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It was another disconcerting, sunny day in Encanto. Disconcerting, because everyone in the village was engulfed by a firmly snuggled blanket of guilt and shame. The truth brought to light contradictions that once, hadn’t seemed possible; perhaps it was also the first truth to have been told in... forever, probably, if Charise had to guess. She frowned deeper, she still hadn’t recovered from the self hatred her discovery christened her with. Jaime had to sooth her to sleep with reassurances nowadays; she just felt so horrible about it all...
What she’d contributed to...it was like imprisoning an innocent person! Actually, that’s exactly what they’d done- however, this imprisonment came in the form of self-entombment but their influence was all the same. The location Senor Madrigal buried his half-dead body? The walls of his own home.
Did that count as an attempt on his life? Charise thought so. How could he truly expect to live in there? Somehow, he managed it and for that, she and the villagers were forever grateful.
Sighing, she continued to crochet an impromptu gift for her daughter. She’d been making a lot of those lately, as well as ordering her more dolls and dresses; it was mindless and distracted her... kept her mind away from disturbing thoughts.
The present, was an accessory, one she could easily slide on and around the ‘traditional farmer’s’ shape of her hat. It was yellow and adorned with a half finished daffodil. The hat was really Jaime’s- but he let their bubbly, rough-housing, daughter wear it sometimes. “One day, you’ll be the head farmer around here, my love!” he had told her; Cecilia had been so happy; even still, so much so, that she refuses to take it off some days.
Speaking of-
Cecilia walked into the quaint living space, hat in place and doll in hand. She rocked on her heels for a moment, before leaning back; against the exposed brick of the wall; gently, she asked:
“Mamá...? Does tío Bruno live here now?”
Charise limply dropped the knitting needles into the plush cover atop her lap. Then, those pale hands too, fell into the yarn; the soft feel on her fingertips, soothed her nerves- but only prolonged her answer. She swallowed nervously.
Why had she been expecting this?
“Urm... no, mija- he’s staying here while casa Madrigal is being rebuilt, remember?”
“I know... I was just thinking...” she started swinging on the balls of her feet again. A plotting tone was laced between each word; Charise couldn’t hold back the inevitable smile.
“About...?”
“Well... I think he’s fun.”
That was true, ‘tío Bruno’ had adapted to his assigned role perfectly- but Charise could tell there was something else bothering her Cecilia. She urged her to go on.
“If he leaves, he might forget me...” She sighed. Eyes at her feet and braids crowding her face. She was telling the truth; the solemn tone of her voice already gave that away.
Oh no-
“-isn’t he 40? 50? He’s old, right?”
Charise didn’t respond, too lost in her own mind.
Her father was ill. A sickness, even Julieta Madrigal couldn’t remedy. Cecilia’s abuelo had forgotten everybody but Charise. Sometimes he said Cecilia’s name but it wasn’t enough for her little girl. Her father used to babysit her àngel, make her dolls and write her letters; now he only sat in bed and ate soup as Charise would cycle through the same boring anecdotes again and again.
She set her project on the table for later and beckoned her daughter to come closer. Once she was within reach, Charise’s soft and ever-so-motherly arms, picked her up and cuddled her hat-clad babe into her lap.
“... mija- even when he leaves, you’ll still see him. He’s a Madrigal!”
“I know- but- but...”
Enough cat and mouse- or rather, rat. Charise grinned.
“You want to keep that rat, don’t you?”
She felt Cecilia turn into stone- her wide eyes that tried to remain inconspicuous, were too cute- but Charise refrained from giggling as Cecilia grabbed one of her braids and played dumb.
“The- the what?”
“I know, mija. I do clean your room when you’re out, you know?”
“Oh...” Cecilia blinked. Really, that made sense. She always wondered how her bed managed to become magically made after a day of playing with Juancho and Alejandra-
Urgh! That got so confusing now! Why did her little rat have to have the same name as her best friend? And why did it suit her so much?
Human Alejandra loved it but Juancho had spat out his morning coffee to break into hysterics. Drinking coffee was pretty normal but Cecilia had never heard of a coffee addiction before Juancho, personally, she liked it just fine, mamá gave her some diluted caffeine before church sometimes. She couldn’t fathom liking it enough to ask adults who weren’t her parents for some, or enough to have an assigned mug at home but Juancho was nice, so it was okay.
“What’s its name?”
“Tío Bruno said she’s called Alejandra. I would’ve named her something else but I don’t mind... he said she’s two months old.”
“Aww... a bebé! Just like my bebé!” Charise cooed, then smothered her daughter with kisses and raspberries. Cecilia giggled and squealed, dropping her hat and curly haired doll.
If it were any other man who’d came into her home and bestowed her precious girl with a rat, she’d be outraged. Rats were infectious creatures, overgrown mice, downright dirty animals- that’s what she’d always been told, however during Bruno Madrigal’s short stay in her home, she’d seen the exceptions to each of those statements: Bruno was malnourished, yes, the poor thing... his skin was ashen and his eyes were dull and purple rimmed... he shook when he was stationary and he didn’t look people in the eyes- but he bared no bite marks, no rashes, no claw-like imprints- sadly, all his injuries looked to be self inflicted, she’d even seen his pets trying to lick his bruises better. Yes, physically they were large and because of that, scary- but they weren’t dirty, she hadn’t found any new messes in her home or even any rat waste! Apparently, rats were very clean and liked to groom themselves and each other regularly, also, they liked to keep their... excrement in a designated place.
So, Charise gave an answer she never thought she would:
“For the time being, you can play with her. But those rats belong to Bruno, mija.” She booped her nose for emphasis, “understand?”
“I know... thank you, mamí.”
.
.
Meanwhile, in the room above the living area, underneath the leftmost bedside table, the majority of a rat colony lived. The day had long since begun for them too, it had started once their leader awoke, their instinctual, internal clock telling them when he was on the move. After his trembling feet touched the wooden floor, he stretched his body and grunted a greeting, they watched from below, awed by his presence alone. Some had attached themselves to his feet as he walked into the bathroom to change into his usual clothes, others though, had to snap into action.
They immediately resumed in their activities from yesterday, if their chances of survival were to remain high.
The wants they all had were simple:
Grow the colony,
Keep the colony hidden,
Feed the colony.
And putting on plays when mamá Bruno said, obviously.
Easy.
So, tunnelling started up again, couples paired up and hunter-gatherers dispersed, returning with bounties to hoard.
But one rat, was thinking too differently.
The one in question, yawned towards the sky, after spending another night alone... well, she still couldn't say she slept much at all...
If things were normal, they would’ve all been sleeping on mamá Bruno. Abruptly; things had changed: green, glowing shards were suddenly in their possession but no amount of preparation could’ve saved them from the loss of their nest. They did everything they should’ve done: populate, hide, eat, play- but things still went wrong?
How? Everything should’ve been okay.
Their house had fallen and now they were here- however, the people who used to live just outside their nest, the people who they intended on hiding the colony from, were suddenly all around, hugging mamí and sleeping beside him.
They longed to nestle under his loving hands and snuggle close; against his furry face- but only some were bold enough to brave the new environment. Others, found refuge in small hideaways throughout the room.
In one safe space, a female rat shook off a yawn.
