Work Text:
Although Mirabel knew the meaning of her name, she never thought of it as wonderful. She might have when she was a little kid, or not – the girl couldn’t really remember. Since then, however, it had vastly different connotations.
“Mirabel!”
The sharp notes in Abuela’s tone always meant trouble. The long, low notes indicated that her granddaughter did something wrong.
“Ugh, Mirabel!”
Isabela sighed and rolled her eyes whenever her sister would go in her way, even if she didn’t do it intentionally.
“Mirabel!”
Luisa shouted her name in a hurry before pushing the girl from harm’s way. Instead of associating it with being saved, however, Mirabel would always think of danger.
“Ay, Mirabel.”
Her mother said it with impatience whenever her daughter failed to grasp something important that should have been obvious from the start.
“Hey, Miraboo!”
Even her father knew that, if he wanted to cheer his girl up, he had to use a distorted, made-up pet name.
“Mirabel…”
One tone stood out from the others. She first heard it in appreciation for doing a favor she wasn’t asked to do. Now, it was often said as a welcome when she entered the room. Mirabel couldn’t pin-point the exact reason, but whatever that was, hearing her name from his lips made her feel wanted and appreciated.
With equal warmth and love, she said back,
“Tio Bruno…”
Her Tio gave her the same surprised but pleased look that she was giving him right now.
Maybe her name wasn’t so bad after all?