{"id":4070,"date":"2026-06-29T02:53:23","date_gmt":"2026-06-29T02:53:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ever-book.io\/?p=4070"},"modified":"2026-07-23T16:40:56","modified_gmt":"2026-07-23T16:40:56","slug":"the-ugly-duckling","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ever-book.io\/zh_cn\/the-ugly-duckling\/","title":{"rendered":"The Ugly Duckling"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk--hide-mobile stk-block stk-bcab097\" data-block-id=\"bcab097\"><style>.stk-bcab097 {margin-bottom:28px !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-bcab097-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-72a749f\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"72a749f\"><style>@media screen and (min-width:690px){.stk-72a749f {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(60% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 1 \/ 2 ) !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-72a749f-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-72a749f-inner-blocks\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\" data-block-type=\"core\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"813\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/ChatGPT-Image-2026\u5e745\u670812\u65e5-01_25_42-1-813x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3442\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/ChatGPT-Image-2026\u5e745\u670812\u65e5-01_25_42-1-813x1024.jpg 813w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/ChatGPT-Image-2026\u5e745\u670812\u65e5-01_25_42-1-238x300.jpg 238w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/ChatGPT-Image-2026\u5e745\u670812\u65e5-01_25_42-1-768x967.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/ChatGPT-Image-2026\u5e745\u670812\u65e5-01_25_42-1-10x12.jpg 10w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/ChatGPT-Image-2026\u5e745\u670812\u65e5-01_25_42-1-300x378.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/ChatGPT-Image-2026\u5e745\u670812\u65e5-01_25_42-1-600x755.jpg 600w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/ChatGPT-Image-2026\u5e745\u670812\u65e5-01_25_42-1.jpg 869w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 813px) 100vw, 813px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-9603505\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"9603505\"><style>@media screen and (min-width:690px){.stk-9603505 {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(40% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 1 \/ 2 ) !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-9603505-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-9603505-inner-blocks\">\n<div style=\"height:150px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\" data-block-type=\"core\"><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\" data-block-type=\"core\">The Ugly Duckling<\/h2>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-cbc85039fc0d2e1435923edac6ba6aa7\" style=\"color:#888888\" data-block-type=\"core\">Hans Christian Andersen<br>1805 \u2014 1875<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\" data-block-type=\"core\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-b392e7b5cbda33d4dc61d4b6041253c4\" style=\"color:#555555\" data-block-type=\"core\">Some solitude<br>is simply the path before we learn to fly.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns aligncenter stk-block-columns stk--hide-desktop stk--hide-tablet stk-block stk-ef9041c\" data-block-id=\"ef9041c\"><style>.stk-ef9041c {margin-bottom:20px !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-ef9041c-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-1a89ad3\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"1a89ad3\"><style>@media screen and (min-width:690px){.stk-1a89ad3 {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(60% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 1 \/ 2 ) !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-1a89ad3-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-1a89ad3-inner-blocks\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignfull size-large\" data-block-type=\"core\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"813\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/ChatGPT-Image-2026\u5e745\u670812\u65e5-01_25_42-1-813x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3442\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/ChatGPT-Image-2026\u5e745\u670812\u65e5-01_25_42-1-813x1024.jpg 813w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/ChatGPT-Image-2026\u5e745\u670812\u65e5-01_25_42-1-238x300.jpg 238w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/ChatGPT-Image-2026\u5e745\u670812\u65e5-01_25_42-1-768x967.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/ChatGPT-Image-2026\u5e745\u670812\u65e5-01_25_42-1-10x12.jpg 10w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/ChatGPT-Image-2026\u5e745\u670812\u65e5-01_25_42-1-300x378.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/ChatGPT-Image-2026\u5e745\u670812\u65e5-01_25_42-1-600x755.jpg 600w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/ChatGPT-Image-2026\u5e745\u670812\u65e5-01_25_42-1.jpg 869w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 813px) 100vw, 813px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-806b06e\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"806b06e\"><style>@media screen and (min-width:690px){.stk-806b06e {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(40% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 1 \/ 2 ) !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-806b06e-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-806b06e-inner-blocks\">\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\" data-block-type=\"core\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Ugly Duckling<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-cbc85039fc0d2e1435923edac6ba6aa7\" style=\"color:#888888\" data-block-type=\"core\">Hans Christian Andersen<br>1805 \u2014 1875<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\" data-block-type=\"core\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-b392e7b5cbda33d4dc61d4b6041253c4\" style=\"color:#555555\" data-block-type=\"core\">Some solitude<br>is simply the path before we learn to fly.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-bc67222\" data-block-id=\"bc67222\"><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-bc67222-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-9fa6ddb\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"9fa6ddb\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-9fa6ddb-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-9fa6ddb-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-divider stk-block-divider stk-block stk-6953016\" data-block-id=\"6953016\"><style>.stk-6953016 hr.stk-block-divider__hr{background:#e8e8e8 !important;width:7% !important;}.stk-6953016 {margin-bottom:30px !important;}<\/style><hr class=\"stk-block-divider__hr\"\/><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">It was summer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">The countryside was beautiful beyond words.