“Morning, mam!” Alejandra beamed, running down the makeshift ‘stairs' as she did, they were actually a crooked bookend, compressed by weight and pushed to the very back of the small bookshelf the two now called ‘home', said bookend also led up to her new ‘room’: two novellas, haphazardly stacked on top of the ‘steps’. Her mother stood beside a copy of ‘The Tunnel’ by Ernesto Sabato, organising a pile of cotton pads and blueberries before she acknowledged her youngest child.
“Buenos días, Alejandra! Your brothers just left, they’re working on the tunnels for the colony today, are you helping them?”
The small rat twirled her tail in her hands. Biting her lip in embarrassment at her answer.
“Urmmm... maybe... we’ll see...” We’ll see, meaning: definitely not. She really didn’t want to dig a tunnel, or look for food, or make babies! She had everything she needed right here, what was the point of getting more?
So why did it feel so wrong to say no?
Her mother frowned. Disappointed in her. That was why; she never acted like a rat and that was just freakish. Even Maria acted like a rat... despite how much she also didn’t.
Despite the way she felt, Alejandra didn’t want to be ostracised like her.
“- just wanted to urm... take a look around! Familiarise myself with this place!”
“Don’t get too familiar, Alejandra. Mamá will have our old home back in no time- these tunnels are just for protection, no need to scout out a nice location-"
“I know but erm-"
“If you insist on talking to the humans, be careful! Not all of them are half rat like mamá, okay?”
Compared to most rats, they didn’t even know how comfortable they were around humans. But the unfamiliar faces were still enough to shake their world.
“Okay...” Alejandra huffed. Frustrated at her mother’s lack of understanding and approval.
Just as she was about to slide in-between the two books that mimicked a hallway and brace for the outside world, her mother called for her-
“Also!”
Rather urgently but not worryingly so. Alejandra couldn’t help but feel important in that moment. Being the only girl in her family for many generations, she was never sought out- if this were a regular colony, she most definitely would have been- but theirs had become too human; thus, females weren’t as regarded, despite the overwhelming population of them.
“Yep?” she asked, with a small smile gracing her face.
“If you see our Fernando, ask him how Maria is? She’s old, you know... and people have said she’s been a bit... off lately. This is the first time your brother has fathered kids so, if worst comes to worst we have to be there for him. No playing games, just family business. Sí?”
Alejandra's ‘shoulders’ dropped. Fernando and Maria. Of course, it was about them.
Maria. To think she’d soon be a sister-in-law to her... Alejandra shook her head at the thought; Maria was so weird! Unconventional and- and mean! Why couldn’t her stupid brother just bother to be normal and partner up with Sofia, Valeria or heck- Valentina! Everyone else in their colony had!
She sighed.
“... sí, mamí. Bye.”
“Bye, amor, come back soon!”
The white rat with black and brindle patches, quickly scurried down the book case; she sniffed at the air automatically before wetting her hands and combing through her hair. She bounced away from others who looked like they wanted to scold her, until she was out of the room.
Feeling confident, she took a moment to look around, almost mimicking how someone would look both ways before crossing the street, except this street: was a small and undistinguished passage, with one door ahead of her and another, two or three strides away from it. That was her destination.
Suddenly- the door ahead of her blasted open and out stepped: a human man, one she’d only just seen the face of: it was Cecilia’s father, handsome by human standards but terrifyingly different to Alejandra. He was holding some coins and counting them with his thumb; a bag was slung over his body, wrinkling the white shirt he wore over his broad but understated shoulders. Just as he was about to suavely pocket his change- he jumped. They made direct eye contact for too long.
He sighed, almost at ease.
“Dios- oh sí, you live here now... in my house...” Jaime grumbled although there was no resentment in his voice.
“You just scared me... mierda...” cursing, he continued on adjusting his bag; then called out to his wife as he descended the stairs: “Charise? What would you like getting for dinner, mi amor?”
Her reply was white noise to the rat, who had then moved to clutch her chest. Breath hurried as her brain replayed what just happened, again and again- until it exhausted her.
Alejandra’s heart was in her throat.
It took a few seconds for her to stop and scowl at herself- why am I scared?! She shouldn’t act like a fool! Proving her mother ‘right’ about humans! Even though, if she were to be honest... Alejandra was deeply scared of them. Only a select few she liked. Mamá, that little boy who could speak to them and... now Cecilia... so... actually just three.
Whatever.
Cecilia’s room was decorated with pale yellow walls, a pink skirting board and a floor constructed from smooth, oak planks. White furniture made the bright room look more so, there was a desk a touch away from a large but modest window, then to the left of that, was her bed, with its canopy appearance created by white organza curtains, it looked like a bed for a princess. Although, it was clearly DIY-ed, her parents probably transformed it, her father making additional pillars specially, if Alejandra was to guess.
But Cecilia wasn’t here. Alejandra smelled the air... She’d be here soon.
So, she ran to the pile of toys at the foot of the bed. Most of them were dolls, ones that were tailor made from the market, or by her mamí. The rodent looked on, jealous at one doll's purple gown with gold trimmings, it perfectly suited the fake pearls that sat atop her black skin, and amazingly detailed, small, twinkling eyes-
Snap-
Body going stiff and heavy, animal instincts once again started kicking in. She was frozen, ears upright and tail flat to the ground. Carefully she looked around, cautious footsteps pulled her in the direction of the noise... finally smelling the air- she quirked an eyebrow at her results and just like that-
A white rat appeared from the box of doll clothes on the desk, bundles of fabric spilling out all around him. Pieces stuck in his mouth. Pink ears, a tail and distinctive beige patches atop white fur, all flew out of the box, she could only see his back but she knew if he turned, she’d see the awfully familiar sloped snout of her brother.
“Fernando!? Wh- what are you doing here?”
Her oldest brother. Two years old and finally baring his first litter. The black sheep of the family... Alejandra felt like she was right behind him in that regard.
“Fabric.” He explained. Holding up a piece of torn off bedsheet before continuing to rummage. Alejandra was about to peep in confusion; then she realised what he meant: fabric. Fabric for a nest. Maria’s nest.
Oh, brother... literally.
The younger rat was restless, rocking on her feet; ringing her hands together anxiously. And as though in pain, she forced out the words:
“... Mam asked how, urm... Maria is?”
“Better today.” He replied, in his usual, Fernando-flavour of optimistic glee, or stupidity, as most called it. But then, he looked at her, right in the eyes, for what felt like the first time in years. Like he was hit in the muzzle with the possibility (or realisation) that her tone might’ve been uncaring.
“What’s with the face...?” his own was scrunched up, nasally voice sceptical and his bristled fur was a dead indicator that he’d be ready to defend Maria’s honour.
“Nothing!” Alejandra waved her hands in ‘surrender’.
She didn’t want to fight right now. Actually, she could stand to- she just really didn’t want to talk about Maria more than she had to... but if it were anything else, during any other time...
See, her brother was pathetic, agility wise... and in general too. She was confident in her ability to overpower him, if he were to tackle her- not that he’d get that far anyway. It was quite sad really.
That’s why he’d never had a mate before. He was pretty small, meek and awkward. Valentina had terrible genetics too but her shining personality and beautifully groomed fur was enough to convince men otherwise.
Also, because he’d spent too long courting Maria. A rat should only be courting for a day! If that!
“She’ll appreciate you asking, thank you.” He said to his collection of linen and silk. Calmer than before but still visibly on edge.
