Chapter Text
“Oh.” She said as Bruno’s recollection of the story came to a close. “Thanks, casita.” She gently patted the floor then turned to place her hand on Bruno’s arm. “Thank you, tío Bruno.” He went to speak before he was almost knocked to the floor. Mirabel had practically tackled him into another hug. “Thank you for being there.” She whispered to him hugging him just that much tighter.
He felt his stomach twist and turn like a million butterflies fluttered around. It had been so long since he had been treated like this. So long since he had been hugged like this.
It was nice…
It was too much.
He felt tears begin to form in his eyes. He had missed this. He missed being loved.
Then the moment ended.
Mirabel pulled away from the hug.
“So, what happens now?” She asked.
“What do you mean?”
“So what? You just go back to living inside the walls and I pretend that I have no clue you exist?” An unsure silence falls upon the duo. Mirabel waits for an answer, an answer that Bruno isn’t sure of.
“I don’t know.” He admits. “I guess? You can always come and visit if you need.”
“Why don’t you just come back?” Mirabel suggests.
“I…” Bruno thinks. Could he come back? Could he re-join his family? Would they accept him? Welcome him back with open arms? Or would they push him out again?
“No.” He said sternly. That was not the answer Mirabel had been hoping for.
“What? Why?”
“My gift doesn’t help the family.” He spoke with authority. “But, I uh, I love my family. You know. It’s better for them - for you - that I stay at a distance.”
With that Bruno stood up walking towards the door.
“Tío Bruno?”
He looked over his shoulder to see Mirabel staring at him. She looked so scared. So desperate.
“I’m sorry, Mirabel. But this is what’s best.”
He continued out the door back towards the painting that hid the entrance to the place he now called home. He heard as his niece called out to him each time desperation laced thicker and thicker.
He needed to disappear again.
For them.
For her.