carlos.

The shapeshifter smiled, a finger pressed against his lips. He motioned towards the paper in his hand, making you squint as you leaned closer to see the message written on it: 'Downstairs. 5 minutes.  Ready?' it read. 

You glanced at him, taking a moment to understand what he meant, then it clicked. The Serenata! You nodded, and smiled, nervously giving him a thumbs up, unsure of what to respond; can't make too much noise. 

Carlos nodded back, with a free hand he flicked your forehead, glancing inside the room. "Don't forget to take breaks, idiot." He grinned, and when you moved to give him the same treatment, he caught your hand – his eyes didn't leave yours as he leaned down, giving your knuckles a quick kiss. 

You felt heat rise to your face. "Y-you!" 

He laughed, and let go of your hand, taking a step back. "See ya later, hermosa." He flashed you another smile, before turning to leave, and walking away. 

You stared at his back, wondering to yourself if it was too late to throw your slippers at him, when he turned a corner, then you decided it was too late. You sighed, and closed the door.

Your eyes looked around the room, before landing on a pad of paper and a crayon on top of a drawer, you swooped it up and wrote: 'The Serenata is gonna begin in a few minutes, you ready to sing?' — you gently pushed the paper into her view, she flinched for a moment, a bit startled but quickly read it. 

Mirabel turned to you, excitement in her eyes, 'always' she mouthed, as she gently rose from her seat. She smoothed out her clothing and turned towards you. "Oh, woah, kinda hungry, oh, uh, maybe we should head down and eat something." She stated, voice a bit louder than usual. 

You held back a grimace, singer she was, actor not so much. "Yeah." You said. "Come on." – she grabbed your hand excitedly as the two of you made your way downstairs. 

The serenata is a wedding tradition, and as the name implies is a serenade, where the groom sings a romantic song for his bride to be before the wedding — it's supposed to be done as a surprise, though when your fiance has super hearing, that's kinda hard to do. 

When you reached the ground, Félix's smile greeted you, he gave the two of you a wave, a guitar hanging around his shoulder, and a bit off into the corner, was Augustin, staying perfectly still on his chair near his piano, as if one movement would be too loud —- he's taking this very seriously. 

You were excited, it would be your first time to be joining any sort of serenade, though join would be a slight overstatement, that would imply you would actually be playing an instrument or you know, singing, if anyone asks, you were merely here for emotional support.

Isabela and Luisa quietly came in, along two familiar villagers with instruments with them, and soon enough the man of the hour appeared, with Carlos, who was holding hand and hand with his little brother, and Alma trailing behind him. Mariano took a deep breath, looking at everyone, before glancing towards the second floor, and nodding. 

Pepa smiled and nodded back, and quickly knocked on the door, calling out for her daughter, and as soon as the door parted open – the music began. 

Dolores stepped out, walking towards the railing, and looking down. Her lips turned into a bright smile, one of the warmest you've ever seen her have – her eyes glanced down towards her fiance, as the two stared at each other lovingly. 

"Oi, Mariano!" Felix laughed. "Sing!"

Mariano flinched as if reminded that he was in fact here to sing, taking a glance over his shoulder, he  muttered a  small apology, before looking back up. "I'm sorry, mi amor, I was distracted by your beauty!" He shouted, earning him a soft chuckle and a slight  head shake from Dolores. 

Mariano smiled, and finally began singing. 

The others beside you joined along, in a softer tone, careful not to overpower the groom's voice. You closed your eyes, enjoying the symphony, the further the song got, the more you found yourself humming along, and eventually you were singing, mostly to yourself, voice barely above a whisper. 

"Because I'm waiting for you." Mariano continued to sing. "Waiting for this dream to come true – Just to be with you." 

You opened your eyes, looking up towards the second floor, Dolores peered down, clutching her hands tightly, tears running down her cheek as she smiled, her mother stood beside her, a hand on her shoulder,  holding back tears of her own at the sight of her daughter's happiness. 

When the song finally ended, notes fading away – the engaged couple wasted no time, basically sprinting towards one another, the stairs steps flattened as Dolores slid down, jumping into her fiance's arms as enveloped into a tight hug, to which you quickly looked away, the scene felt like a very intimate display, you did not want to intrude.

