**Chapter 2: The Weight of Tradition**

Agustín's eyes seemed to hold a thousand stories as he gazed at Luisa, his expression a mix of nostalgia and expectation. Julieta, sensing the gravity of the moment, placed a reassuring hand on Luisa's shoulder. "The tradition I'm referring to, m'ija, is that of the Rivera family's ofrenda," Agustín began, his voice filled with a sense of reverence. "For generations, our family has been tasked with creating the most magnificent ofrenda in all of Santa Cecilia. It's a tribute to our ancestors, a celebration of their lives and legacies." Luisa's eyes widened as she listened, her mind racing with memories of the elaborate altars she had helped her family build for Día de los Muertos. But there was something more to Agustín's words, something that hinted at a greater responsibility. "As the eldest Rivera child, it's your turn to take on this tradition, Luisa," Agustín said, his voice firm but gentle. "You're the one who's meant to carry on the family's legacy, to ensure that our ancestors are honored and remembered." Luisa felt a surge of excitement mixed with trepidation. She had always loved helping her family prepare for Día de los Muertos, but she had never imagined that she would be solely responsible for carrying on this tradition. "But, Papi, I'm not sure I'm ready for this," Luisa said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I mean, what if I fail? What if I don't do it justice?" Agustín's expression softened, and he reached out to gently brush a strand of hair behind Luisa's ear. "You won't fail, m'ija," he said, his voice filled with conviction. "You have the heart and the creativity to make our family's ofrenda the most beautiful it's ever been. And I'll be right here beside you, guiding you every step of the way." As Agustín finished speaking, the kitchen fell silent, the only sound the soft hum of the refrigerator in the corner. Julieta's eyes met Luisa's, and she smiled encouragingly. Luisa took a deep breath, feeling the weight of tradition settle onto her shoulders. She knew that this was a challenge she couldn't turn down, not when it came to her family's legacy and her own sense of identity. As she nodded her acceptance, a spark of determination ignited within her. She would make her family's ofrenda the most magnificent it had ever been, and she would do it with love, creativity, and a deep connection to her ancestors. With a newfound sense of purpose, Luisa turned to her parents and asked, "What can I do first, Papi? Where do I start?" Agustín's face broke into a warm smile, and he handed her a small, intricately carved wooden box. "Start by exploring your abuela's old trunk in the attic," he said, his eyes twinkling with excitement. "It's time you discovered the secrets and stories that have been hidden away for so long." As Luisa took the box, she felt a strange tingling sensation in her fingers, as if the wood was alive and humming with energy. She knew that this was just the beginning of an incredible journey, one that would lead her deeper into her family's history and her own sense of purpose.