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">The wheat shone gold, and the oats were still a deep, trembling green.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">The haystacks rose from the lush meadows, and the stork walked here and there on his long red legs, speaking Egyptia, the language his mother had taught him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">Beyond the fields and meadows lay a great forest, and at its heart, a deep lake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">Yes\uff0cthe countryside was truly lovely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">In the sunniest spot of all stood an old manor house, encircled by a deep moat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">Great burdock plants grew from its walls all the way down to the water&#8217;s edge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">Some grew so tall that a child standing upright could be hidden completely within them. Tucked inside that green wilderness\uff0cas still and sheltered as the heart of a forest\uff0ca mother duck sat upon her nest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">Her ducklings were nearly ready to hatch, and she had grown weary of sitting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">It had taken such a very long time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">Visitors were few.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">The other ducks preferred swimming in the moat to waddling up and sitting with her among the burdock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\" data-block-type=\"core\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/2-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4055\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/2-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/2-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/2-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/2-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/2.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">At last<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">one egg cracked open after another&#8230;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">&#8220;Peep, peep!&#8221; they cried. All the little ducklings came alive, stretching out their small heads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">&#8220;Quack, quack!&#8221; said the mother, and they all quacked as best they could, peering this way and that through the bright green leaves. She let them look as long as they liked<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">Green, she knew, was good for the eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">&#8220;Oh, how wide the world is!&#8221; said all the little ducks. And indeed it was far larger than the inside of an egg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">&#8220;Do you think this is the whole world?&#8221; said their mother.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">&#8220;It stretches far beyond the garden\uff0call the way to the parson&#8217;s meadow\uff0cthough I&#8217;ve never been that far myself. Are you all out now?&#8221; She rose and looked around. &#8221;&nbsp;Oh\uff0cthe largest egg hasn&#8217;t hatched yet. How much longer can it take?&#8221; And she settled back down onto the nest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">&#8220;How are you getting on?&#8221; asked an old duck who had come to pay a visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">&#8220;This one egg is taking forever!&#8221; said the mother. &#8221;&nbsp;It simply won&#8217;t crack. But do come and see the other.&nbsp;They are the most beautiful ducklings you&#8217;ve ever seen.Every one of them the image of their father, the wretch.He never comes to visit.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">&#8220;Let me see that egg,&#8221; said the old duck. &#8220;A turkey&#8217;s egg, I&#8217;ll wager. I was fooled once myself. The trouble those creatures gave me. They&#8217;re frightened of the water&#8230; I tell you. I quacked and I nipped, but nothing would make them go in. Leave it, dear. Go and teach your other children to swim.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">&#8220;I&#8217;ll sit a little longer,&#8221; said the mother.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">&#8220;I&#8217;ve come this far. I may as well see it through to Midsummer.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">&#8220;As you like,&#8221; said the old duck, and waddled away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">At last the great egg cracked open.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">&#8220;Peep!&#8221; said the little creature, tumbling out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">How big he was. How ugly. The mother looked at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">&#8220;What a tremendously large duckling,&#8221; she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">&#8220;None of the others look anything like him. Could he be a turkey chick? Well\uff0cwe shall soon find out. Into the water he goes, even if I have to push him in myself.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">On the third day, the weather was glorious. The sun shone warm on the green burdock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">The mother duck brought all her children down to the moat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">Splash! In she went.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">&#8220;Quack, quack!&#8221; she called, and one by one the ducklings leapt in after her. The water closed over their heads, but they rose at once and floated with perfect ease. Their legs paddled on their own. Every one of them\uff0ceven the big, grey, ungainly one\uff0cswam along with the rest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">&#8220;No, not a turkey,&#8221; said the mother.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">&#8220;See how beautifully he uses his legs\uff0chow straight he holds himself. He is my own, truly. And if you look closely, he is not so very ugly after all. Quack, quack!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">Now then, follow me. I shall show you the world and introduce you to the farmyard. Stay close. And watch out for the cat.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\" data-block-type=\"core\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1536\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/3-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4056\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/3-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/3-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/3-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/3-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/3-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/3.