“Well, I wasn’t the one who wanted to know but- whatever...” Alejandra whispered. She didn’t know why she did, she just felt so... miffed... so stuck- so many things. But as soon as she said it, she felt her skin grow a cold sheen of nervous sweat.
A silence that quickly became tense flittered into the room. Fernando looked at her again. Mouth pulled into a frown and eyes...
His eyes were steely and mad... but there was something else there that made Alejandra’s jaw clench. There was sadness, resentment but... disappointment? Like... he expected more support from her?
Worst thing was, she knew exactly why he felt that way.
They were both odd, they both felt cast out. Fernando still kept his happy disposition however, and that just made it easier to hate him. She loved him but there was just so many differences along with their similarities; it made it hard to even think about.
There were thousands of facets to what she felt, she couldn’t begin to properly think through them all.
But she knew her rejecting him, most definitely felt like the worst offence, far more egregious than any other he’d experienced. Alejandra felt weighed down by instant regret and guilt.
But she’d been mean before...
Maria hadn’t been sick then though.
Oh no. She forgot- but you just asked him how she was!? She chided herself.
This was why she was equally just as stupid, despite appearances- but even then, she was dumb, she forgot to think about how her brother’s mate was presumably ill! And had been for a while now, it seemed. She should’ve remembered to not be so rude.
I just found out though! Wait, was she already so disconnected from the mischief, that she wasn’t included in gossip or news? No...
“Hmph, well, I’ve got all I need. See ya, hermana.”
Watching him turn and proceed to walk away with fabric trailing and detaching from behind him, made her feel like she could cry. She wasn’t a bad rat, no! I can’t be! Technically or evolutionarily, she was... but she was a good person! If that made any sense.
Quickly, she ran and grabbed his arm with accidental force, knocking the wind out of his sails.
“Fernando- wait! Come on! I haven’t properly seen you in forever!”
“I’ll hang out with you more later, mi bebés are due, okay?”
“I- I know that but-"
“Alejandra!”
Loud, earth-shattering steps resounded; with each bang, they drew closer and closer. Fernando twitched out of her grip, holding onto his ball of material like a rat possessed.
“Oh crap! It’s the girl!”
He stumbled a bit, tripping over his tail, as per usual - before bolting to the jewellery box on the desk, sliding open a cardboard door and shuffling himself inside. Alejandra grunted.
“Her name is Cecilia!”
She looked at the mounds of fabric sticking out the half-closed door, frowning as her brother’s little pink hand, sporadically tugged and pulled at them with varying levels of success. She snatched a purple garment from the exposed pile, making him squeak from within the box.
“And that’s my dress!”
“Have it! Now shhh!”
“Come on, she’s nice!”
Fernando grumbled something to himself in frustration – then he said:
“That’s not why I’m hiding! Urg- Just distract her with your dress up game! I’m doing real work for the colony!”
“H-Hey! -"
Her voice cracked in offence. Pure black eyes were blown wide in equal distaste and above them, sat furrowed, twitching eyebrows-
“Here I am, Alejandra!” Cecilia cheered. Shaking the foundations of the house with her powerful steps. “I knew you’d be here!”
The rat smiled at the attention.
“I’m yelling because mamí knows! But she doesn’t mind us being friends, isn’t that fun?”
“Of course, mamí knows- oh, you mean your mamí-"
“I know! Isn’t it great?!” The girl continued, despite the language barrier. “Oh, I have the best idea! I’m going to draw a cute scene for you to play in! My dolls can join in when you’re dressed and ready!”
Cecilia grabbed her crayons and drawing pad, opening it to a random clean page. She proceeded to smooth her hands over it carefully and nodded to herself, happy at it’s lack of wrinkles. Then, as the beautiful chirping of birds permeated the Encanto, she sat at her desk. The braids she wore, swayed as she tucked herself in; she tossed the right one over her shoulder, stuck out her tongue and started to sketch.
Alejandra smiled up at her.
“I can’t wait to chew on the loose threads!”
Fernando was still in the box; inconspicuously, Alejandra tiptoed over to it and whispered into its thin wall:
“Just... urm... you are missing out, Fernando...” The rat stuttered, trying to think of what to say, “You should stay for a second... oh! You know, Cecilia saw a shooting star once! A shooting star!”
Guilty pins prickled her skin painfully during the silence that followed...
“I don’t even know what that is..." Fernando mumbled. His voice was clearly agitated, even through the cardboard barricade.
“Neither do I... but whatever it is, it shoots!”
“Hmm yeah... lovely...”
“... Why are you here, anyway?” Her brother asked.
It was her turn to go silent.
Everything had been so different lately...
And like the single-minded animal she was, she thought back to her mamá.
She missed him. She really, really missed him; part of her felt evil for being so drawn to Alejandra. But the girl bared so many similarities to the little boy who understood everything she said: the height, the big eyes, the high voice... unbeknownst to Alejandra, it was because they were both children. For the majority of her short life, she’d only known one human; she thought mamá Bruno’s height and physique, was the default for them all.
The little boy heard her... she supposed, maybe Cecilia could too? Maybe, she could explain why things had been so weird? That’d help them all.
Mamá was talking through tears to that wrinkled human the first night here, he was calling it 'mamá' too; talking about things Alejandra couldn’t even begin to understand. Why were they here and not home? Was ‘the walls' their nest? Couldn’t be, since mamá talked about it with such distress- sure, he got sad and sometimes he'd sit in his chair for days, mouth dry and eyes barely open- but that was their home! Where so many precious generations had lived and thrived. Why did he sound so sad talking about it? He had them! His family! These people weren’t his family. Okay so, he called them familial terms... but maybe that was just a human thing? Everyone knew their leader was different, they adapted to it.
Cecilia didn’t speak in a way she entirely understood either. So why did she still hang around her?
Black eyes zeroed in on the ‘set’ the little girl was meticulously colouring.
They were alike. Mamá Bruno always did call her a natural actor. Like a bebé who suddenly wanted its mamá, Alejandra felt an aching in her soul as the words: “Has... mamá come back yet?” left her:
“You’d know if he had. He’s still out.”
Like he could somehow see her sulk, Fernando carried on; in a louder voice:
“I know- but‐ but don’t worry, we’ll be back together soon enough!” A noise thumped from within the box, right beside her cheek.
“Just like Maria says: he’s only making sure our nest gets built faster. Any day now, we’ll be home again! You’ll have your climbing frame; Valentina will have her hole in the wall, me and mi Maria will get our lair back-” he drawled romantically.
“-and mamá Bruno’s chair will be there! Everything just as it was, I promise.”
She smiled.
“Really?”
“Of course.”
Gasp!
Cecilia heard a second squeaking alongside Alejandra’s; excitedly, she sprung up from her chair, hovered over her jewellery box and yanked open the closest draw. Fernando was cowering in the corner; his body just having been tossed around by the sheer strength of an intrigued child. Her friendly grin was wide and alien- downright terrifying and the dark shadow she cast over him did little to calm his nerves- then, she picked him up.
“AHH! Let me go! You- you- puny flesh sack!”
“Fern.” Alejandra crossed her arms and glowered.
Fernando barely had a chance to match that glower before he was suddenly twisted, twirled and spun around, it only stopped when he was perfectly angled below his captor.
“Alejandra! She looks just like you! Are you sisters?”
“She!?” his shrill voice cracked.
“He’s my big brother! But keep calling him a girl, it’s funny-"
“She can’t understand you, she’s a stranger! Why are you entertaining this?”