You stopped, freezing, as you felt a tug at your side, peering down, you spotted Antonio looking up at you with a toothy smile, he tilted his head slightly. "You have a nice voice, mana!" 

You give his nose a tap, and chuckle. "Nuh-uh, I wasn't singing. Couldn't have been me." You said in a quiet whisper, smiling. 

You feel a weight on your shoulder, pulling you close. "Come on, now. Don't lie to the kid. You're being a really bad role model, you know?" He let out a chuckle, he stood so close, his breath sent a shiver down your spine. 

You turned sharply and glared at him, rolling your eyes before looking back towards the youngest Madrigal, with a sigh. "Thank you, Tonito." You smiled. "That's very nice of you to say." 

Antonio beamed, nodding. "You're welcome!" He said, taking a quick glance towards his brother before looking back at you. "Thanks for joining us, I can't wait when we do this for you!" 

"Aww." You said, then blinked, brain only now processing what he said. 

What did he just say? 

____

Today was the day.

After weeks of grueling work, it was here.

You looked at yourself in the mirror one more time, smoothing out any wrinkles in your dress, it's been awhile since you had attended anything formal, even longer since you've been in church. 

You looked over your shoulder. "Is it alright, if I go early, mama?" You called out. "I have to help with setting up some decorations for the after party." 

"Alright." Your mother said. "Just please, dear, try not to get your dress too dirty or sweaty, can't show up to a wedding looking like you just crawled out of the marsh."

You groaned. "Okay." You muttered, already walking towards the door, quickly yanking it open.  "I'll see you all later at church! Byee!" – and you were out of there. 

A few minutes of walking through the narrow streets, a reminder popped into your head, quickly, you skidded to a halt, right in the middle of the path. Shit. Your hand quickly dove into your pocket, fingers connecting with that distinct feeling of metal. 

It's there. You breathed in a sigh of relief, before you continued on your way, walking past a small mural of Dolores and Mariano, surrounded with hearts and flowers. 

You finally made it up the hill, spotting all the decorations and setting them up was none other than  Mirabel, her sister a few feet away, meticulously growing flowers in certains patterns. 

Mirabel looked up, eyes meeting yours, she gave you a wave, and shouted your name with excitement. You smiled, as you walked up to her, and exchanged a quick hug, taking a step back, your eyes scanned the area. 

"Things, uh, just got a bit hectic earlier, long story short, a little bit of rain, some wind." Mirabel explained with a nervous chuckle, as she smoothed out one of the table covers. 

"In a good way I hope." You said. "I'm sure no one here wants hurricanes to be a family wedding tradition." You joked, garnering a chuckle from Isabela, who you were surprised was even listening.

Mirabel smiled and nodded. "Tears of joy. Tia Pepa just saw Dolores in her wedding dress." 

You smiled at the thought, and began adjusting the decorations, a few minutes passed, easy chatter back and forth between the three of you, and just as you took a step away to admire your work —- your back collided with something, quickly you turned around to see whatever it was, and just like that all coherent thoughts left your mind.

Standing just an arm reach away from you, was Carlos in a suit, a suit, of all things, white suit, red vest, tie and all. You expected him to be wearing a classic guayabera, afterall it was like what eighty percent of what men wore to a wedding, him in a  suit never crossed your mind.

You stared at him.

His grin widened, as his eyes glanced down at you. "Hm, I know I look good, but I didn't expect to make you speechless, hermosa." 

You blinked, before your lips pulled into a self-imposed frown, crossing your arms in frustration. "I, uh, just–- fine! You look good, okay?" You couldn't believe you just said that.

You, complimenting him ? 

Sorry to ruin a wedding, but it just might be the end of the world. 

Carlos' eyes widened, seemingly even surprised at your words. "Huh." He chuckled, tilting his head slightly, mulling over a smile, he gave you a once over, smile softening.  "You should leave." 

Your heart dropped. "What?"

He stepped closer. "You're too beautiful —-  you're going to be upstaging the bride." 

You wanted to smack him, but instead you settled on a laugh, shaking your head. "I shouldn't be the one to talk but you're bad with compliments."

"-- and both of you are bad at flirting." A laugh. "Match made in Encanto you two." Isabela's voice rang through, causing the two of you to swivel, turning to look at her, she stood with her arms crossed, grinning at the two of you, Mirabel by her side. 

