**Chapter 3: The Secret Melodies of the Garage**

The days that followed were like a canvas of hidden colors, waiting to be brought to life by Luisa's vihuela. As she continued to sneak into the garage, the instrument became an extension of her own voice, expressing the emotions she couldn't verbalize. The music that flowed from her fingers was like a gentle breeze on a summer day, soothing her soul and nurturing her spirit. With each note, Luisa felt a sense of liberation, as if she was breaking free from the silence that had been imposed upon her family. As she played, the garage transformed into a sanctuary, a place where Luisa could escape the oppressive atmosphere of her home. The dusty trunks and forgotten boxes seemed to fade into the background, replaced by the vibrant sounds of her vihuela. The music wove a spell of enchantment, transporting her to a world where creativity and self-expression reigned supreme. In this secret world, Luisa was free to explore the depths of her imagination, to experiment with melodies and harmonies that danced in her mind. One afternoon, as she was lost in the beauty of her music, Luisa heard the sound of footsteps approaching. She quickly stilled her fingers, holding her breath as the garage door creaked open. Her heart racing, she expected to see her father, but instead, it was her younger brother, Mateo, who peered into the garage. His eyes widened as he took in the sight of Luisa with her vihuela, a look of curiosity and wonder on his face. Luisa felt a surge of panic, unsure of how to react. She hadn't told Mateo about her secret music sessions, and she wasn't sure if she should trust him with her newfound creative freedom. But as she looked into his eyes, she saw a spark of understanding, a sense of shared excitement that made her feel like she could confide in him. Mateo took a step closer, his eyes fixed on the vihuela. "Luisa, can you teach me how to play?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper. Luisa's heart swelled with emotion as she looked at her brother. She had never thought about sharing her music with him, but now that he had stumbled upon her secret, she realized that he could be an ally, a partner in her creative rebellion. She nodded, a smile spreading across her face. As they began to play together, the garage was filled with the sweet sounds of their music, a harmony of vihuela and laughter that echoed through the silence, announcing the arrival of a new era in the Rivera household. The music that had been locked away for so long was finally beginning to flow, and Luisa knew that she and Mateo would be the ones to set it free.