A Reflection in the Water

To his surprise, the beautiful birds swam straight toward him, welcoming him with gentle bows of their long necks.

Confused, he lowered his head, bracing for the unkindness he had grown so used to — and there, in the still water, he saw his own reflection at last.

He was not gray and awkward anymore. He had grown into a swan himself — just as graceful, just as beautiful as the others.