Orca hummed as she danced through the long, dark hallway. Her beautiful voice, although muffled by her closed mouth rang throughout the Court of Miracles, making Pierre Grinoire smile at her as she passed him. As Orca entered her room, she noticed that something was amiss. It was quiet. This was only odd because she lived with Clopin. If Clopin was in the room but the room was quiet, something bad must have happened. She walked inside and shut the door for privacy. The lovely woman knelt down to a chair, where Clopin was sitting with his head down and his hands folded in his lap. Orca lifted his hat and he looked up at her.
"Oh, I didn't hear you come in. I was just resting," Clopin said. Orca smiled. "Nice try, I know when something is wrong with my boy. Come on, tell me what is wrong. You're never too old to get help from your mama," she said kindly. Clopin looked around the room. "Well, I don't know if I should tell you. I feel so selfish," Clopin said sadly. Orca rubbed his shoulder lovingly. "Oh, since when are you selfish? Tell me what is the matter," Orca told him. Clopin sighed. "I'm lonely, mama. All of my friends have someone in their life and I want that too. I always help other people find romance but I never find anyone for myself. I-I'm lonely," Clopin confessed. Orca embraced him and kissed his forehead.
"You know what, baby, I have a friend about your age. Maybe I can let you meet her," Orca said. Clopin looked up enthusiastically. "Oh, yes please," he exclaimed. Orca laughed and hugged him tightly.
The next day, Orca got dressed in her lovely white dress. Clopin had given it to her one year as an anniversary gift. They always celebrated their anniversaries, since Clopin was her adoptive child, not her birth child. She entered the room with a lovely young woman named Florica. She was shorter in height and average weight. Her hair was redish brown and she had the most lovely hazel eyes. When she smiled the entire room lit up.
"Clopin, your new friend is here," Orca called. Clopin wandered out from behind a changing screen and stopped dead in his tracks. He stared into her gorgeous eyes, her sweet smile. Most people do not believe in love at first sight, but for Clopin it had just become a fact of life. He slowly walked to her and held out his hand. Florica shook the beautiful gloved hand and giggled. Clopin just stared in awe at her radiance.
"I'm Florica, I have known Orca for about twenty years now. We were very young when we met. It is so nice to finally meet you," Florica said in a sweet voice. Clopin blinked and shook his head. "Uh, my-my name is Clopin. I am pleased ot meet you," he said. Florica giggled at him. "You're cute when you're shy. I have only seen you at the Festival of Fools. You are always so magnificent there," Florica told him. "Why, thank you. That is very kind of you to say. My, my, you are a beautiful young lady, Florica," Clopin said. She giggled again and bowed. "Thank you." Orca quietly left the room with a smile on her face.
"So, what do you do for a living?" Clopin asked. Florica sat down and folded her hands. "I sing," she replied. "Oh that is wonderful. I normally put on puppet shows but I enjoy singing as well," Clopin said. Florica smiled. "You have a very beautiful voice. I have heard you singing to children. Your voice is so small and sweet, yet so strong and powerful. It can be heard all over Paris. The children love it when you sing for them," Florica said. Clopin smiled toothily. "Merci. I do my best. Perhaps someday I may sing for you," he said. Florica put her hand on Clopin's. "I would really like that," she said. Clopin looked down at her hand and she stared down as well. As they lifted their heads, their noses touched and both of them giggled.