CHAPTER III LOUIS

The stars gently glided across the sky as the sun gently bid its farewell, ready to rest. The road was illuminated by a dazzling display of lights stretching from one end to the other. Karvelstraat, a grand shopping district in Amsterdam alive with the constant movement of people going about their day, each with their own purpose and destination. A faint sound of wheels emanated from the distance, gradually drawing closer to the heart of the scene. The piano has a charmingly weathered appearance, yet it has been meticulously cared for, exuding an air of authenticit.

"Hey Louis, what's the reasoning behind your choice of a classical piano every day, consistently exerting myself leaves me feeling exhausted before I even start my work" A man with blonde hair exerted effort as he pushed the piano from behind, emitting a sound of strain.

"Being a part of show Oliver, donning antique garments evokes the sensation of being an octresta player. Simply embrace the experience and relish in it." A man with a strong physique and sleek, tied-back black hair effortlessly pulled the piano forward using a string.

"In addition, taking care of the flowers and ensuring they are properly watered and wrapped is quite manageable Oliver, hahaha"

"Oh, being a florist is definitely not as easy as it may seem. It requires a deep understanding of the emotions and messages that each flower conveys, which is crucial for my beloved customers. It's a challenging job, but one that I take seriously."

"Is that really the case? Why haven't you ever given me flowers?"

"Sure, I'll provide you with corpse flowers. It seems like you always find a way to exploit me, Louis."

"Hahaha, just give us a moment, we'll be there in a minute"

Upon reaching their destination, Oliver made his way to the flower shop where he was employed, while Louis took care of some preparations. The Karvel Petal flower shop exudes a timeless beauty, adorned with an enchanting old Dutch concept. Oliver entered the room and began tending to the flowers, his voice carrying the melodies of his beloved Belgian tunes. Just when you thought everything was calm and steady, the shop owner Miss Harvey approached him with some important news.

"Oliver, we really need to act quickly. The situation is urgent."

"Take a moment to relax, my Miss. There's no need to rush. What seems to be troubling you that has caused such tension in your lovely countenance?" Oliver eased back and playfully bantered with Miss Harvey, aiming to create a more lighthearted atmosphere.

"Oliver, we need to take this seriously. De Prinses Witte Klaver is en route to our location, and we cannot afford to make any mistakes."

"Who is this De Prinses Witte Klaver that you speak of? Is there a princess hailing from a majestic kingdom? Oh, isn't this just delightful, Miss? Such a wonderful thing to happen hahaha"

"Do you really not know who she is? How can that be!? Her lineage traces back to the renowned company that has gained immense recognition not only in Amsterdam but also across the entire Netherlands"

"It's surprising that someone from Rottendam like you, Oliver, wouldn't be aware of such a significant individual. But I understand that not everyone has access to that kind of information." Miss Harvey pressed on, her face betraying her nerves.

Obviously, Miss Harvey remained unaware of Oliver's true origins, and Oliver, in order to avoid any potential complications, chose to deceive her. However, there were moments when Oliver couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt for deceiving her.

"Oliver swiftly adjusted his apron, as it appears a bit untidy at the moment."

"However, the reason behind this growth is primarily attributed to the application of fertilizer and adequate watering, Miss, It's not common for you to voice your objections about this"

"If it were her, Oliver would be incredibly quick. The speed at which she moves would completely change the narrative."

"Oh, how delightful! You have such a charming appearance, Miss. Alright then."

Adorned in a cozy brown cable-knit sweater and a knee-length black wool coat, Louis Rouiver, an immigrant from Belgium, had a unique aura that captivated the curiosity of those who crossed his path. He exuded an air of mystery and warmth, drawing the eyes of passersby who couldn't help but be intrigued by the sight of him. They often imagined a grand piano with intricately carved muses, a masterpiece crafted by his close friend and fellow Belgian immigrant, Oliver Tenace. Oliver's exquisite craftsmanship had left a lasting impression on many, just as Louis did with his presence.