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1536px) 100vw, 1536px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">They entered the farmyard. It was a noisy, alarming place. Two families of ducks were fighting over the head of an eel, and in the end the cat got it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">&#8220;That is the way of the world,&#8221; said the mother, licking her bill\uff0cfor she had wanted the eel-head herself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">&#8220;Now then, use your legs,&#8221; she said. &#8220;Mind your manners and bow your heads to that old duck over there. She is the most distinguished among us, of Spanish blood, which is why she is so stout. You see that red ribbon on her leg? It is a great honour. It means she is prized, and that all creatures, man and animal alike, must show her respect. Quack! Toes out, not in! A well-bred duckling keeps its feet wide apart, like mother and father. Good. Now bow your heads and say Quack!&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">&#8220;Just look at that! More of them, as if we didn&#8217;t have enough already.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">And that one&#8230; heavens, what an ugly creature! We cannot abide him.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">One duck flew straight at him and bit him on the neck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">&#8220;Leave him alone,&#8221; said the mother. &#8220;He is not harming anyone.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">&#8220;That may be,&#8221; said the one who had bitten him, &#8220;but he is too big and too strange. He needs to be put in his place.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">&#8220;What fine ducklings,&#8221; said the old duck with the ribbon. &#8220;All lovely, except for that one. A pity you cannot fix him.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">&#8220;That is beyond anyone&#8217;s power, Your Grace,&#8221; said the mother.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">&#8220;He may not be handsome, but he has a good heart and swims as well as any of them, perhaps&nbsp;even better. He was too long in the egg. That is why he came out rather large.&#8221; She patted his neck and smoothed his feathers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">&#8220;And he is a drake,&#8221; she added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">&#8220;Looks matter less in a male. I believe he will grow strong and make his way in the world.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">&#8220;The others are charming,&#8221; said the old duck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">&#8220;Run along now, all of you. And if you find an eel&#8217;s head, bring it to me.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">And so they settled in. All of them except the poor duckling who had hatched last. He was bitten, pushed, and shoved\uff0cnot only by the ducks but by the hens as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">&#8220;What an overgrown lout,&#8221; they all said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">Even the turkey cock\uff0cborn with spurs and convinced he was an emperor\uff0cpuffed himself up like a ship in full sail and came bearing down on the duckling, gobbling furiously until he was scarlet in the face. The poor duckling did not know where to turn. He was wretched and ashamed\uff0cfor being ugly, and for being the object of the whole farmyard&#8217;s contempt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\" data-block-type=\"core\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/4.1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4057\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/4.1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/4.1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/4.1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/4.1-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/4.1-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/4.1.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">That was the first day. After that, things grew worse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">&#8220;Everyone chased and tormented him. Even his brothers and sisters turned against him. &#8220;I hope the cat gets you, you ugly thing!&#8221; they said. Even his own mother said, &#8220;I wish you would go far away.&#8221; The ducks bit him, the hens pecked him, and the girl who fed them kicked him aside with her foot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">So he ran. He flew over the fence and the little birds in the hedges scattered upward in fright.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">&#8220;It is because I am so ugly,&#8221; thought the poor duckling. He shut his eyes and kept running.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">At last he came to the great marsh where the wild ducks lived. Exhausted and wretched, he lay down among the reeds and spent the night there. In the morning the wild ducks flew over to inspect their new companion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">&#8220;What manner of creature are you?&#8221; they asked. The duckling turned his head this way and that, greeting them as best he could.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">&#8220;You are remarkably ugly,&#8221; said the wild ducks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">&#8220;But that is no concern of ours\uff0cprovided you do not wish to marry into our family.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">Poor creature. Marriage was the furthest thing from his mind. All he wanted was to lie quietly among the rushes and drink a little marsh water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">He stayed there for two whole days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">Then two wild geese arrived \u2014 or rather, two wild ganders, for they were both male.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">They had not been out of the egg long, and were still full of high spirits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">&#8220;I say, friend\uff0cyou are so ugly we rather like you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">Come with us and be a bird of passage. Nearby there is another marsh, and in it some charming wild geese\uff0cyoung ladies who know very well how to quack. With a face like yours, you might do surprisingly well.&#8221; Bang! Bang! Two shots rang out, and both ganders fell dead into the rushes, the water turning red. Bang! Bang! The guns fired again and again. The whole flock rose in alarm. Hunters were hidden all around the marsh,<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">some crouching in the reeds, others behind the trees,<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">some even perched on branches that overhung the water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">Blue smoke drifted like a low cloud from the dark woods across the marsh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">The dogs came splashing through the wetland, thrashing the rushes flat. The poor duckling was terrified.