His sister huffed, then adverted her gaze.
“Alejandra! Your behaviour is a disgrace!” Fernando struggled to look back at her, wriggling and writhing in Cecilia’s grip, making his next statement all the more invalid, “I’m your elder!” he looked ridiculous, did he really think he could be authoritarian?
“Fernando, in the colony, you’re at the bottom of the importance ladder, surely you know that.” As she stared up at her brother, nails dug into her crossed arms. Maybe contributing to why her voice became so rough: “What do you even do, anyway?”
“I’m a father!”
“Yeah, just. What about before then?”
“Well- I- erm- I was a hunter-gather-"
“A terrible one, they called you: ‘El último recurso'-"
“I could ask you the same thing! Miss snappy! What are you doing? Hmm?”
"Just give her a chance! She’s nice.”
“It doesn’t matter if she’s nice or downright corrupt! I can’t stay!”
“Oh, this’ll be fun! Two princesses!” Cecilia laughed, “You even picked out your own dress too!”
“Huh?” Fernando rasped. Whilst turning his head this way and that to see what she meant- something ornate drifted into his peripheral: dangling off the end of his tail: was a pink, ruffled doll dress.
“Oh, mother of Bruno!”
What Alejandra didn’t realise, was that earlier that day, as she was scampering down the bookcase, her tail, attempting to keep her balance, swayed as she dismounted and a sheet of paper, blotted with tear stains... fell to the floor...
And in their society... notes directly from above were sacred.
Victoria, a tall and wiry, 3-month-old rat, separated herself from those who were burying food, to explore a smell that bothered her. It was new, just fluttered past her along with the unusual breeze, everyone else was unfazed; she took it upon herself to investigate.
Shortly there after, she found the oversized piece of paper.
...
..
.
She ran.
The paper fluttering wildly in her hands. Her impressive speed, made her look like she was one with the elements when she jumped and dodged obstacles. Then, the little blur ducked under the structure that now held her house, calling out breathlessly to her father as she continued to sprint.
“Pa! Pa!”
Andres' ears were pointed until the muffled panting was no more; the ‘door' flew open. His daughter stood before him: burnt beige fur with white spots on her belly and hands, much different from his greyish, black fur. His stout frame and squashed face, made him look like even more of a stranger beside his weed of a daughter: long torso and pale, an oval face and thin features.
She was holding a large piece of yellowing paper in her hands; it almost filled the room. His eyes went wide.
“I found a note!” She struggled to catch her breath. Victoria was growing into a fantastic fighter and food collector; this shouldn’t have winded her. It only proved how important these letters were. The rats who found them were respected; this was a special day! She’d surely have more boys hanging on her every word once this got out, Andres was sure of it.
“Maybe this’ll tell us why things have been so different lately!” She smiled crookedly.
“Great work, Victoria! Let me see, corazon.” Though neither of them could read, they still took in the scribbles with unending intrigue: sniffing it, touching it and tracing the ink marks with their tiny fingers.
“Have you told the colony?” Andres asked, still captivated by the smooth, cursive lines of the writing.
“Not yet- I, I didn’t think- I wasn’t sure-"
“I’ll do it for you, hermosa. But while I do, you take it to Maria, she’ll translate it for you.”
Victoria looked down at him timidly. Bluish black eyes big and unsure.
“Me? To- to Doña Maria? But she’s busy! Busy and pregnant! What if I upset her?”
Andres smiled. His daughter didn’t give herself enough credit. She was already so talented and agile! Strong and quick- but her personality was modest and anxious. Her height made this fact all the more endearing, she was such a gentle giant. He snuggled his face against hers reassuringly.
“Everyone upsets Maria. But we all have a job to do for the colony and this is hers, so go find her.”
...
After leaving her temporary home (a pile of forgotten clutter under the vanity) and carefully slipping under the bed, Victoria quickly sprang into action, running on all fours, the precious piece of parchment, tucked in her mouth all the while. She continued to scurry despite the distraction that was busy workers gawking at her: the strongest rats in their mischief, were all making slow but steady work on a new tunnel system, away from prying eyes. They would show mamá Bruno once he returned however, although he never managed to fit inside the tunnels, he was still the leader of the colony.
Unfortunately, this nest had hard walls, contrary to the soft and often times, wet foundations of their previous home. A small crater, was the only reward given to their hours of labour- but the colony was determined; they couldn’t fight their natural instincts, even if this was a temporary house, they still needed to keep safe, especially with all the new faces around.
Natural light hit her as soon as she breached the other side, her path was simple but Victoria stood as though she were lost, feeling so incredibly small beneath the monolithic bedside table. The height was no-biggy for a rat- but that, combined with who was held within the structure: only the most infamous rat their colony boasted, made her feel as though she were a human, or another species who lacked their superior abilities.
She would’ve scaled the table effortlessly if it weren’t for her nervous footing; eventually she made it onto the open shelf and even though it was presumably small, length and width wise, a dark shadow still managed to emanate from the back of the cupboard. Victoria brushed her hands down her pale stomach to alleviate her anxiousness. I’m gonna be okay, I’m gonna be okay.
Breathing lowly, the rat hardened her expression, then nodded to herself before facing the darkness and saying:
“Urm, Señora?” the crack in her voice echoed off of the walls, making her cringe.
“Yes? What do you want?”
The distinct voice spat.
“I- um, I have a writing for you to translate!”
...
“Okay, okay! One moment!”
From the darkness, emerged a hunched figure. Smaller than Victoria -which wasn’t a surprise- but a chill still ran through her. It was making her blood tingle in her veins, witnessing the form limp closer. As the light started to graze her features, angry eyes became visible, they were staring daggers into the floor. A paw held her stomach; her other lay flat in the air, like she was stabilising herself against an invisible surface- she did look weak: head down; feet dragging behind her limply. Victoria swallowed and stopped cradling her hands, concerned but still threatened.
“Good morning, is it?” Maria droned. Small talk or conversing in general, was never her strong suit.
“Urm- yes! Everyone is working hard, er- you’re looking healthy today!” Victoria stammered, ignoring the dullness in Maria’s eyes and the tell-tale sign of death in her sloppy stride, all to focus on the beautiful swell of her pregnant stomach.
“Thank you...” Maria pressed a paw to her temple. Her booming screech from moments ago, suddenly feeling like a distant memory when Victoria heard the meek mumble that suddenly replaced her always confident voice.
But she snapped herself out of it- the act itself, looked like it drained her of all her energy.
“Now! About that writing.”
Victoria nodded, alert. She fumbled with the paper and inched it closer to Maria; she ended up twitching awkwardly, her fingers fumbling, trying to figure out the best way to hand it to such a powerful rat.
Maria gave her a deadpan stare. A snarl flashed on her face for a split second.
“Well, give it here then! How do you expect me to read it if I can’t even see it?” She snapped.
“S-sorry- I just- urm, here’s a gift for you.”
Taking a moment to breathe and think, she passed Maria the note, as well as her offering of buttons and cheese crumbs. The smaller rat smiled; eyes half lidded in a: ‘that’s more like it!’ expression. She hobbled over to the dark shadow behind her and set the treats down; returned and began adjusting the paper: smoothing it out with her foot and making sure it was right-side up. She stood taller over the words once her pre-reading preparation was complete. With a perfectly pointed index finger, Maria followed the writing; nodded along with each word, then-
She slowed down, eyes jumping ahead then back- rereading sections, to make sure she’d got it right, until she came to a complete stop.
