Chapter Text
Not once in the past two years of living in the land of the dead had Hector been called to the family service office, at least not since he had died. He could only wonder to what they wanted, maybe they had finally decided to let him cross the marigold bridge? Perhaps they had found a loophole. Maybe someone had finally put his photo up!
His bare skeletal feet moved to a quicker pace, excited now at the idea of good news. If he could cross over on the day of the dead then he could see his baby girl.
Coco would be about six years old now, maybe a little taller with longer hair put into those lindas trenzas that Imelda crafted so perfectly. Hector stopped suddenly, his non existent heart clenching with sorrow and longing. It hurt to think about the wife and child he had lost. A shaky sigh later and he continued on his way.
One foot into the building and he was waved down by a tipo looking woman, no doubt an employee.
"Mr. Rivera, thank you for coming so quickly. "
She shook his hand ( bone to bone was still so weird for him).
"So what's the ocasion? Finally decided to let me cross over? "He asked hopefully, glancing around the building. It wasn't as busy as on dia de los muertos. Just a few people here and there, some getting reunited with their family. Hector looked away, ignoring the jealousy he felt.
"Lo siento Mr. Rivera.. but that's not the reason you're here today. You see.."
She let out a sigh and brushed her hair back, looking at him with pity now.
"It's not often we get such young ones these days..maybe a few decadas ago but now? No tanto..If you just fill this out, we can bring her out here and you can be on your way." A few papers were handed to him along with a pen.
Her? What was this woman talking about? He filled out the papers that were mostly agreements and a pamphlet for family counceling. "Can you explain what's going on? No entiendo." Handing her the papers and then crossing his arms over his chest, impatiently.
"Oh! They're bringing her now." her eyes looking past him at something.
"Who!?" Hector turned with a huff and every bit of annoyance left him when he spotted the 'who' that she had been speaking of. A small (tan pequena ..) child in the arms of an officer. It was a little girl with big brown eyes and long black hair, braided perfectly..
No..
No no no no no.
It couldn't be.
"..Coco?"