17th Dec 2024
Once upon a time a kind girl named Cinderella lived with her mean stepmother and two stepsisters. They always told her, "Cinderella, you are just a kitchen-wench! Stay away from us!" But Cinderella stayed good, even when they were bad to her. Every day, she visited her mother's grave and cried. She prayed for help and to be loved again.
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One day, her father went to the fair. He asked the stepsisters what they wanted. They wanted beautiful dresses and pearls. Cinderella asked for a small twig. "Bring me the first branch that touches your hat, please!"
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On his way home, the father found the twig and brought it to Cinderella. She thanked him and planted it at her mother's grave. She watered it with her tears. Then, a beautiful tree grew tall and strong. A lovely bird sat in the tree.
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Every day after, Cinderella visited the tree and made wishes. The bird tossed down pretty dresses and shoes for her, but her cruel stepmother never allowed her to wear them. One day, the king held a grand ball, and the sisters were excited! They said, "Cinderella, comb our hair and brush our dresses!"
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Cinderella wanted to go to the ball too, but her stepmother said, "No, you are too dirty! You cannot dance!" She told Cinderella to pick out lentils from the ashes. Cinderella prayed and asked the birds for help. Soon, the birds came and finished the work.
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Cinderella felt hopeful, but her stepmother said, "You still cannot go! You have no dress!" Heartbroken, she rushed to the tree and cried, "Please, little tree, help me!" The bird sent down a beautiful dress and golden shoes!
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That night, Cinderella went to the ball. She looked like a princess! The prince danced only with her and forgot everyone else. But when it was time to leave, Cinderella had to run away. She lost one golden shoe!
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The prince searched for the owner of the shoe. He went to Cinderella's house. Her stepsisters tried to fit into the shoe but couldn't. Then Cinderella came out. She smiled as the shoe fit perfectly!
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The prince realized she was the beautiful girl from the ball. They married, and the stepsisters were sad. They wanted to share in her happiness, but Cinderella remembered all the mean things they had done.
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At the wedding, as they entered the church, two doves flew by. They pecked out one eye of each stepsister for their unkindness. They learned that being good to others is what really matters. Cinderella had her happy ending, and lived with love and joy!
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