The Ugly Duckling

On a farm beside the pond, a brood of ducklings was born. All were yellow and soft, except one, larger and grayish, who was soon called «the ugly duckling».

The others laughed at him and wouldn't let him play. Sad, the duckling decided to leave and find a place where he'd be loved just as he was.

He walked through fields and ponds, was cold in winter and hid among the reeds. But he never stopped dreaming of finding someone like himself.

Spring arrived. One morning, on the calm water, he saw some elegant white birds approaching: they were swans. He felt his heart recognize them.

Leaning over the pond, the duckling saw his reflection: he too had become a beautiful swan! The other swans welcomed him as one of their own.

That day he understood he had always been special; he only needed time to bloom and kind eyes that could see it.