So still, she looked like she wasn’t even breathing.
Victoria was about to ask what was wrong, she thought Maria was in pain-
“Mamá... mamí is sick...”
The air felt so solid, it trapped them both, rendering them stiff.
“What...?”
“DEATHLY SICK!”
“Wh-WHAT!?”
All at once, Maria was hyperventilating, shaking and inexplicably paler. She mouthed the words written on the letter as Victoria looked on, helpless; Maria was getting more anxious with each passing second- but she didn’t know what to do, should she call for Fernando? For her daughters or son? Victoria knew that was the right thing to do but she stayed paralysed, watching the other rodent panic and fall to her knees.
“Mamá Bruno is ill! He- he- he’s, ‘he can’t be left alone’-” she quoted, “-he is... 'something, something- malnourished?’ But- but that can’t be good!”
Maria pushed herself up from the floor, stumbling and nearly tripping as she attempted to run-
“He’s alone right now! We need to take care of him! Where the hell is he?! I have to spread the word now!”
Victoria finally broke out of her stasis to grab Maria by the shoulders. She looked at her gently, knowing that if she overexerted herself, it could mean death.
“Wait! Doña Maria- I’ll do it, por favor!”
“Ay!” She escaped her grasp despite her frailness, a true testament to how good of a fighter she was “I am not weak! I’m the toughest rat this colony has bred, young lady!”
If her height made her tough, in this moment, Victoria definitely didn’t feel it; all she felt was herself shrinking, like a schoolchild being scolded. Maria’s voice was so strong and powerful but it was also cracking, the already volatile rat was now hysterical and that was scarier than anything.
“Oh- erm- of course- yes! But- er- that was a long time ago- not that that’s a bad thing! Er- just, well- you’re pregnant so-"
“I’m not sick! No matter what anyone says! I’m perfectly fi-"
With a groan, Maria abruptly collapsed again. Whilst holding her bloated stomach, she started to whine through gritted teeth.
“D-Doña Maria? Are you okay? Should I get someone to hel-"
“I’m fine...!” She hit her tiny fist into the ground- “I’m fine... just tell them... we need to leave this place... try and find him...”
However, the other rodent stayed; was pensively hovering over her and reaching out to help... Maria pushed herself to lean on her shaky arms; she used one of them to shoo her away, the air shook at the intensity, it was like she was swatting a fly.
“Get away from me! I’m capable, okay? I’ve been alive much longer than you have! I know what I’m doing, so just go! Go!”
Victoria was the spitting image of Snow White, backing up from the huntsman, (not that she knew what that meant) tripping and flailing and finally, unceremoniously tumbling to the floor, were she ran to tell everyone everything.
Bruno felt terrible listening to his family fight, he felt terrible for pretending to be asleep, he felt terrible being idiotic in front of Dolores, he felt terrible about how his mother was following him around like a dog.
She thought he was going to kill himself. Jump out that window and just splat!
He wasn’t doing that but it’d be a lie to say he hadn’t tried before, or wasn’t bouncing the idea around in his head right now.
And through it all, he had no rats to pet, no soothing licks to make him feel better. He carried on but it was in the back of his mind; he chastised himself for leaving them behind. He asked them to stay put today; he threw up on the Guzmán's floor last time and no matter how much it hurt to say, bringing them would’ve only made things difficult.
‘At least, there were the rats he loved so dearly. They had never judged him, he hoped, treating him like one of their own. He wished they were resting on his arms at that moment or nibbling his thumb with their clicking teeth. But he had told them to stay put around the house, not sure how the rest of the family would take to seeing rodents at breakfast.
Maria shouldn’t overexert herself, her being pregnant with her second litter and all. It wasn’t her real name, mind you. He couldn’t talk to animals like Antonio used to (the poor boy!) since Bruno wasn’t part of rat society. He just invented plays and assigned acting roles to the rats, taking in their preferences, and then named the characters they starred for.’
As he hugged his sister, he closed his eyes and tried to put himself in the here and now.
They were safe, they had food and water, they knew he loved them.
They’d be okay.
Bruno didn’t know how wrong he was; how his assumptions about his pets, actually spoke to all of the self loathing he held within his soul.
Because he was apart of the society, the names he’d christened them at birth, were what they went by. He had noticed changes in the colony from litter one! Over the years, the differences to a wild mischief only grew and it wasn’t long before the ‘dominant male’- that should’ve been there, vanished. He was the leader, he was that force they all looked up to, it was so obvious! But he lacked the faith to see himself as something even rats could aspire to be. He couldn’t fit the entire colony in his ruana; he’d tried and he would again if it were his only option; this time, he only brought some on his journey to the Guzmán's residence. After he changed that morning and mamá took him by the arm and led him out, he snuck some friends into his pockets; then, later told them to wait for him outside. He needed that support.
They were family.
He didn’t want Maria to tire herself so, he left her at Charise’s. Although soon, she’d be back in his possession, as fearless, protective and as pregnant as ever. He’d be confused as to how everyone suddenly appeared in his ruana -not to mention fit in it- when Casita was crumbling, he had to put some in his shirt! He didn't want a single rat to be lost.
So many questions he'd have for voices he couldn’t understand; that’s something he’d think about later...
Now, the rats were getting ready to make their trip and join the others at the Guzmán's.
All except two.
"You look so cute!"
Cecilia had fitted her two models in ball gowns in record time, Fernando was fighting at every turn but Cecilia was determined and mistook his getting away for anxiety, so she routinely stopped to kiss his head and pet him; this only made him more frustrated. If he were as brave or as confident as Maria, he would have bitten her by now. Alejandra attempted to spin in her purple dress, however she just ended up looking like a dog, trying to find a comfortable place to lay down; Cecilia clapped all the same.
Fernando stood still, fuming and itchy in his sparkly pink number, his last shred of sanity was spent thinking of ways he could rip the garment off of himself.
His sister had been making small talk whilst; he was growing more and more suspicious as to why she insisted he stayed, at first, he thought she wanted to laugh at him but she merely chuckled at his outfit. His sister was a hell spawn- his favourite kind! Albeit annoying, he squinted at her.
“What?” Alejandra pawed at her collar, self conscious under his gaze.
“This is really what you’ve been doing?” Fernando was sceptical, “Aren’t you uncomfortable?”
“I feel fine, thank you!” Alejandra snapped, crossing her arms.
Cecilia grinned down at them, just watching them squeak as she swung her legs in the air, cheeks squished against her fists. Fernando watched her blankly, observing as she slightly shifted away and explained how she'll dress some dolls now. She dug in a small wooden box, spilling over with tiny coat hangers and dresses.
“How do humans even wear clothes?" He scoffed, staring at the mounds of miniature clothing that now flooded the floor, "It’s awful!”
“You get used to it.” But soon after she backtracked- “I mean- I assume so...” her eyes drifted to the ceiling; tiny fingers gripped her tail and her body swung on concealed legs, embarrassed.
Fernando smiled at her.
But he'd been here long enough. If he left now, a scolding would be guaranteed; he'd taken so long- however, he already accepted this; at least Maria wasn't vomiting today, she woke up spry and angry, just like normal. He still worried though, so he best return now. He hoped Alejandra got whatever she'd wanted from... this.
