Chapter 1: The Family Business

The smell of masa and spices filled the air as Luisa and Enrique Rivera worked side by side in their family's bustling bakery, "Rivera's Sweet Treats." The sun had barely risen over the small town of Santa Cecilia, but the Rivera family was already hard at work, preparing for the day's customers. Luisa, with her wild curls tied back in a loose ponytail, expertly kneaded a batch of dough while Enrique, his dark hair perfectly messy, carefully piped intricate designs onto a tray of freshly baked conchas. Their abuela, Imelda, looked on with a warm smile, her eyes twinkling with pride. "You two are the backbone of this family," she said, her voice low and soothing. "Without your hard work, our bakery wouldn't be the same." Luisa and Enrique exchanged a glance, their faces lighting up with matching grins. They had grown up working in the bakery, learning the ins and outs of traditional Oaxacan sweets from their abuela and parents. As the oldest siblings, they felt a sense of responsibility to carry on the family business. As they worked, the bakery began to fill with the sounds of sizzling tortillas, lively chatter, and the occasional clang of pots and pans. The Rivera family was a lively one, and their bakery was always filled with laughter and love. Just then, the door swung open and their father, Julio, walked in, a large stack of colorful papel picado in his arms. "Hey, familia! I brought the decorations for today's celebration," he announced, his eyes shining with excitement. Luisa and Enrique exchanged a curious glance. "What celebration?" Luisa asked, her hands still moving deftly as she shaped the dough into perfect spheres. "Today's the Día de los Muertos festival," their father replied, his voice filled with enthusiasm. "We're going to set up an ofrenda in the bakery, and I want it to be the best one yet." Enrique's eyes lit up. "I'm on it, Papá. I'll make sure the altar is perfect." As the family began to prepare for the festival, Luisa couldn't help but feel a sense of restlessness. She loved the Día de los Muertos, but this year felt different. She had been having strange dreams and feeling an inexplicable pull towards... something. She pushed the thoughts aside, focusing on the task at hand. For now, she was content to work alongside her family, surrounded by the warmth and love of their bakery. But as the day wore on, Luisa couldn't shake the feeling that something was about to change, something that would affect not just her family, but her very soul.