"Clopin, come here, my darling," said Orca, extending her hands. The woman had so much love in her heart that her friends often wondered if the whole world could feel it. She almost never lost her temper, and was the most patient, kind woman in the world. As she stretched otu her arms, Orca smiled and laughed a little.
Clopin smiled so big that his little gaps between his teeth were visible. He ran to the woman and lept into her arms like a cat. He squeezed her tight and barried his sweet face in her shoulder. Clopin giggled and hugged her as he was gently rocked where he stood.
"How is my angel today? I heard that you are very happy," Orca said.
"Oh, yes, mama. I have never been happier."
"Well, don't keep me in suspense. Sit. Tell me what has happened," Orca laughed.
Clopin sat in her lap and smiled like a child. As always, he could be snuggled, hugged and kissed without fear of humiliation. He could do whatever he wanted around Orca.
"I told Florica that I love her," Clopin squeeked.
"Oh, that is wonderful, baby. I am so happy for you," Orca said.
"That is not all, mama. I...also gave her a little flower and told her that I would be overjoyed...if she would be princess of the Court of Miracles," Clopin said happily.
Orca's eyes widened. She lifted Clopin up off her lap and spun him in a circle. She laughed and kissed all over his face.
"My darling. Oh, my baby is getting married. My baby is getting married. Oh, I am so happy!"
Clopin giggled and danced with his mother.
"Mama, i love her so much. I hope we are still welcome in your tent."
Orca laughed and touched her son's face.
"Darling, I don't care if she moves in here with us. I love both of you," Orca said.
"Mama, I love you too. I just know we will all be happy together. I have known Florica for a year now and it never would have been possible without you," Clopin said.
Orca wiped away a happy tear.
"You angel. Oh, you made me cry happy tears. I love you more than anything else in the world. Married, single, it does not matter. You will always be my baby."
With that, Orca took Clopin into her arms and held him tightly. They stood in the center of the room and held each other for a long time, until it came time for Orca to take her dear son to bed. She tucked him in as she always did, and when he fell asleep she kissed his forehead.
"Mon belle ange."