You took a glance towards the shapeshifter, a little fidgety at her words, while he merely returned your gaze and raised an eyebrow, still grinning, before either you could address the comment, Isabela spoke again —-    

"Come on, lovebirds. It's time to go."

–

It was raining, well, more of a drizzle.

Your eyes drifted up the ceiling, cloud above, the rain letting up more and more, with a blink, your attention was back towards the altar. 

The groom continued saying his vows, and in classic Mariano fashion, it was in the form of a long, long poem. Personally, you wouldn't comment on it, but of course, Dolores seemed to be on cloud  nine, eyes so soft and full of admiration for her husband to be. 

You took a deep breath. 

This is gonna take a while.

–

After the exchanging of the rings, the candle ceremony began. You watched with a smile as the groom and the bride lit  their own separate candles, then  lit one together, extinguishing their original candles. 

Dolores and Mariano shared a soft look, before diving into a loving kiss, causing the crowd to roar in cheers and claps. 

The priest smiled as he narrated the unity they now share, how the candle symbolizes how they have become one, thie continued, as he gave his final blessing. 

More cheering ensued.

__

The party was held outside, there was a sea of food all around you, with that said, there was also a sea of people surrounding you – you made your way across the crowd, bumming shoulders, it was chaos, like all Madrigal celebrations, the whole town was here. 

"Lo siento." You mumbled, trying to pass though. "Just tryna get–" Your sentence is interrupted as your feet get caught in something, causing you to trip, but as you brace yourself to kiss the ground, it never comes. 

You hear a familiar laugh, and when you peel your eyes open — you're staring up at the shapeshifter himself. His arm wrapped around your waist, with a mischievous smile he brings you closer, body almost pressing against him. "Seems like I've caught an angel." Carlos muttered. 

You quickly looked down, trying to hide the smile that crept its way to your lips, heart beating faster in your chest. 

You stand to your feet, unable to stray away from his side, fully unknowing if you did you would just collide with someone else. "I appreciate you taking your cousin's words to heart." You laughed. "But maybe you up your flirting when we're not squished with like ten people?"

Carlos playfully rolls his eyes, he lets go of you only for a moment as takes your hand in his, the size of his hand shifts, and suddenly your hand in hand with Luisa, you soon realize why, as the people around you begin to scatter, making way for the two of you. 

The moment you're no longer swarmed with people, Carlos quickly shifts back to himself, but only when you step away does he let go of your hand.

You looked around, as the two of you stood in a more secluded area, and sighed. "I've been meaning to give you something."

A mixture of interest and surprise flashed in his face. "Oh." He chuckled. "-- is it a kiss?" 

You rolled your eyes, but found yourself smiling. "Not even close." You muttered, as you dug through your pocket. "There it is." You reached for his hand, and  clasped the bracelet around his wrist. 

You pulled away, and looked at him, expecting to see a smile but what you got was confusion, his eyebrows furrowed, lips twisted into a frown. "I'm going to kill Alfonso."

"What?" You voiced out. 

He doesn't answer, pulling something out of his vest, he holds it out for you to see —- a golden bracelet identical to the one you had just given him, with one significant difference; a small butterfly charm, his had been a cute little chameleon.

"I'm gonna kill Alfonso." You said trying not to grit your teeth. "He said that he doesn't make replicas!" You swooped the bracelet from his hand, holding it close as you squinted, examining the intricate patterns engraved on it - exactly the same! 

I don't make replicas, that would make me feel like an uncreative hack. His voice rang in your head. Clearly, Alfonso was a liar as he was beautiful. 

"Wait – is, is this for the necklace that I lost?"

"Yup." He said. "Alfonso convinced me that it would be better if it was a bracelet instead." Carlos let out something between a sigh and a laugh. "-- never know what that guy is planning." 

He turned to you and plucked the bracelet out of your hand, before gently placing it around your wrist. Carlos smiled, taking your hand once again, interlacing your fingers with his, giving it a squeeze. "Oh, whatever came over you to give little ol' me a gift?" He grinned.

You don't answer as you glanced down, soaking in the now matching bracelets you wore. Great. You felt heat rise to your cheeks. If anyone saw, who knows what people might think, why were the villagers of Encanto so nosy. 

