Orca set up plates and little goblets for the big party. She was so thrilled that she had been in the Court of Miracles for a full year now. Clopin was so excited that he had gone out that morning without even saying goodbye. Orca found it funny and cute. When everything was just right she looked in the mirror. She stared down at her tattered red skirt and realized that this was no way to dress fr an anniversary party. She rumaged through her wardrobe with no luck at all. She had nothing. Orca felt so hopeless. She had worked so hard trying to make everything perfect, but she was being pulled back by her lack of wealth. A tear fell from her eye which she wiped away in time for Clopin to burst though the door.
"Hello there. Happy anniversary," Clopin exclaimed. Orca smiled and held him tight. "Oh, you too, honey. I am so happy that I have been here for a year. It has been such a wonderful year, all because of you," Orca said. Clopin blushed and set some packages on the table. "Shall we begin the party?" Clopin asked. Orca looked down at the floor with a sad expression on her face. Clopin put his hand on her shoulder. "Orca, what's the matter?" Orca sighed and took her skirt in her hand. "Oh, darling, I tried so hard to make everything perfect. I wanted today to be special for you. Then I realized that all I have is this old tattered dress. It is not fit for a party at all," she explained. Clopin hugged Orca and smiled. "Oh, mama, I don't care what you wear. I love you because you are nice and sweet and wonderful," Clopin said with a laugh. Orca giggled.
"Pumpkin, that is exactly what I needed to hear. Oh, here is your gift. Happy anniversary again," Orca said, handing him a package. Clopin held the package up and heard a familiar sound. He gasped and tore open the package. "Oh, I knew that was why there were holes in it!" Clopin screamed as he pulled out a tiny kitten. He jumped up and down and spun in circles with the little creature. "Oh, I am so glad you like him, sweetie," Orca said. Clopin set the kitten on the table and handed Orca a package. "It's really special so be careful," he said. orca opened the package and covered her mouth in surprise. She pulled out a red dress with black fringe and little glass beads all over it. The sleeves were long and embroidered with flowers. "Oh, Clopin, my darling! OH, this is beautiful," Orca cried. Clopin smiled. "Go try it on," he said.
Orca emereged some time later from the behind the dressing screen. Her hair was pinned up on top of her head and she looked like an angel in the beautiufl dress. Clopin clapped his hands and bowed to her. He put a little crown on her head which made her laugh and they danced and danced for such a long time. Clopin always knew just what Orca needed and Orca always knew just what Clopin needed. Both of them just needed to feel beautiufl and loved every so often.