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">He tucked his head beneath his wing. At that moment a great hunting dog appeared beside him. It thrust its wet muzzle close, bared its teeth&nbsp;and splashed away without touching him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">&#8220;Oh, thank heaven,&#8221; breathed the duckling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">&#8220;I am so ugly that even the dog will not bite me.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">He lay perfectly still while the shots rang out and the guns fired on. It grew quiet at last. But even then he did not dare to move for several hours more. When he finally raised his head and looked about him, he ran from the marsh as fast as he could.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">He ran across fields and meadows. The wind blew hard against him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\" data-block-type=\"core\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/5-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4059\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/5-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/5-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/5-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/5-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/5-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/5.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">By nightfall he came to a poor little cottage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">It was so tumbledown that it had never quite decided which way to fall. The wind blew fiercely. The duckling pressed himself against the ground so as not to be carried away. Then he&nbsp;noticed that one hinge of the door was broken, leaving a gap just wide enough to slip through. And so he crept inside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">An old woman lived there, with her cat and her hen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">The cat\uff0cwhom she called Sonnie\uff0ccould arch his back and purr, and even strike sparks when stroked the wrong way. The hen had such short, stumpy legs that she was called Chickabiddy Shortshanks. She laid good eggs, and the old woman loved her as dearly as if she were her own child.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">In the morning the strange duckling was discovered at once. The cat began to purr and the hen to cluck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">&#8220;What on earth is this?&#8221; said the old woman, peering about\uff0cfor her eyesight was poor, and she took the duckling for a large fat duck who had wandered in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">&#8220;What a piece of luck!&#8221; she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">&#8220;Now I shall have duck&#8217;s eggs\uff0cprovided it is not a drake. We shall see.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">Three weeks passed, and not one egg appeared. The cat was master of the house and the hen was mistress. They always said &#8216;we and the world,&#8217; meaning themselves\uff0cand they believed they represented the better half of it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">The duckling thought there might be another view of the matter, but the cat would not hear of it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">&#8220;Can you lay eggs?&#8221; she demanded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">&#8220;No.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">&#8220;Then kindly hold your tongue.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">And the cat said: &#8220;Can you arch your back and purr\uff0cor strike sparks?&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">&#8220;No.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">&#8220;Then keep your opinions to yourself when sensible people are speaking.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">The duckling sat in the corner, quite dispirited. Then one day&nbsp;he was overcome by&nbsp;a longing for fresh air, for open water, for the feeling of floating free. He could not keep it to himself, and told the hen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">&#8220;What on earth has got into you?&#8221; said the hen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">&#8220;You have nothing to do, that is your trouble. Lay some eggs, or learn to purr, and these fancies will pass.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">&#8220;But to float on the water,&#8221; said the duckling, &#8220;how wonderful that is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">To plunge beneath the surface and feel the water rush over your head!&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">&#8220;A fine sort of pleasure, I&#8217;m sure,&#8221; said the hen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">&#8220;Ask the cat\uff0cthe cleverest creature I know\uff0cwhether he enjoys floating or diving. Or ask the old woman herself. There is no wiser person in the world. Do you imagine she would want to float on water?&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">&#8220;You do not understand me,&#8221; said the duckling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">&#8220;If we don&#8217;t understand you, who does? Surely you don&#8217;t think yourself cleverer than the cat and the old woman\uff0cto say nothing of me? Be sensible, child. Be grateful. You have a warm roof and good company. Lay some eggs and learn to purr.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">&#8220;I think I must go out into the wide world,&#8221; said the duckling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">&#8220;Do as you please,&#8221; said the hen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">And so he went.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">He floated on the water and dived beneath it. But everywhere he went he was shunned for his ugliness. Autumn came. The leaves turned gold and fell. The sky grew cold and heavy, full of snow. A raven sat hunched on a fence, croaking with cold. The very thought of it made you shiver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">The poor duckling had a very hard time of it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">One evening, just as the sun was going down and the sky turned pale, a flock of beautiful birds came sweeping out from among the reeds. The duckling had never seen anything so lovely. They were brilliant white, with long graceful necks. Swans. They called out with a strange, wild cry, spread their great wings, and flew away toward warmer lands and open water. They rose so high, so very high, that a feeling stirred in the duckling he could not name. He turned round and round on the water, stretching his neck toward the sky, watching until they were gone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\" data-block-type=\"core\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"705\" src=\"https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/6-1024x705.