“Well, I should be off now... tell your urm- 'friend', I said bye.”
Grunting at the tightness, Fernando pushed and pulled on the buttons of the dress, trying to be free from its confines; Alejandra intervened, taking his hands in hers-
“There’s no use doing that! She can’t understand me.”
“I’m sure she’ll piece things together- Alejandra, enough of... whatever this is, you’re acting... weird.”
“No, I’m not!”
Fernando kept an eye on Cecilia, not wanting to be interrupted or thwarted in his escape. The little girl was busy, braiding one doll's long, red, textured hair. She hummed an unknown melody, completely focused.
“Why are you keeping me here?” He whispered, just to be safe.
“Can't I spend time with you?” Alejandra did the opposite. Fusing her balled up paws to her sides, amidst the shouting.
“Of course! But not right now-"
“You always say that! That’s all anyone ever says to me!”
“That’s not true-"
“Don’t act like you know how it is to be me!”
Alejandra backed up, shaking her head violently as her breathing became unsteady.
“No one likes me! I’m not good at anything! I don’t even want a mate! I’m not even brave enough to tell you: I’m sorry!”
Her little head remained hunched and pointed to the floor, the silence that befell them became all the more apparent and thicker when Cecilia’s humming started back up again, oblivious to the tension between the two rats. Fernando’s expression softened. He had an idea to what she was apologising for... but it was still good to ask:
“Sorry for...?”
Sparkles from Alejandra's dress flew all around her in a furious flurry-
“ARrg! You’re so dense and stupid, Fernando!" She suddenly became much more animated: looking at him in the eyes, waving her arms around and pacing back and forth- but just as quickly as it begun, it stopped. Alejandra hugged herself close once more.
"I’m sorry for what I said about Maria, okay? I didn’t mean it...! I do things I don’t like sometimes. I acted dumb by keeping you here, I just- I don’t know, it’s been hard. But Maria needs you, I shouldn’t have done that.”
“Hey... it's okay, I’m on your side, alright?” their hands found each other again, “we’re family. Actually, family weirdos, we stick together.”
Alejandra’s cheeks tried to eat her smile- that’s what it looked like anyway. She ducked to conceal it but Fernando saw and smiled so bright it gleamed.
“You remind me so much of Maria, I hope mi bebés all turn out to be like you.”
A little gasp restricted her breath. She looked at her brother, unsure of how to react. But inside, her blood pumped and her mind raced. All that time she spent resenting Maria. It was just a mask... her true feelings were still entangled and confusing but Alejandra appreciated that statement. That compliment. Meekly, she nodded and accepted the hug Fernando gave her with thankful clumsiness. She wasn't sure were to rest her hands, so they just hovered awkwardly- but she didn’t want it to end.
“But rats do like you, I love you!" His voice was muffled by all the material on her shoulders.
“... I know but... all I really had was mamí and now...”
She looked to Cecilia, still brushing and accessorising her dolls' hair. Her tiny rodent eyes, bore an expression of longing, so striking and deep that immediately, Fernando understood why his sister stayed here so often.
'And now, I don’t even have him.'
But before he could reassure her-
“There you two are!”
They jumped apart. Miraculously, Cecilia was still distracted; her door creaked open to reveal: a brown, poised, athletic rat, infamous in his abilities and plentiful in popularity. He folded his arms and let his eyes trail up and down their forms.
“...I don’t even want to know what you’re doing...”
“Esteban?!” They proclaimed in unison.
Their unexpected guest was indeed him; he sighed and grunted in frustration; all before Cecilia noticed him, he yelled:
“Come on! We're leaving! Vic found a note, mamá’s dying!”
“WHAT!?”
Cecilia reached out as they ran, perplexed and worried-
"Hey- wait, you guys!"
Fernando was still struggling with his dress, trying to fight it off of him as he fled.
"Urg! This damn dress!-"
"Fern!" Alejandra whined, "Just- here!" She tossed him a long, lemon-coloured linen fabric to cover himself with, knowing there was partial embarrassment in his appearance and this would suffice for now. Alejandra didn't know why, dresses should be worn by everyone, not just humans.
They'd escaped Cecilia’s room and Cecilia herself, had just arrived in the hallway, about to investigate their guests' chambers when-
“Amada? Could you help me peel the potatoes, please?”
Unsure, she took a second to think and stumble wordlessly... but her obedience, ultimately won.
“Er- okay, mamí, coming!”
Now under the temporary roof of Bruno and Alma, the two rats saw the chaos that had erupted in their absence. The mischief, which had previously been discreet in their places throughout the room, where now running rampant, moving between houses and collecting things, counting heads and packing food.
Fernando bid his sister farewell, promising they'd talk later, before rushing back to Maria. Alejandra stood frozen, taking in‐ but also separating herself from reality and all the commotion. An empty feeling cemented itself in her gut.
Mamí was dying.
Just then, she was swept off her feet-
“Alejandra! Mi bebé! Thank heavens you’re here! I was so worried!” Juana cried.
After the initial shock died down, that devastating feeling reigned dominant once more; she mumbled into her mother's fur:
“I’m... I’m okay, mam...”
Her face was seized and kissed until it hummed, almost painfully. Her mother pulled back to collect something from behind her, Alejandra’s face stayed droopy and void of all emotion, she didn't even flinch when her anxiety-prone mother bounced further into her space and tossed something over her shoulders.
“I packed you a bag.” Quickly, she was adorned with a backpack; atop her fairy gown, it made her arms feel stiff... but she didn't care. It was made from a slither of red embroidered cloth. The bright colours, combined with her depressed expression, or lack there of, was daunting, to say the least.
“Ration the food carefully, some of your brother’s are being silly and aren’t." She brushed over the 'straps' of the bag a few times, making sure it was in place; completely ignoring the dress that billowed out beneath it. "It’s got everything you need, oh! I also packed the cloth you were in as a bebé, I thought it’d be comforting.”
“Everyone will be ready soon- did you see Fernando?! We’re missing him-"
“He was with me. He’s with Maria now.” The sore thumb of a rodent droned.
“Fantastic.” Another sigh of relief ghosted across Alejandra’s face. Her hand was caressed gently, then a pressure on her back pushed her forward. "Come on, lets go get your brothers.”
...Alejandra barely lifted her feet before slouching to the ground. Defeated, powerless and miserable.
“Amor?” Her mam forced their foreheads together, “that letter was sent to us for a reason, we will make this better. Okay?”
Eventually, her youngest nodded, eyes glossy.
“Mi rayito de sol...” Juana pulled her daughter close and kissed her head.
...
..
.
Fernando pushed and dodged, tripping over his ‘cape’ and bruising his feet. Panting feverishly, his tiny fists gripping the yellow linen like a lifeline. Climbing up the bedside table was a challenge normally; now, with the added weight, he kept slipping and nearly falling. There were multiple times, were his fate looked like a quick descent down to a painful ache in his back. A small crowd had gathered below him, watching him struggle. Everybody had heard about Maria’s reaction after reading the letter; they were all anxious to see how she was coping.
“Mi vida!” Fernando rasped, breathless and weighed down, “mi vida... is it true? - did the note-"
“YOU.”
From the darkness, his Maria’s shadow stood tall and dark. A finger was pointed to him and it was kissing the light slightly. Behind it, he could faintly make out her scowl and burning ebony eyes, shining brighter against the blackness.