"I guess this settles it." 

"-- settles what?" You asked.

"You're mine." Carlos said simply, no hesitation. "And —- I'm yours." 

You blinked. "I, you-" You stuttered, having a hard time looking him in the eye. "Stop with the flirting! You know that your sister can hear you! Do you have no shame?" 

"Has anyone told you how cute you look when you're flustered?" Carlos merely said with a  grin. Oh, so he was enjoying your suffering.

"Has anyone told you how punchable your face is?" You glared. 

He laughed, his free hand reaching up to gently cup your cheek. "You have." He chuckled, saying your name softly. "Only you." 

You sighed. "I will punch you so hard, so help me God."

He let out a chuckle. "You have the strangest way of saying 'I love you', you know that?"

You smiled, a little forced. "Oh I'll show you strange when I kick your–"

"Carlos!" 

The shapeshifter in front of you pulled away as the two of you turned, now facing Félix, who had a warm smile spread across his face, his gaze drifting over you as gave you a wave, saying your name in cheer. "I just knew I'd find you together!" The older man shouted. "Come on." He ushered the two of you, gesturing  to come forward. "The two of you are needed!" 

You held back a grimace. You had just gotten out of being swarmed body to body with people, and now you had to go back in.

You stopped, just by the side lines, along the line that seemed to crowd the family, Carlos and Felix went forward entering the circle. The shapeshifter came into an abrupt halt, looking over his shoulder, he gave you a look, as if he was confused why you weren't diving in head first to join what was clearly a family picture. 

He smiled and reached out a hand, which quickly garnered the attention of not just his family, but the people around all of you. 

You shook your head, feeling their eyes. 

Carlos' arm lowered, and just when you thought he had given up, his gaze moved toward his family, a grin spearing to his lips, he exchanged a knowing look towards Mirabel, who nodded returning the mischievous smile, she quickly looked down towards the youngest Madrigal, and muttered something, causing Antonio to smile. 

– and suddenly Mirabel and Antonio are running towards you, beaming with excited smiles. Before you could even turn around and try to run away , hands grab yours, Antonio wrapped his hands around your arm, cheerfully calling out your name as he tugged you forward, to your other side, Mirabel does the same. 

"Come on!" Mirabel said. "No need to be shy!"

"Uh, my shyness isn't the issue here." You mumbled – you were getting dragged now, you passed Carlos, giving a 'please help me' look, while he merely watched the scene, clearly holding back a laugh.

"It'll be fun!" Antonio exclaimed, and finally, you were staring eye to eye with the Madrigal Family. The hands that had been wrapped around you quickly let go, Mirabel and Antonio stepping away. 

You smiled at them, struggling with what to say, your eyes watched as Pepa stepped closer towards you, placing a hand on your shoulder, flashing you a warm smile. "Don't be nervous, dear." She said. "You look wonderful." 

That wasn't the issue either!

"I, I don't think I should be here." You managed to say, voice barely above a whisper.  "I mean, Isn't this a family picture?" 

"Of course it is." She chuckled softly. Pepa reached out holding your hands for a moment. "Thank you for making my son happy." She whispered, gently letting go, giving you another smile before heading towards the center, checking up on Dolores.

You looked back up, trying to ignore the eyes of the crowd. You could never understand how the Madrigals were so used to the attention, if this was your every day, you would have died long ago.  You glanced up ahead as Señor Nicholas adjusted the camera, beside him, a familiar face greeting you. 

Your eyes widened, quickly turning into a glare, your gazes met, as you lifted your arm up and pointed to your wrist. 

Alfonso raised an eyebrow, before his lips twisted into a smile as he gave you a half heart shrug, promptly turning towards the older man beside him, muttering something you couldn't hear. 

You chewed at the inside of your cheek, biting back a scream. Now, there were two guys you were going to punch some sense into, and speaking of the other, from the corner of your eye you saw Carlos step beside you. 

"If I knew mending your relationship with Mirabel would cause her to turn on me – then I wouldn't have made you do it." You muttered, of course that wasn't true, but hey, you were allowed to exaggerate.

Carlos shook his head, clearly not believing a word you just said. 

"Alright!" Señor Nicholas shouted. "It's ready —- everyone, compress!" 

