Inner Beauty

Inner Beauty

In the Topaz province of Sweden, a girl named Lucy lived with her parents. She was their beloved daughter—kind and friendly. However, one thing always saddened her: she was not beautiful.

One day, Lucy was on her way to the market when she saw an old woman trying to cross the road. The traffic was heavy, making it impossible for her to cross. Feeling pity for the old woman, Lucy held her hand and helped her across the street. The old woman blessed her and said, Dear child, you have a beautiful heart. I wish your appearance would match the beauty of your soul.

Then, the old woman took out a feather from her bag and handed it to Lucy. Keep this with you, and you will become incredibly beautiful.

As soon as Lucy held the feather, she transformed into a stunningly beautiful girl. But before she could thank the old woman, she had disappeared. Lucy returned home happily and shared the entire incident with her parents. Her father, overjoyed, said, Now, we will find a good match for our dear daughter and arrange her marriage

From that day on, Lucys father began searching for a suitable groom. Many young men came forward, but none seemed right for Lucy. Finally, they found an exceptionally handsome young man. Lucy also saw him—he was wearing a cap and looked truly charming.

In the presence of her parents, the young man placed an engagement ring on Lucys finger. Their wedding was set to take place in a few days. Though Lucy was happy, something troubled her heart.

One day, when her fiancé came to visit, she said, I need to tell you something important.

Yes, tell me, he replied casually.

Lucy hesitated for a moment and then said, I do not want to deceive you. The way you see me now—I am not truly like this. I am not naturally beautiful. She then explained everything about the old woman and the magical feather.

One day, this feather will either break or get lost, and when that happens, I will return to my original appearance.

The young man stared at her in shock. After a moment, he smiled and said, I, too, have something to confess. Just as you are beautiful because of the feather, I am handsome only because of this cap. The same old woman gave it to me as a reward for helping her. She was pleased with my kindness. Without it, I am not as handsome as I appear.

He continued, Now, we are alike. As long as we have the feather and the cap, we will look beautiful. But real beauty lies in the heart. I want to marry you for who you truly are, not because of this illusion.

Lucy said thoughtfully, Both of us are hiding behind a mask of false beauty. Why dont we remove this mask forever?

The young man nodded, I agree. Sooner or later, the feather and the cap might get lost or destroyed anyway. Lets get rid of them now.

Together, they walked to the river and threw the magical feather and cap into the water. When they returned, their parents and the villagers were astonished by their changed appearance. But when Lucy and the young man explained everything, everyone praised their wisdom and honesty.

Their wedding took place with great celebration, and they lived a happy and fulfilling life together.

Together, they walked to the river and threw the magical feather and cap into the water. When they returned, their parents and the villagers were astonished by their changed appearance. But when Lucy and the young man explained everything, everyone praised their wisdom and honesty.

Their wedding took place with great celebration, and they lived a happy and fulfilling life together.