The Ugly Duckling

Once upon a time, it was summer on a small farm beside a tranquil river. A mother duck was perched on her nest under large green leaves, waiting patiently. One day, the eggs began to crack. 'Cheep, cheep!' went the little ducklings as they emerged. The mother duck smiled fondly. One large egg still remained. At last, it opened, and out came a very big, grey duckling. He looked quite different from the others. 'You are mine too,' the mother said kindly. 'Tomorrow, we shall go to the water.' The next day, the sun shone brightly. The ducklings hopped into the river and swam. The big grey duckling swam splendidly.

'You see,' said the mother, 'you are a good swimmer. Stay close to me.' They went to the barnyard. There were many birds and animals there. Some were friendly, but others were not. The grey duckling was called names because he looked different. He felt sad and alone. Day by day, it was very hard for him. In the end, he wandered away and flew over a hedge to a wide, peaceful marsh. Wild ducks saw him and asked, 'Who are you?' He was polite and said, 'May I rest here?' They let him stay. Soon, loud noises frightened the birds, and they flew away.

The grey duckling hid among the reeds until all was quiet again. He walked and found a tiny cottage. Inside lived a woman, a cat, and a hen. They let him stay for a while. The cat liked to purr. The hen liked to lay eggs. They did not understand why the duckling loved to swim and splash. 'It makes me feel happy and calm,' said the duckling. But they laughed and told him to be like them. The duckling felt the cottage was not his home. He thanked them and left. Autumn came. The leaves turned golden.

The wind grew crisp. One afternoon he saw large white birds with long necks. They flew in the rosy sky, calling to each other. They were so beautiful. The grey duckling stretched his neck and watched in awe. Winter arrived. The river turned to ice at the edges. The duckling kept a small patch open for swimming, but the ice grew thick. A kind farmer found him cold and weary. The farmer took him home to warm him. The children were excited, and the duckling was frightened. He slipped and slid and hurried back out into the soft snow.

Winter was long, but at last, the sun felt warm again. The snow melted. Birds sang. Green buds appeared. The duckling flapped his strong wings and flew to a garden with a clear pond and blossoming trees. Three white swans glided across the water. The grey duckling felt shy. 'They are royal birds,' he thought. 'I will swim near them. If they do not want me, I will leave.' He bent his head to the water and saw his own reflection. He was no longer grey and awkward. He was a beautiful white swan. The swans came closer and welcomed him.

The children on the shore clapped and tossed bread. 'Look, a new swan!' they shouted. 'He is the most beautiful of all!' The young swan tucked his head under his wing, happy and humble. He had been lonely and afraid, but now he knew the truth: he had always belonged. He lifted his neck under the sun and thought, 'I never dreamed of such happiness when I was an ugly duckling.'