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4060\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/6-1024x705.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/6-300x207.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/6-768x529.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/6-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/6-600x413.jpg 600w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/6.jpg 1511w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">He could never forget those birds. Those beautiful, joyful birds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">When they disappeared from sight, he dived deep into the water. When he surfaced again something had shifted inside him. He did not know what birds they were or where they had gone, but he was drawn to them in a way he had never felt before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">He did not envy them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">How could he ever dream of such beauty for himself?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">If only the ducks would tolerate him, accept him,<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">that would be enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">That winter was bitterly cold. The duckling had to keep swimming to stop the water from freezing around him. But each night the open circle grew smaller. The cold deepened. The ice groaned. He paddled and paddled, on and on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">At last he could paddle no more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">He lay still.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">&nbsp;The ice closed over him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\" data-block-type=\"core\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/7.1-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4061\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/7.1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/7.1-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/7.1-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/7.1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/7.1-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/7.1-600x338.jpg 600w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/7.1.jpg 1672w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">Early one morning a farmer came by.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">He broke the ice open with his wooden clog, tucked the duckling under his arm, and carried him home to his wife. Warmth revived him. The children wanted to play, but the duckling, certain they meant to harm him, panicked. He flew straight into the milk-pail and splashed milk across the room. The woman screamed. He knocked over the butter-churn, scrambled into the meal-barrel and out again. The woman came at him with the fire-tongs. The children tumbled over each other laughing and shouting. The door was open. He fled into the bushes and lay down in the new-fallen snow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">He lay there, with no strength left at all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">All the hardship and misery he suffered through that long winter would be too sorrowful to tell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">When the sun grew warm again, he was lying in a marsh among the reeds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">The larks were singing. Spring had come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">Then, all at once, he spread his wings. They beat the air more powerfully than he had ever known, and carried him up and forward. Before he understood what was happening, he found himself in a great garden full of apple blossom, where the lilacs trailed their branches all the way down to the still water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">Oh, the sweetness of it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">Just ahead, three great white swans came gliding out from among the rushes. They moved upon the water so lightly, their feathers just stirring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">He knew them, those proud, noble birds, and a sadness he could not name rose inside him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">&#8220;I will fly to them. Those noble creatures. Even if they kill me for daring to come near, so be it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">But no matter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">Better to be killed by them than to be bitten by ducks, pecked by hens, and suffer another such winter.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">He flew out onto the water and swam toward the three swans. They saw him, and came rushing forward with raised wings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">&#8220;Kill me then,&#8221; said the poor duckling, and he bowed his head toward the water to receive his death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">But what did he see there, in that clear, still water?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\" data-block-type=\"core\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/8.1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4062\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/8.1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/8.1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/8.1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/8.1-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/8.1-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/8.1.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">His own reflection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">It was no longer the reflection of a clumsy, dark-grey ugly bird. He was a swan. It does not matter where you are born, so long as you have lain in a swan&#8217;s egg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">All the suffering he had known felt, now, like something he had needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">It had brought him to this moment, to this light, to this beauty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">The great swans circled around him and stroked him gently with their bills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\" data-block-type=\"core\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/9.1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4063\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/9.1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/9.1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/9.1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/9.1-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/9.1-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/9.1.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">&#8220;Some children came into the garden, throwing grain and bread into the water. The youngest called out: &#8220;A new one! There is a new one!