“Mamá,” Sofía said, taking her mother’s younger hands. “You didn’t fail. You taught me every song. You braided my hair like Rapunzel’s. You told me that even when you were gone, the movies would keep us connected.”

Barbie smiled. “Come. There’s someone you need to see.” They walked deep into the archive, past screens showing scenes Sofía knew by heart: Liana and Alexa dancing through twelve doors. Genevieve saving her kingdom. Barbie as a mermaid, a spy, a rock star.

He replied immediately: “I’ll make popcorn.”

She gestured to the empty case Sofía still clutched in her hand.

“She left you the empty case,” Barbie said gently, “because only you can finish her story.” “How?” Sofía whispered.