“... Me? -"
“Yes, YOU! Where have you been?! Why weren’t you here when I needed you! Why, I almost- I almost died when...”
She'd since stepped out; into the light, visibly furious but in Fernando’s presence, she’d learned to let go a little; it wasn’t just fury, said the wet sheen in her eyes and the tremble in her voice, the jittering of her hands. He hurried over, taking her in his arms.
“I’m sorry, Maria... I am, honest...” Petting her head, he continued: “Should we take the nest?”
“I don’t know!” Maria broke. Balling harder; burying her shame and sadness into Fernando’s neck. Her bitten; raw fingers shook at the intensity that was her grip on the yellow cloth, still hugging her mate. He licked her tears; nuzzled against her, encouraging her sadness.
“T-thank you.” She sniffled. “I’m still mad at you.”
“As I deserve, mi amor.”
Pushing away the tears and putting distance between them, she could at last, fully take in Fernando’s appearance. Maria made a noise in the back of her throat, curious.
“What’s with the getup?”
...
Uh oh.
“Well- urm... we should take one piece of fabric we know you like, just in case it’s time and you have no where to breastfeed.”
Maria smiled cutely, the kind of smile the creased your eyes and inflated your cheeks. Something that could only be elicited by mamá Bruno, her bebés and now, him. Fernando’s heart soared.
“That’s the first good idea you’ve had.” Swooping forward, she licked his cheek in adoration, making him swoon like a comic would during a theatre play.
“Actually, second, first was picking you.”
Minutes later, every rat was stood before the bed, talking with their respective families and waiting for instructions on what to do next- of course, mamá Bruno wasn’t here to guide them, without their dominant male, they were more sitting ducks than sitting rats. So, a gaggle of them had formed under the doorframe, discussing who should be temporarily in charge. If a large portion of a colony was to leave the same house, they had to be sneaky... they knew some people would attempt to kill them; they couldn’t leave as a dark mass of long tailed creatures.
Maria spectated them, with a judgmental air; from afar. Whiskers twitching. Then, she felt a burning... growing and spreading from one point on her skin; rapidly, she swivelled her head and before the offender adverted their gaze, they and their family, had been staring right at her. Others too.
She tugged on her mate’s arm.
“Fernando, why are they all staring at me?”
He took a moment to fold over himself and look at the rats in question.
“They’re just surprised, amor. You haven’t come out lately.”
“Well, I still think it’s rude.” she commented, loud enough for everyone to hear and stand shameful.
Yet again, Maria twitched and held her stomach, her feet turned to stone, like she was begging with herself to stay upright; using all the will and strength she had to make it happen. Her voice dropped to a low growl: “Have them all reprimanded... punched.”
“Mari-"
“Do as I say!" She yelled.
From the crowd, twelve black, female rats, all came running.
Maria stood straighter, smiling as paws moved to rest atop her heart.
“Mi corazons!”
“Mam!”
They all surged and hugged their mother excitedly. Trailing behind them, was a shorter black rat, face familiar in its stiffness- but reluctance and sadness was there. Maria kissed each of her daughter’s heads, cooing at them and their children, most of whom, were hiding behind their mother's legs. Maria might’ve been family to them but her reputation was bigger than her...
“Hi, girls.” Fernando waved. Despite his obvious self-consciousness, that radiated from his body in a thick mist, the kids chose to drift closer to him. They held his pink tail and pulled at his white fur with little consequence. Some even called him 'abuelo'.
The girls, who were technically now: 'his girls', all returned the greeting- all except Adriana, who just mirrored the wave- only more normal. Her big eyes were void of all emotion but her muzzle was graced with a gentle smile. Just like Maria’s. Adriana was the star of the latest telenovela, strange since she was mute... but either mamá Bruno didn’t care or that was the point. He hadn’t had a huge role this season so, he wasn't sure. Last season, he and Maria had infiltrated the government; took over every publishing company and exposed Lorenzo's lie that he was his deceased brother. That was fun! Then novella-Maria was assumed dead... and maternity leave happened... then all this...
Then, there was the lingering sibling...
“Hi, Gonzalo.” Fernando smiled.
Gonzalo was Maria’s only son, he was a completely black rat, like the rest of his family, however, he bore brilliantly strange white patches, of which were scattered all over his body; not a single white strand grew from his face. He stood quietly; arms folded with four sleeping babies. Despite his heritage, he was quite popular, probably because he was so stoic.
“Hi.”
He stood further away from the rest, appearing as more of an onlooker than family. Gonzalo was the youngest and being a boy, was naturally treat like a little prince in his youth. He was never the most social kid, until he matured and people grew a liking to him, he was much more distant since then. Maria hid how upset it made her but she’d confided in Fernando about it before.
“How’ve you been mam? We heard you were sick?” Angelina asked, hugging her mother's arm close.
“Sorry we couldn’t visit, work’s been awful with those hard walls!” Fátima added.
Adriana nodded in agreement.
“Kids, don’t listen to rumours! I’m a sturdy girl, I’m fine!” She smiled. "You all have families of your own... I understand.”
Fernando saw that look, knew it personally: the one of concealed sadness and betrayal. The same look, nearly turned into tears as she gazed at her son. He wondered whether his stepchildren saw it too. He took Maria’s hand and squeezed.
Eventually, Victoria was chosen to lead them all, despite her protests. Esteban stuck up his nose, whispering how: ‘he could do better’ to no one in particular and; some were just offended at the prospect of being led by a girl but Victoria found the paper; surely that meant something.
On shaky legs, the hero herself stood before the colony. She cleared her throat, although it didn’t relieve its sudden sore and achy sound.
“H-hello- urm, I believe that... hunter gatherers should lead and- and figure out where... where mamá is- erm, n-next I think er-"
Maria watched Victoria as if she had two heads; leaned into Fernando’s space and breathed into his ear:
“She’s terrible at this.”
She had sympathy for the poor thing- but seeing this weed of a girl act like a country mouse... well, it was something to behold.
“It'll probably be over soon, looks like you’ll be hanging back with me, eh?” He winked, bouncing the little rat one of Maria’s daughters had surrendered to him, gently.
“Huh? Fernando, I’m a fighter, she just said they’d be next in line-"
“You’re pregnant; you have to stay in the back, with all the other expecting mothers and the kids.”
Maria blinked and absentmindedly touched her stomach. She couldn’t think of a clever comeback -which was unheard-of! So, she was rarely reluctant when combating a jab or something of that nature:
“... Okay...” Then, she spun her head on her shoulders, trying to appear nonchalant as her bones cracked, “even though I’m fully capable and only the strongest defender here... but okay...”
Realisation was quick to hit her in the face, however-
“Why the hell would you be there? Something you’re not telling me?” She joked.
Fernando was quick to respond; rolled his shoulders and tossed her a flirtatious look.
“Well, I’m daddy! Plus, no hunter-gatherers are going to miss me, are they?”
...
..
Bruno left the Guzmán's in a daze... unaware that Camilo was following him... who, was equally unaware to the pack of cleverly dispersed rats behind him. The pack, who quickly informed the few rats outside the home, all about the plan and news.
