Reading: Cinderella

Once upon a time, in a land far away, lived a sweet girl named Cinderella. She had a kind heart but a hard life, serving (phục vụ) her mean (độc ác) stepmother (mẹ kế) and two jealous (ghen tị) stepsisters (em gái kế). They would demand, "Cinderella, clean the house!" and "Cinderella, make us dinner!" Yet, she never lost hope.

One day, the king invited everyone to a grand ball (vũ hội) at the palace (cung điện). Cinderella's stepfamily laughed, "You at the ball? Impossible!" and left her behind.

As Cinderella cried alone in the kitchen, a soft voice said, "Dry your tears (nước mắt), dear." It was her fairy godmother (bà tiên). "You will go to the ball!"

With her wand (đũa phép), she turned Cinderella's old rags (quần áo rách nát) into a beautiful gown (áo dài đẹp) and her shoes into sparkling (lấp lánh) glass slippers (giày thuỷ tinh).

"Remember, at midnight (nửa đêm) the magic will end and your gown will return to rags. Be home before midnight" she warned.

At the ball, Cinderella danced with the prince all night, who thought she was the most amazing girl!

But as the clock struck midnight, Cinderella said "I'm so sorry" and ran away before the magic ended. The prince asked, "But, at least tell me your name?" But, it was too late, and Cinderella was gone.

The prince was heartbroken. However, Cinderella had left behind one glass slipper.

The prince found the slipper and searched the whole kingdom (vương quốc) for her. He thought, "Whoever this slipper perfectly fits is the girl I met!"

Hundreds of girls desperately tried the slipper, every girl in the village, but it didn't fit (vừa vặn) any of them.

When he finally arrived at Cinderella's house, the slipper fit her foot perfectly! It was a magical moment, as he knew this was the same girl he danced with. They hugged (ôm) and laughed. Her jealous (ghen tị) stepfamily couldn't believe it!

The prince took Cinderella back to the palace and they got married and lived happily ever after.