Each day, Louis performed a familiar ritual: he would take a cigarette from his trousers and light one or two before beginning his street performance. The smell of tobacco mingled with the crisp air, creating an almost ceremonial atmosphere. However, on this particular day, before he could finish his cigarette, a little girl suddenly approached him, her eyes wide with curiosity and wonder.

"Sir, what are you going to play this afternoon? I want to hear the song De Winkel van Sinkel, De Winkel van Sinkel, quickly, quickly " the girl with the ribbon in her hair spoke to Louis while his mother watched from afar.

"Oh, good choice princess,"

"I will grant the princess's wish then," Louis looked down at her after extinguishing the remaining half of his cigarette.

Louis' hand, adorned with a few wounds, slowly descends to rest on the piano keys, the scars a testament to his tumultuous journey. He takes a deep breath, feeling the familiar weight of the world lift slightly as he lets the air fill his lungs. Closing his eyes for a moment, he enters his own dimension, a sacred space where the troubles of reality seem distant and faint. The vastness of its blue began to unfold before his mind's eye, an ocean of tranquility and inspiration.

In this serene expanse, his fingers begin to move, each touch on the keys delicate yet deliberate, like a painter adding strokes to a masterpiece. The piano responds to his touch, its notes flowing like a gentle stream, harmonizing with the unspoken emotions that swirl within him. As the first chords resonate, Louis starts to sing, his voice a soft yet powerful instrument that melds seamlessly with the music.

De winkel van Sinkel, is van alles te koop,

Koekjes en worstjes, en heel veel stroop.

De winkel van Sinkel, heeft wat je maar wil,

Alles is er te koop, in de winkel van Sinkel.

De winkel van Sinkel, daar moet je zijn,

Voor spulletjes groot en spulletjes klein.

De winkel van Sinkel, daar wil je naar toe,

Alles is er te koop, het is er altijd druk en nooit zoet.

De winkel van Sinkel, dat is een feest,

Als je er binnenloopt, vergeet je de rest.

De winkel van Sinkel, daar voel je je vrij,

Want alles wat je wilt, is er voor jou en mij.

In de winkel van Sinkel is alles te koop,

In de winkel van Sinkel is alles te koop

The melody is hauntingly beautiful, each note a reflection of his soul, conveying a story of pain, hope, and redemption. With every breath and every movement, Louis pours his heart into the performance, creating a moment of pure, unfiltered expression that transcends the ordinary and touches the divine.

Louis and the little girl sang together, their voices intertwining harmoniously. The dim street lights cast a soft glow, illuminating their faces. As Louis looked at the girl, a small smile formed on his lips, knowing that her heart was brimming with pure happiness. Bringing joy to others through his talents brings Louis immense happiness, despite the lingering presence of haunting memories. In the beginning, it was just the little girl and Louis. Gradually, more and more people gathered around to witness the performance. The princess was truly amazed by that song. Louis grinned warmly and directed his gaze towards the girl.

"It's true, my friends doubt my singing abilities. But I have a strong belief that when I grow up, I will become a free-spirited singer."

"Your dream of becoming a singer is truly beautiful, like that of a princess."

"Hmm, I'm curious about whether I'll receive it in the future, especially considering that it's freedom." Louis was brimming with curiosity, his mind buzzing with countless inquiries.

"Alright, would you be open to the idea of singing another song before the princess returns to your mother's embrace?" Louis proceeded to enquire further from the girl.

"Why limit ourselves to just one occasion? I must say, I'm intrigued by your proposal. How about we make a pact to reunite in the future and indulge in another delightful duet?"

"Certainly, princess, I would be delighted to," Louis began the performance by replaying the song, skilfully adding his piano accompaniment.

As Louis played and completed the game, he became aware of the growing audience, who watched and cheered in support. Louis was filled with joy, relishing in the present moment and momentarily escaping the lingering darkness that plagued him. Louis continued to play the piano with joy as the attention of the audience shifted towards a woman wearing a stunning brown chasmere coat. Her captivating greenish eyes seemed to captivate Louis, causing his heart to skip a beat.

"Why, how could you do that??"