Eventually, the colony caught up with their leader. The last of them: the pregnant and young plus Fernando, spooked Camilo as they rushed past. The boy trembled as he watched them climb up his uncle's arms and legs, Maria herself, ended up in Bruno’s offered hand- even though, he was completely in the throes of dissociation. Maria’s eyes appeared red to Camilo. They pierced through him and he nearly fell back when they found him through the trees; her sickly curved posture, looked demon-like, the teenager needed to hold his head and close his eyes before stepping from his hiding spot. Shortly after, he left forward, attacking his surprisingly agile tío.
Maria bit him, just when Bruno came to reality.
After a heart-stopping reunion with Antonio's animals; an awkward, nerve-wracking conversation in a barn, they were back at the Guzmán's.
“What are you wearing?”
Fernando looked down. The cover he was wearing, slipped during the commotion. Crap.
“Oh urm... you see, this morning, I was collecting fabric for the nest! Like you asked, amor. I went into this one room- turns out... it was the small humans' room and-"
“Fernando... I’ve been in pain all morning, waiting for more things for my nest...” she sucked in a stuttering breath, “And I’ve just had the worst news of my-" her eyes were closed; body shaking, low and angry.
“I’m sorry! - I’m just pregnant with your litter, waiting for more stuffing for my nest- and you're playing dress up with the potato girl!? I know you’re new to this, Fernando but this is unacceptable! Do you care about these babies, or not?”
“Mi vida- of course I do! More than anything! lo siento! I swear, I’m so, so sorry, I-"
He paused- the constricting fabric of the dress he was wearing, overtaking his attention. A thought then came to him-
Quickly, pinkish-beige claws fumbled at the clasp, fighting hard to pry the garment off of him.
Maria stared, Lip twitching upward in frustrated confusion, showing clear as day: her two missing teeth and the peculiar sharpened ones that sat beside the empty spaces. The reasons why Bruno sometimes still fed her by hand; why her food needed to be cut into small pieces, lest she choke to death.
Black eyes squinting as nails began to dig into her arms, she groaned.
“Why are you spluttering, Fernando?”
Pattering away, unable to hold her gaze with him any longer, she seethed- haggard breaths folded her over the bed Bruno sat them on, the pain in her stomach doubled tenfold; the mint-ish green of her eye sockets glistened- this hurt too much to bear and Fernando was only making things worse!
Why, he's the idiot that got her into this mess in the first place! Romancing her, making her let her guard down- had she completely forgotten about what happened last time? It might not seem like it but this wasn't her first rodeo with love-
She saw red-
“What is it now?!”
“Here!”
Despite better judgement. Maria turned at the odd response. Her mate was almost concealed by the pink fabric of the dress in his hands; only once she steadied herself against the pillow, she properly saw him: he was back to normal -just about- standing, or rather, kneeling before her while presenting the dress to her, like it was a gift. Maria looked at his hopeful eyes. She was the smart one of their duo but sometimes, when it came to physical connections between her people, she was dumb; she raised an eyebrow, confused yet again.
Fernando caught on and laughed sheepishly.
“For you, my love! I know you like the softer fabrics, so- why not use this for our new bed? Not to wear! After all, you look glorious without it!”
If she could blush, she would have. With wide and expressionless eyes, she slowly reached and took the dress, saying not a word, even when she spun on her heal to rip the cloth up, making sure it was dispersed correctly around the nest/the yellow fabric Fernando had escaped in, mamá Bruno also contributed some material too.
But she was never good with positive feelings- minus, with mamá Bruno, of course. Maria liked to consider herself more human than rat, that's why she became partly disconnected from the mischief, choosing to only form a bond with him and her babies. Leading her to become this infamous, ominous, vengeful God type-thing in their colony. Luckily Fernando liked that in a woman.
Anyway - she wasn't good at carrying conversations accordingly either, so, instead she mumbled:
“Our bed, is it?”
Fernando bit his lip with his generous front teeth, “If... if you’ll have me...?”
“We’ll see now, won’t we?”
Fernando puffed a sigh of relief and; smiled a goofy beam at the back of her head.
‘Not in the dog house just yet! Fernando old boy.’
“But- permission to speak, darling- I did try to get away! But Alejandra wouldn’t let me go and the human girl kept holding me-"
“Alejandra? You didn’t tell me she was there. I haven’t seen her around lately?”
“She’s... she’s alright. I think she was just sad about the situation too...”
...
..
That night, they all slept on Bruno and in the morning, the remnants of Fernando’s dress was swaddling ten, pink, tiny babies. Maria was smiling as she buried them in her belly fur, sharing her body heat. Fernando lay beside her, hugging her and his litter close.
They were alive.
He was so relieved. Maria still kept denying the fact that she was sick in the first place when Fernando expressed as such.
Life was perfect in this moment.
But mamá Bruno’s heart, still pounded in his chest as he lay still, fast asleep. Surrounded by all these humans, up close and for the first time, they realised his body was withered. The dips in his collarbones and protrusions that were his hips, that they’d always snuggled into, were suddenly bad, an indicator of his decay. They stayed close to his face, licking it when he’d mumble in his sleep. That morning, none of them scampered away when the humans beside him awoke and gasped. Bruno quickly noticed the wetness on his clothes and scooped up Maria, praising her endlessly with kisses and coos, so thankful she and her babies were all well.
Maria smiled but in the corner of her eye. The old woman stood. They made eye contact and Maria glared, she didn’t know if her look would transcend human boundaries and be understood- but the woman immediately flinched and stepped back.
‘That’s right. Stay away from my family.’
They were both fighting the same battle, alas.
Before getting ready, Bruno christened the new-borns with names, if his expertise remained unchallenged, he believed there were four boys and six girls:
Beto, Rocco, Lupe and Navarro.
Azul, Paz, Yoselin, Raquel, Carina and Callista.
Julieta and Pepa were amazed by his ability to name them all- not to mention, how they were all unique to them.
"What, doesn't he look like a Lupe?" Bruno said, holding the tiny pink baby in his hands.
She protested but was weak; Bruno said Maria must stay, at the Guzmán's, in the nest he'd meticulously spent his morning on, under the sink.
She watched him leave helpless and scared. But Fernando was there, stroking her back thoughtfully.
Having babies again... brought back memories.
It was hard to think about him sometimes. He’d given her thirteen beautiful children... but he’d also knocked her teeth out and for that, was the first and only rat to be sent away.
He was wild, abandoned and so much different than them; Bruno was optimistic and thought he could tame him, just like he had the rest. But he was a stranger. A part of her hated her heritage, even more so, ever since. That’s why she hadn’t told anyone about the father of her first litter; ashamedly, pointed to a friend who’d just passed and said he was her mate. The colony bought it.
If they found out, her children would be exiled for sure. She was forever thankful that their smell wasn’t too bizarre, that would have been a dead give away. Then, Fernando came along and she did the unthinkable... she actually told him. He didn’t judge her at all.
Her first bebés, were perfect little angels! More mice than rats if she were concerned. That was such a relief...
Still, she was resentful.
So, she became more and more distant, she was only two months old. She formed a powerful bond with mamá Bruno; taught herself how to read, in an effort to be more human. But she still referred to herself as a rat; only in a self-importance type of way: 'the strongest rat', 'the bravest rat', so she could fool herself into believing she was better than her species, a more evolved specimen, if you will...
Because rats were just that weren’t they? Bad.
And if that was the case, Maria saw no point in being anything else.
She kissed her babies as they suckled; Fernando licked her forehead, humming happily.
Maybe being a rat wasn’t so bad...
Just maybe.