In a sunny Caribbean town, an elegant little cockroach named Martina swept her porch. There she found a shiny coin! She bought sweet-smelling powder and sat prettily on her balcony among the hibiscus flowers.

Soon, suitors came to ask for Martina’s hand. To each one Martina asked the very same question: “And how will you speak to me in the evening?” She wanted a voice gentle and kind.

First came the proud Rooster. He puffed his chest and crowed, “QUI-QUI-RI-QUÍÍÍ!” — so loud that Martina jumped. “Oh my, you would frighten me every night!” she said kindly. “Thank you, but no.”

Next the sleek Cat purred, then “MIAUUU!” — too sharp. Then the round Pig grunted “OINK, OINK!” — too rough. Martina thanked them both with a polite smile, but shook her head each time.

At last a gentle little mouse named Ratón Pérez bowed low in his tidy blue vest. “And how will you speak to me?” asked Martina. “Uí, uí,” he squeaked, soft and sweet as a lullaby. Martina’s heart melted. “You, I will marry!”

The whole town celebrated! Lanterns glowed, guitars played, and everyone danced in the plaza. Martina cooked a big pot of sweet rice pudding for the wedding feast, and it smelled wonderful.

“Wait here, mi amor, and do not touch the pot,” said Martina, and went to put on her wedding dress. But the rice pudding smelled SO sweet. Little Pérez climbed up onto the rim to take one tiny peek.

He leaned a little too far — his paws slipped on the warm edge — and he teetered over the pot! “¡Ay, ay!” squeaked Pérez, waving his little arms, wobbling on the rim.

Quick as a wink, Martina rushed in and caught him by the tail, pulling him safe! “Careful, mi amor!” she laughed, hugging him close. “The rice can wait. You can never be replaced.”

So Martina and Pérez were married under the glowing lanterns, and the whole town danced until dawn. And ever after, they shared every sweet bowl of rice together. A gentle, kind heart is the sweetest sound of all.