Pay No Mind to the Voices Outside Part 1
Oftentimes, our minds become clouded with wayward thoughts. Most tend to push them down, as they see no value in reflecting on such matters.
For Dolores Madrigal, these thoughts don't come as easily anymore, but when they do she can get lost in her own mind.
But she always has someone to guide her back.
Warning: Angst, imagery of headaches and voices
The sounds of children's laughter rang in the young girl's sensitive ears.
It had been five years since her hermano pequeño received his gift. A positively wonderful one at that.
Every day the young children would gather around her lively brother, as he played alongside them, changing forms and earning the smiles adorning their faces.
It was always pleasant to listen to in the morning, as the elder child made her rounds around town, listening intently for the latest stories or gossip.
As she made her way to the town's square, Dolores felt the ground shake a little, the fluttering of petals in the air and voices of praise made its way to her ears.
"Wonderful! Absolutely wonderful!"
"Only the best from our beautiful princesa!"
Walking closer beneath the shadow of one of the houses, Dolores spotted a figure dancing among the petals, wrapping her delicate hands on the woven-looking vines that sprung from the vines.
There, in the town's center was the Encanto's angel.
Her adored cousin, born only a few months before Dolores.
La familia Madrigal's pride and joy.
While Isa would hear the roaring of applause from the adoring crowd, from Dolores, her cousin would earn an eyeroll and a scoff for her antics.
Don't get her wrong! She loved her prima, and despite what one may think, Dolores could never be envious of Isabela. If anything, she admired her.
Isa's gift was a an utter spectacle to behold, and she knows it. The various flowers, plants, and trees she could grow were no less than perfect. She thrives off of the attention she receives, and the happiness her gift brings to people.
"These roses would look great as a center piece!"
"Papí! Look! Flor de mayo! Can we take some for Mamí?"
Yep. Isabela Madrigal does her family proud. And Dolores couldn't be happier for her.
So, why does she feel a crack in her heart? And why is her mind flooding with the various voices around her?
Surely, she was used to this by now, right? Her familia would come to town, her prima would bask in the glorious spotlight that shone on her since the day she was born, everyone would go about their day, and that was that.
Why was today any different?
Dolores decided not to dwell on the matter, and started walking back through the town-
"Oh, Abuela. It's nothing, really."
Back away. Just...walk away.
Abuela was never one to be too affectionate, especially in public. But, of course, Isabela was the one and only exception.
The young girl knew that her gift wasn't exactly the flashiest like Isabela's, but she was still helpful. She was still just as special as her prima's. Wasn't she?
"Look at her go! She brings such honor to the Madrigal name."
"She must be the most beautiful of them all."
"None of the others could ever compare to her."
Don't think about it. Just keep moving.
And she did. But walking away from the scene didn't quiet down any of the voices that entered, and couldn't leave her mind.
Aimless in her direction, Dolores kept walking, her surroundings becoming a blur.
Another voice. Another that she couldn't quite make out.
So she just kept walking.
There it was again. Dolores kept her eyes trained in front of her, despite that her mind was slowly clearing from the fog of noise.
Her name? Someone was calling her. Though her mind was fuzzy, she tried to decipher the voice. Yet, she couldn't stop walking. She only stopped once the owner of the voice grabbed her arm.
Blinking rapidly and shaking her head a bit, the older Madrigal looked down to see her little brother in front of her, holding her arm, looking mildly annoyance.
"Y'know, for someone who has super hearing, you didn't seem to notice me at all, did you? You walked right past me! I've been calling after you for a while now!"
"Oh, I'm. I'm sorry hermanito. I just...had a lot on my mind...that's all."
Camilo released her arm and looked quizzically at his sister, studying her. Then, a concerned look crossed his face.
"Hey, are you okay? You look kinda out of it."
Say nothing. It won't do any good to make him worry, now would it?
Dolores gave her brother a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.
"Yes, mí hermano lindo. I'm fine, just a little tired. A lot of gossip lately, so much to keep up with, you know?"
He didn't look convinced, but he seemed content with her excuse. So he gave her a shrug and grabbed her hand.
"Alright then. C'mon! The other kids went home already, and I wanna get some of Tía's treats before everyone in town eats them all. Let's go!"
Disoriented from the sudden jolt of her brother's movements, Dolores regained her balance quickly before sprinting off with Camilo, trying to keep up with him.
