A Little Magic

A kind fairy godmother appeared before her. “Dry your eyes,” she said warmly. “You shall go to the ball.”

With a wave of her wand, a plump pumpkin became a golden carriage. Six little mice became six white horses.

And with one more gentle wave, Cinderella's tattered dress transformed into a beautiful gown, and on her feet appeared two delicate glass slippers.

“Remember,” the fairy godmother said gently, “the magic fades at the stroke of midnight. You must return before then.”

“I will,” Cinderella promised, smiling brighter than she had in years.