It was so cold in the farmyard. Startled by the other ducks, a poor little grey duckling felt very lonely. 'You are too big and ugly,' they quacked. He ran away to the marsh, but even the wild ducks teased him. As winter came, the ponds froze over, and snow covered the ground. The poor duckling shivered, wandering through the white world alone.
He found shelter near a warm cottage barn. Through the window, he saw a family celebrating Christmas, their tree glowing with candles. He wished he could belong. He hid in the hay, dreaming of a better spring. The winter was long and hard, but he was stronger than he knew.
Finally, the sun grew warm. Larks began to sing. The duckling flapped his wings—they were strong now! He flew to a garden with a clear blue pond. Three magnificent white swans swam there. He bowed his head, expecting them to hiss. But then—he saw his own reflection. He was no longer a grey duckling. He was a beautiful white swan! His heart burst with joy.
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The End