&#8221; The others came running. &#8220;Yes,&nbsp;a new one has come!&#8221; They clapped their hands and danced, and ran to fetch their parents. Bread was thrown, and everyone agreed: &#8220;The new one is the most beautiful of all. So young. So lovely.&#8221; And the old swans bowed their heads before him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">He felt quite overcome with it. He tucked his head beneath his wing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">He did not know what to think. He was deeply happy \u2014 but not proud. A kind heart is never proud.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">He remembered how he had been chased and despised, and now he heard them all saying he was the most beautiful bird of all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">The lilacs trailed their blossoms to the water&#8217;s edge. The sun was warm and golden. He lifted his long neck, shook out his feathers, and said with a full heart:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">&#8220;When I was an ugly duckling, I never once dreamed that such happiness could be.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\" data-block-type=\"core\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"455\" src=\"https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/10-1024x455.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4064\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/10-1024x455.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/10-300x133.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/10-768x341.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/10-1536x683.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/10-18x8.jpg 18w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/10-600x267.jpg 600w, https:\/\/ever-book.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/10.jpg 1881w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-453c6fc\" data-block-id=\"453c6fc\"><style>.stk-453c6fc {margin-bottom:0px !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-453c6fc-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-b25077a\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"b25077a\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-b25077a-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-b25077a-inner-blocks\">\n<div style=\"height:280px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\" data-block-type=\"core\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-fa0193497b82c537106d239d689f00d9\"><br>Before You Leave<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:280px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\" data-block-type=\"core\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-divider stk-block-divider stk-block stk-f3717ad\" data-block-id=\"f3717ad\"><style>.stk-f3717ad hr.stk-block-divider__hr{background:#e8e8e8 !important;width:7% !important;}.stk-f3717ad {margin-bottom:0px !important;}<\/style><hr class=\"stk-block-divider__hr\"\/><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-265b2b79487a6f836dda805d6951ac3e\">Reflection<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\" data-block-type=\"core\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\" style=\"line-height:2\" data-block-type=\"core\">He used to believe:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\" style=\"line-height:2\" data-block-type=\"core\">that he was born<br>a mistake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:280px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\" data-block-type=\"core\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-divider stk-block-divider stk-block stk-e0e720d\" data-block-id=\"e0e720d\"><style>.stk-e0e720d hr.stk-block-divider__hr{background:#e8e8e8 !important;width:7% !important;}.stk-e0e720d {margin-bottom:1px !important;}<\/style><hr class=\"stk-block-divider__hr\"\/><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\" data-block-type=\"core\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\" style=\"line-height:2\" data-block-type=\"core\">Some stories<br>are meant to be read<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\" style=\"line-height:2\" data-block-type=\"core\"><br>And some stories<br>are meant to be treasured for a lifetime<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\" style=\"line-height:2\" data-block-type=\"core\"><br>If this story<br>stays with you<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\" style=\"line-height:2\" data-block-type=\"core\"><br>If a single line<br>that stays with you<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\" style=\"line-height:2\" data-block-type=\"core\"><br>If you wish<br>walk with it<br>a little further<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:300px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\" data-block-type=\"core\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-divider stk-block-divider stk-block stk-024cd20\" data-block-id=\"024cd20\"><style>.stk-024cd20 hr.stk-block-divider__hr{background:#e8e8e8 !important;width:7% !important;}.stk-024cd20 {margin-bottom:0px !important;}<\/style><hr class=\"stk-block-divider__hr\"\/><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" style=\"line-height:2\">Everything we cherish <br>will one day become a memory<br>but the light it leaves within us will continue into the future<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\" data-block-type=\"core\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns alignfull stk-block-columns stk-block stk-e8b9f58\" data-block-id=\"e8b9f58\"><style>.stk-e8b9f58 {min-height:300px !important;align-items:center !important;margin-top:var(--stk--preset--spacing--70, 3.38rem) !important;margin-bottom:var(--stk--preset--spacing--70, 3.38rem) !important;display:flex !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-e8b9f58-column alignwide\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-cd62b16\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"cd62b16\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-cd62b16-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-cd62b16-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-button-group stk-block-button-group stk-block stk-9a76929\" data-block-id=\"9a76929\"><style>.stk-9a76929 .stk-inner-blocks{column-gap:10px !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks has-text-align-center stk-block-content stk-button-group\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-button stk-block-button stk-block stk-f06f9f4\" data-block-id=\"f06f9f4\"><style>.stk-f06f9f4 .stk-button{padding-right:var(--stk--preset--spacing--50, 1.5rem) !important;padding-left:var(--stk--preset--spacing--50, 1.5rem) !important;}<\/style><a class=\"stk-link stk-button stk--hover-effect-darken\" href=\"https:\/\/ever-book.io\/everbook-membership\/\"><span class=\"stk-button__inner-text\">Step Into the Collector&#8217;s Edition<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Hans Christian Andersen1805 \u2014 1875 Some solitudeis simp 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