**Chapter 2: A Glimpse of Freedom**

The warm sunlight streaming through the kitchen window danced across Luisa's face, illuminating the faint flush on her cheeks. She couldn't help but think of the boy from the Oaxacan village, his name was Julián, and the way he played his guitar with such passion and fire. Their conversation had been brief, but it had left her feeling...restless. As if she was meant for more than the familiar routine of her daily life. Luisa's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of her phone buzzing on the counter. She hesitated for a moment before picking it up, her heart racing with anticipation. It was a text from Miguel, inviting her to meet up with him and Héctor at the old oak tree in the town square. They had plans to sneak into the abandoned hacienda on the outskirts of town, a place that was rumored to be haunted. Luisa's fingers hovered over the screen, her mind torn between the thrill of adventure and the weight of responsibility. She thought about her parents' words, about the expectations they had for her, and the life they wanted her to lead. But as she looked out the window, she saw the old hacienda in the distance, its crumbling walls and overgrown gardens calling to her like a siren's song. She typed out a quick response, agreeing to meet her friends at the old oak tree. As she hit send, a rush of excitement coursed through her veins. This was her chance to break free, to experience the world beyond the confines of her small town. For a moment, she forgot about the tacos, the shoe shop, and the expectations of those around her. All she could think about was the thrill of the unknown. The rest of the afternoon passed in a blur as Luisa helped her mother prepare for the evening's dinner service. But her mind kept wandering back to Julián, the Oaxacan boy, and the way he had smiled at her. She wondered if she would see him again, and what might happen if she did. As the sun began to set, casting a warm orange glow over Santa Cecilia, Luisa made her excuses and slipped out of the house. She met Miguel and Héctor at the old oak tree, their faces aglow with excitement. "Ready for an adventure?" Miguel asked, a mischievous glint in his eye. Luisa nodded, feeling a sense of liberation wash over her. For one night, at least, she was going to leave her responsibilities behind and follow her heart. Together, the three friends set off towards the abandoned hacienda, the darkness of the night swallowing them whole. The hacienda loomed before them, its towering walls and turrets reaching towards the stars like skeletal fingers. Luisa felt a shiver run down her spine as they approached the entrance, the massive wooden doors creaking ominously in the wind. "Are you sure this is a good idea?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. Miguel and Héctor exchanged a look, their faces set with determination. "We're not going to let a little thing like fear hold us back," Miguel said, pushing open the creaking door. Luisa took a deep breath and stepped inside, the darkness enveloping her like a shroud. As they made their way deeper into the hacienda, she couldn't shake the feeling that she was being watched, that unblinking eyes were trained on her from the shadows. Suddenly, a faint strumming sound drifted through the air, and Luisa's heart skipped a beat. Could it be Julián, playing his guitar in the darkness?