The family huddled together, as they engaged in joyful chatter. Your fingers gripped at the fabric of your dress, nervousness flooding through your nerves – you were unsure of why everyone seemed to be so okay with you being here with them, everyone except you. 

A hand reached out towards you, carefully pulling your fingers away from the fabric. You glanced up, your eyes meeting, as he flashed you a reassuring smile.

"Relax, I'll give you a free pass to hit me later." Carlos laughed and gave your hand a squeeze, slowly letting go, he tilted his head slightly  and pointed to the side — you followed, eyes widening, as you found your parents staring back at you.

Your mother had a confused look, before melting to a smile, and your father, nursing a drink in his hand, merely gave you a thumbs up, mouthing the words "way to go" or at least that's what you think he said. 

You laughed, feeling as if a weight had been lifted off your shoulders, and unbeknownst to you, Carlos' smile brightened. 

"Smile!" 

– and you did. 

With a click, it was over. The crowd seemed to lessen, dispersing bit by bit. You breathed in a sigh, and stepped away, watching as more pictures were taken, Dolores with Mariano, then with her parents, then her direct family, so on and so forth,  needles to say, there was a lot of flashing.

You waited till it was over, wanting to talk to Mirabel, and of course, grab something to eat. "There!" Nicholas shouted, finally seeming to be finished with the onslaught  of pictures. 

You hear someone call out your name – looking to the side you see Mirabel, you raise your hand to the sky and wave, trying to get her attention. 

Mirabel stopped, eyes lighting up as she spotted you, quickly ran up towards you, but before you could even ask why — she's already dragging you to the front once again. "Last one, I promise!" You weren't sure who she said that to, either it was you or Señor Nicholas. 

Mirabel's smile faded slightly as she looked at you, or well rather, behind you. "No fair, Carlos!" She said, "This is just for the both of us —- you're not included!" 

You feel an arm wrap around your shoulder, pulling you close. "Too bad, cause I ain't leaving." 

Mirabel groaned, she grabbed your hand and pulled you to her side, suddenly it feels like you're in some sort of tug of war. The two cousins share a glare, before turning towards the camera. 

"Uh." Nicholas said. "Should I take it now?" 

The two teenagers nodded. 

Senor Nicholas looked at the scene in front of him, as if trying to process the situation, ultimately he shrugged. "Alright then."

You sighed, still you couldn't help but smile, this might not have been your world, but bit by bit it was starting to feel like home. 

"Cheese!"

–

"I'm gonna vomit." 

"I told you not to eat so much." 

"You say that as if you didn't eat twice what I did." 

 "Hm, do you want to rest in my room for a bit?" 

You eyed him for a moment, then shrugged. "I guess that beats standing out here." You said. "You better not just randomly take off your shirt again though."

"Oh my." Carlos hummed. "Was that a suggestion?" 

"Hijueputa. Just try it, bud." You glared, and pointed towards his vest. "Red is an easy target."

He chuckled. 

–

You entered the room, as it laid dimly lit as usual. You made a b-line towards the bed, and sat down, finally you could rest your weary legs. 

"Glad to know you aren't punching mirrors anymore." 

"Glad to know you're not threatening to hit me every ten minutes." – it was now like every hour, character development right there. 

"Eh, you deserved it."

Carlos sat beside you, mattress dipping, as he shrugged. "I usually do." He admitted with a chuckle. 

You turned to him, and smiled but it faltered as your eyes caught a glimpse of a picture of yourself, the other you that is. "D-Do," You began, a mixture of different emotions overcoming the peace you had felt. "Are you really okay? With me —- here. I'm not the person you knew, I'm her, but I'm not?" It was hard to explain. 

His face twisted. "Would you rather I wasn't?"

"No." You were quick to say, almost shouting. "I just, I'm glad, I'm glad that you believed me, I really am. It's just - you accepted what I told you so easily, you accepted me so easily." You muttered, trying to stop the slurry of words that came from your lips.  

". . . Why?"

"Because," He closed the space between you, staring into your eyes. "-- I love you." 

The air in your lungs seemed to disappear, you stared at him, unsure how long it was before you even moved, pulling away from him as if you had been burned.

"I, no, you - That can't - I, I think you're just confused. You must love this world's version of me, not. . . not me."