What was he doing? He could easily sneak off with Tía Julietta's treats without her assistance. Maybe he needed a lookout? Or maybe-
The buzzing of voices in her mind disappeared.
A small smile graced the sister's lips, as she picked up on her brother's pace.
-------------------------------------------------------
Today hadn't been the best for Dolores.
Breakfast had been cut short due to an incident involving several farmers. Apparently, one of the men had forgotten to lock the gates to the bulls and horses. Resulting in Luisa having to stop the animals, Tía Julietta using this morning's food for healing the injured farmers, and Pepa having to water the new crops since the old ones got stomped on.
So, hardly any breakfast, not interacting with the family as much, and having to help some of store owners fix up their shops thanks to some of the horses and bulls running into them.
Not a great start for the day.
By the afternoon, however, a young man, around Dolores's age, sought for her help.
He requested Dolores to listen in on his girlfriend's conversations for the day, as he suspected that his "novia bonita" was cheating on him.
A bit extreme, but if it was to give this guy some peace of mind.
After following and listening to the young girl throughout the day, Dolores concluded that she wasn't cheating.
Well, at least she got that over with.
As she turned around to go find the guy and tell him she heard and saw nothing, she stopped and turned around again when she heard new voice.
"Mí amor! Hey! I missed you. I managed to ditch the creep earlier today. Now it's just you and me."
"I missed you too. Glad you're here. When will that guy get it into his head that you'd rather knock yourself out by slaming into a table, then ever go out with him?
"I know, right?! Ugh! Whatever! Let's get out of here. I've got Señora Madrigal's arepas to share!"
"Oooh! Sounds great. I'm starving.
So not only did the young Madrigal waste the rest of her day stalking and listening in on every conversation this lady had, but the guy who commissioned her for this task lied to her so that she can take his place in spying on her for the day.
As if it couldn't get any worse, the creep himself showed up to confront the poor girl about "cheating" and proceeded to point directly at Dolores, revealing that he asked her to spy on her for the whole day.
As expected, an argument ensued, after which the girl slapped the creep, stomped over to Dolores to chew her out, causing quite the scene, then leaving.
Dolores left as well, feeling no less than used, ashamed and tired.
As she walked away, voices flooded her mind once again.
"Useless girl! What was she good for?!"
"I can't believe a Madrigal would stoop that low."
No. No. Just ignore them.
"The nerve she has! Going around spying on good citizens."
At some point, she started running.
Don't stop. You'll be home soon. You'll be-
"All for gossip, it seems. Tch. I thought her better than that.
She doesn't recall when she finally reached the house.
She ran to the backyard and collapsed. Out of breath. Her mind echoing the screaming well of voices. In a desperate attempt to drown out the awful noise, she covered her ears with her hands.
This hadn't happened in so long.
Bad days like today were common, almost a daily occurrence for the young Madrigal.
Why were there moments like this when she could hear everything and nothing at the same time?
After what felt like minutes, Dolores could hear yet another voice.
Her name again? But in a much gentler voice than the last.
The four-year-old looked at his sister, his big eyes full of wonder and worry. He was always very empathetic for a boy his age.
"I saw you run here. You look bad."
She commended him for his honesty at least...
Dolores shook her head to try and focus on her concerned baby brother.
"Oh! I'm fine, Toñito. I just had a busy day, that's all.
Well, technically she wasn't lying.
The little boy still looked worried. He held out his arms, a silent plea for a hug. In response, Dolores opened her own arms. Her brother walked towards her, hugging her neck as he settled in her lap.
"Aww. Don't worry, Toñito. Your hermana is just tired."
Antonio nestled a bit closer.
"Are you feeling good again?" He asked.
Dolores stilled for a moment, before nodding.
"Sí. All thanks to you, hermanito. How about we go inside and rest for a while until dinner is ready?"
Lifting herself and her little brother off the ground, Dolores headed for the door. All while smiling to herself.
Gracias, Antonio. I pray that your gift won't be as horrible as mine.
-------------------------------------------------------
Another long day ending with a family dinner.
There was, a lot to adjust to.
It was hard to think that over two weeks ago, la familia Madrigal had been so...distant.
Well, perhaps that wasn't entirely true. The family had always been close, but there was always something missing. Or rather, someone.
Tío Bruno had returned, even though he was never truly gone. Dolores would know.
