Swan

Val, pointing to the back cover of one of her books, where other books were pictured: What does this one say?

Me: "The Ugly Duckling"

Val, sincerely: What does 'ugly' mean?

Me, stunned and simultaneously grateful she had to ask: Not pretty.

Val, considering: Ugly... ugly... why did the mother think the duckling was ugly?

Me: She didn't. The story-teller did. All good mommies know their babies are beautiful.

Val, nodding, then smiling: Oh... well I think it's kind of furry and cute and fluffy. I like it.

Me: I do, too.

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I was six when the neighbor girls called me ugly.