Chapter 1: The Uninvited Guest

Luisa, the lovable and quirky cousin of Miguel, was rummaging through her abuela's old trunk in the attic of the Casita. She was searching for a specific outfit to wear to the upcoming fiesta in honor of the Rivera family, who were visiting from the Land of the Dead. As she dug through the trunk, she stumbled upon an old, yellowed photograph of her family's ancestors, including her great-great-grandfather, Juan García, who was a famous musician and a close friend of the Rivera family. Luisa's eyes widened with excitement as she remembered the stories Abuela had told her about the Riveras. They were a talented and eccentric family of musicians, known for their vibrant music and lively spirit. She had always been fascinated by their legacy and couldn't wait to meet them. Just then, Luisa heard the sound of Abuela's voice calling her from downstairs. "Luisa, ¡baja aquí! We need to get started on the preparations for the fiesta." Luisa hastily put away the trunk and rushed downstairs to join her Abuela and the rest of the family. As she entered the kitchen, Luisa was greeted by the warm smile of her Abuela, Elena. "Ah, m'ija, I'm so glad you're here. We need to make sure everything is perfect for our special guests." Abuela handed Luisa a list of tasks to complete, including making traditional Oaxacan dishes and decorating the Casita with papel picado. Luisa was in her element, chatting and laughing with her family as they worked together to prepare for the fiesta. But as the day wore on, Luisa couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. She kept looking over her shoulder, expecting to see someone or something lurking in the shadows. Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. Abuela's eyes lit up. "That must be the Rivera family arriving. Luisa, would you mind answering the door?" Luisa's heart skipped a beat as she made her way to the entrance. She opened the door to reveal a group of colorful and lively characters, each with their own unique style and flair. There was Héctor, the lovable but grumpy skeleton; Imelda, the matriarch of the Rivera family; and their children, Dolores, Rosita, and Bruno. Luisa's eyes widened as she took in the sight of the Rivera family, and she felt a little awestruck. "Welcome, welcome!" Luisa exclaimed, trying to compose herself. "I'm Luisa, Miguel's cousin. Please, come in!" The Rivera family smiled and greeted Luisa warmly, and as they entered the Casita, Luisa couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and nervousness. Little did she know that this was just the beginning of an unforgettable adventure. As they entered, Luisa noticed that Miguel seemed a bit distant, lost in thought. She wondered what was on his mind, and whether it had anything to do with the Rivera family's visit. The atmosphere was filled with anticipation, and Luisa was eager to see what the rest of the day would bring.