It was so melancholic, listening to her tío through the walls. Hearing every quick shuffle of feet. Every deep, tired sigh. Every mumble of disappointment he would utter.
Now her tío sits at the with the rest of them where he belongs.
No longer would he peak through the cracks in the wall just to see his beloved family eat, laugh, tell stories, or simply talk about their day.
No longer did he look to the rats for companionship.
No longer would Dolores hear the quiet sadness that grew in Bruno's heart day after day.
The Madrigal home was brighter than ever before. Their home was restored, their gifts returned, the family was whole again.
Now, her family dined together. Talking, laughing, and enjoying each other's company.
Every conversation at the table was met with giggles, witty remarks, or gentle scoldings.
There was only one...tiny...thing...
"I wonder what caused La Casita Madrigal to break in the first place."
"Probably an issue with the walls. That place is as old as the Encanto itself, after all."
Of course, most conversations about the Madrigal's were pleasant.
The Encanto's citizens were kind, hardworking people, deserving of the Madrigal's help and support.
But sometimes, they spoke about them in...less than kind ways.
"Mmh. Hey, sis." Camilo said with his mouth full of food. "Are you gonna finish that? You've just been staring at your plate."
She turned to look at her brother on her left, his stuffed voice having interrupted her.
"Camilo," her father cut in, "you have more than enough on your own plate. Don't be greedy!"
They both resumed eating. Dolores took a few bites out of her own meal.
Keep them out. Don't listen to them. She told herself repeatedly.
But she couldn't help it. As she chewed, she focused on the conversations had between everyone in the Encanto.
"I can't believe Mariano is with that creepy Madrigal!"
"Ugh! I know. He must have pretty low standards to go after her of all people. If he was going to be with one of those weirdos, he could have at least picked Isabela!"
"Well, they both never went through with the proposal. Maybe the poor sap got a hold of his senses and turned tail as fast as he could. Especially after la princesa changed so much. Hehe!
...Mariano Guzman was a man of deep passion.
While his love for her prima, now long past, was based more on admiration than true love, Dolores understood that he respected Isa, and never thought of her as a trophy.
"Did you see how Isabela looked the other day? I've never seen that girl look so crazy in my life!"
Her prima is happier. She's tasted freedom for the first time since she received her gift. Why does it matter that she looks-
"Maybe she finally cracked after spending so much with the rest of them. I mean, if I had to live under the same roof as Señorita Orejas de Elefante, I'd go mad too."
"Dolores? Mija, everything aLriGht?"
The table's idle chatter was ever so slowly fading away.
"Perhaps Bruno somehow cursed them all. He's always been a bad omen, you know?"
"A bad omen for what? For Casita crumbling down to pieces? Or for one of his nieces to get the worst gift imaginable?"
"Um, DoLoreS. ArE YoU OkAy...?
Every voice surrounding her became a jumble of incoherent noise.
"Gift? HA! I'd call it a curse! Why would anyone want to be around someone who'd squeal the first secret she heard like a pig on an open farm?"
The young Madrigal kept many secrets. Most of which would split families apart if they were to come out. And she often felt sick when she heard them.
The gossip around town served as a good distraction from the darker secrets that plagued her mind.
For ten years, she was the only one who knew about Tío Bruno's whereabouts.
For so long, she comforted Camilo when he lost his way in the world.
She heard every aching muscle in Luisa's arms.
The thundering clouds her mother struggled to suppress.
And then it all came crashing down as the hideous cracks the grew from the walls.
Those deafening cracks...
The cracks that destroyed their childhood home...
The cracks that nearly killed everyone she held dear-
-Stop thinking about it! Stop listening! It's over now!
It won't stop. Everything came back as a swarm of horrid memories and poisoned words that tainted her mind.
Author's note: This idea spawned from a lack of Dolores angst, something needed to be done. The next chapter will have her parents and brothers try to help her, don't worry!
P.S: Out of all of them, I honestly think that Dolores has the worst gift. Hearing everything and everyone around you 24/7 would be horrible.
Anyway! I hope you all enjoyed this. Feedback on my work is always appreciated. I hope you all enjoyed this, and I'll see you later! Byeee! 💗
titsay
kianamaiart
jacobvanloon
jbbartram-illu
baratheonpilled
2087
snowghoul
theartofmadeline
germansingergirl
