Chapter 1: Summer of '06

The summer sun was beating down on the small town of Santa Cecilia, casting a warm glow over the vibrant streets and homes. For Luisa and Enrique Rivera, it was a summer that would change their lives forever. The siblings were lounging in their backyard, trying to escape the heat and find some excitement in the midst of their mundane summer routine. Luisa, a feisty and confident 16-year-old, was sprawled out on a blanket, her dark hair tied up in a messy bun. She was flipping through a tattered copy of her favorite comic book, completely absorbed in the adventures of her favorite superhero. Enrique, on the other hand, was pacing back and forth, his mind racing with thoughts of the upcoming Day of the Dead celebrations. "Hey, Lu, have you thought about what we're going to do for the ofrenda this year?" Enrique asked, his eyes shining with excitement. Luisa rolled her eyes good-naturedly. "Ay, caramba, Enrique, it's still July. Can't we worry about that in October?" Enrique shrugged. "I'm just trying to get a head start. We have to make it special this year. Abuelita's been talking about it for weeks." Luisa sighed and closed her comic book. "Fine, what did you have in mind?" Enrique grinned. "Well, I was thinking we could make some papel picado, and—" Luisa cut him off with a groan. "Enrique, that's so boring. Can't we do something more... exciting?" Enrique's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Like what?" Luisa's face lit up with a sly smile. "I don't know... like sneaking into the abandoned lot on the outskirts of town and having a party." Enrique's eyes widened in surprise, and then he grinned. "That sounds like a plan, hermana." As they began to make plans for their secret party, the sound of their abuela's voice calling from the kitchen window interrupted their conversation. "¡Luisa! ¡Enrique! Váyanse a ayudar a su madre con las compras!" Luisa and Enrique exchanged a look, both of them groaning in unison. They reluctantly got up and headed towards the house, their summer adventure just beginning to unfold. As they walked towards the kitchen, Luisa turned to Enrique with a whispered question. "Do you think we'll get in trouble for sneaking out?" Enrique just winked at her. "Don't worry, hermana, I've got a plan."