Cinderella Around the World

Hello. My name is Yeh-Shen. I lived in a little house by a big, sparkly cave. It was a pretty place, but I was often lonely. But I had a very special, secret friend. My friend was a fish. He was not just any fish. He was a beautiful, shimmery fish. He had big, round, golden eyes that blinked at me. Swish, swish, went his tail in the cool water. Every day, I would bring him yummy crumbs to eat. He would swim right up to me. Nibble, nibble, went my fish friend. My stepmother was not very nice, so I felt sad sometimes. But my fish friend always made me happy. He was my happy, splashy, secret friend. We would play all day.

One day, my fish friend was gone. I looked and looked, but I could not find him. I was so, so sad. I cried big, splashy tears by the water. Then, a kind old man with a long white beard appeared. He floated like a soft, fluffy cloud. He told me, "Don't be sad. Your fish friend has left a special magic gift for you." Soon, it was time for a big party, a festival for everyone. But I had no pretty dress to wear. I remembered the magic gift and made a wish. I wished for a pretty dress. Poof. I was wearing a beautiful blue dress. It was soft like feathers. And on my feet were tiny, shiny, golden shoes. They were so small and sparkly. I went to the party and everyone smiled. But I had to go home soon. I ran so fast, I lost one tiny shoe. My little golden shoe was gone.

A kind king found my little golden shoe. "Whose tiny shoe is this?" he asked. He went to every house. "Try on the shoe!" he said. Big feet tried. Little feet tried. But the shoe did not fit. Then the king came to my house. I put my foot in the tiny shoe. It fit. It fit just right. I showed him my other golden shoe. The king smiled a big, happy smile. He was very kind. And I was never, ever sad again. It is always good to be kind.