Carlos looked at you, eyes drifting down, slowly, gently, as if afraid you would disappear, he takes your hand, bringing it towards his face, pressing his cheek softly against the palm of your hand, eyes so soft yet so full of determination. "I love you, from this world or not." 

Tears cascaded down your face, you quickly looked away from him, trying to shake away all these thoughts that swirled inside your mind, all these feelings that overwhelmed you. You feel yourself getting pulled into a hug, you don't fight it, unable to stop the tears –  he hugs you tighter, pressing a soft kiss on your temple as he hears your choked sobs. "I'm here." He reassured. "Always." 

The two of you stayed tangled in each other's arms one more time, until you finally pulled away. 

You take a deep, shaky breath, before looking back at him, a smile breaking its way to your lips. ". . .You make this so hard, you know?" You laughed sheepishly. "It was easier just hating you." 

"I'm glad to hear it." Carlos said. "I hope it stays like that." 

You shake your head, opening your mouth to reply, but it's interrupted by the sound of a loud - bang! 

You almost jump in surprise. 

"The fireworks started." Carlos said, standing up, he extended his hand towards you. "Wanna watch it with me?" 

You looked up at him and back towards his hand, hesitating for a moment before taking it, he helped you to your feet and led you to his room's balcony, the cold night air hit you, making you feel more awake. 

You gripped the railing, gazing up as another burst of color filled the sky. You smiled, watching and waiting for more, feeling a bit more at peace with yourself. Another explosion of color, a big one, with excitement you turned to your companion but stopped as you realized that his eyes were  already on you. 

You blinked, a bit embarrassed. 

Carlo stepped forward, wrapping an arm around your waist as he pulled you close. He leaned down, the back of his fingers brushing along your cheek, sending a shiver down your spine. 

You stared at him, heart hammering inside your chest, rendering all the loud cheers of the people and sounds of fireworks deaf to your ears. With a gulp you swallowed the saliva that pooled in your mouth, gingerly, you lifted your hand and ran your fingers through his hair, pushing back some strands that always seemed to cover his face. 

Your hand settled at the back of his neck, unsure of what you were even doing. There's thoughts in your head, telling you this was a bad idea. 

You watched as he leans in, and suddenly, your lips are on him. 

Carlos is gentle, his lips are soft against yours. His hand gripped at your waist, pulling you closer, your body pressing against his. You tip your head to the side, the kiss deepening —- everything else falls away, in that moment all that matters was the two of you. 

Both of you pull away, out of breath. 

Your face is red, body feeling as if it was on fire.

You looked up to the sky, trying to look for some sort of distraction, anything, but the fireworks had already ended.

"I," You began as your voice cracked. Hesitantly you glanced back at him. "I need to get something." You take a step back but stop as you notice the way his face fell. "I-I'll be back." You reassured him. "I just. . . need some time to process what happened." 

Carlos smiled. "I understand." 

You nodded and turned to leave, but was halted when you heard him call out your name, causing you to look over your shoulder. 

"I don't regret it."

You smiled. "Me too." 

– you left.

You stepped out of Carlos' room, taking a few steps before your heart sank, the realization slowly dawning on you.

No one was here.

Everyone had disappeared.

Your eyes flitted across Casita - when you turned towards the door you had just come from, hoping to call out towards Carlos, it was closed, the familiar bright glow that always surrounded the doors - gone. 

"Anyone!" You shouted, frantically looking around. "Please!" Everything, the walls, the floors, it was all gray, no color, no life. You looked down, the stairs that connected the first and second floor were  there, but at the end of it was only darkness, nothing but a black abyss. 

"C-can anyone hear me?" You exclaimed. "Please, help me!" 

You feel something behind you, quickly turning around, there was a door —- with a warm bright glow, a blank slate, nothing etched across it. 

You reached out a hand, but stopped, looking around.

All the other doors had disappeared, the only one that remained was the one right in front of you.

What do you do? 

_________

5.4K+ words, omfg, longest chapter I've ever written.

-- anyways hii, hope you guys enjoyed this chapter!

I'm sorry to leave at such a  cliffhanger -- the ending will be published as soon as possible!

Thank you so much for all the support and the waiting!♡
 

I really hope I don't disappoint
any of you.