The Story of Cinderella

Welcome to Stories for Teenagers. Tonight's tale, Whoa! In a fine house, a gentle girl was given the meanest work. One day, things will change. She served without complaint, though no one thanked her. I'll keep my heart kind. Even in ashes, she found small kindnesses to give. Again, everything must be perfect. Yes, ma'am. Before sunset, I want every room done. I will do it. Tie it tighter. And not crooked, use both hands. She had excellent taste, yet received no credit for it. By order of the palace, an invitation to the royal ball. A ball where the prince would choose a bride. Cinderella, would you not like to go to the ball? Alas, you only jeer me. It is not for such as I am to go to such a place. I'm happy to help you look your best. May I go too? You? Stay and work. The door seemed to close again. No one enters while we're gone. Yes, ma'am. Don't wrinkle it. You'll ruin everything. They went to court and she stayed behind. I wish I could. Red makes me look important. No, it makes you look loud. Perfect. Make it tighter at the waist. Yes, madam. Watch where you stand. Sorry. They were transported with joy and she stayed in the shadows. Don't touch what isn't yours. Let there be a way. Not so hard. Yes, my lady. Of course it looks good because it's on me. Smile. Courtesy. Speak only when spoken to. They planned to be seen while Cinderella was told to disappear. In secret, she allowed herself to hope. For you, mom, I'll try. Cinderella! Coming! The dream was fragile, but real. Please, stop! Enough. Go back to the kitchen. When they vanished from sight, she began to cry. I wish I could. My child, what troubles you? Wanted to go, but I can't. I wish I could. You wish that you could go to the ball, is it not so? Yes. Be a good girl and I will see to it. Run into the garden and bring me a pumpkin. With a stroke of the wand, the ordinary became extraordinary. It's beautiful. One, two, three, and more. I will go and see if there is not a rat in the rat trap that we can turn into a coachman. You are right. Go and look. Bring them to me quickly, Tartham. Well, you see here an equipage fit to go to the ball with. Are you not pleased with it? But these rags... In an instant, she looked like a princess, yet remained herself. The prettiest glass slippers in the world. Commanded her not to stay past midnight. If you stay one moment longer, it all returns. I promise. Before midnight. Go and enjoy yourself. Thank you. Thank you. She set off, almost beside herself with joy. It's real. A great princess has arrived. Make way. An unknown princess arrives. Night changed the moment she entered. A deep silence fell upon everyone. How beautiful she is. They said a great princess, whom nobody knew, had come. Welcome, my lady. Thank you, your highness. All the ladies studied her costume to copy it. Will you dance? With pleasure. He is my partner. The prince ate not a morsel, so intent was he. You dance beautifully. I didn't know I could. Tell me your name. Forgive me. Tonight, I'm only a guest. Thank you. She showed everyone a thousand civilities. Please, try this. Just a little. I brought you something, please. How kind of you. She must be royalty. Perhaps. Or perhaps just someone brave. From which court do you come? From far away. Let her enjoy the evening. Heard the clock strike eleven and three quarters. Forgive me, I must go. Wait, why? Thank you. She hastened away as fast as she could. Made it. I made it. She reached home, grateful and still dreaming. She was the most beautiful ever seen. You stayed such a long time. The prince wouldn't leave her side. Did anyone learn her name? What time did she leave? Nine o'clock to me. Just suddenly. Like a dream. Dishes. Now. Yes, ma'am. I didn't imagine it. May I go again tonight? If you remember the rule. Hope can be a quiet kind of strength. The next day, she was dressed more magnificently than before. Midnight, my child. Not a moment later. I remember. This time, I'll be careful. Welcome back, my lady. You came back. Only for tonight. The prince was always by her. She quite forgot what her godmother had told her. Tomorrow, will you tell me? Tomorrow is... Uncertain. The night carried her away like a dream. I should go soon. Stay. Wait, please. Forgive me. I can't. In her haste, she left behind one glass slipper. Master! I will find you. If she stayed one moment longer, all would return as before. One is enough. This slipper belongs to her. I won't give up. Consider the noble houses. Valois, Montaigne, Girasse. We can search the courts. We search every home by the slipper. The prince caused it to be proclaimed. So be it. Hear ye, by royal command! He would marry her whose foot this slipper would just fit. Many tried, but only one could fit. One at a time. No tricks. Thank you. Next. Impossible! The slipper decides. From house to house, the slipper traveled. When they come, I'll try. We have been expecting you. The slipper was brought to the two sisters first. It does not fit. Try again. Not this one either. There is no one else. Please, allow me to try. Absolutely not. If she wishes to try, she may. No one could deny the test. Thank you. It fits. No. I have the other. Then you must come with us. There must be some mistake. There is none. It was... you. The truth needed no shouting. Only light. Goodbye. She stepped out of ashes into her own story. The prince will be overjoyed. I hope. I can be brave. The palace no longer felt like an impossible dream. This way, my lady. Is everything prepared? Is it her? It's you. Yes, your highness. Why did you run? I had a promise to keep. Stay by choice. I choose to stay. I'm not used to grand rooms. Then we'll make room for what matters. We have heard of your gentleness. Were you? I will honor your kindness. The owner of the glass slipper has been found. I wish she could see this. She would be proud. We... we are sorry. I will not be treated that way again. I forgive you and I choose a new life. I release this. Kindness did not mean weakness. Are you all right? For the first time, yes. She was conducted to the young prince, dressed as she was. It was you all along. Yes. And a few days after, he married her. Long live the prince and his bride! The palace rejoiced. Forgive us. We were wrong. I forgive you with all my heart. Love is chosen, not demanded. Love me now by choosing kindness. Cinderella gave her two sisters lodgings in the palace. And that very same day, she matched them with two great lords of the court. She remembered the night that changed everything. Beauty is a treasure, but grace is worth far more. And even the finest gifts mean little if we ignore wise counsel. Thank you. Be happy, child. Home. The end. Thanks for watching Stories for Teenagers. If this story moved you, like, subscribe, and share. See you next time.