It was the morning of yet another day in the household Cinderella lived in, where she did things slaves were meant to do.

In other words, she was the slave of the house, performing household work, and only feeling the warmth of the fire in the evening. She was the girl who sat by the cinders, earning her her name: Cinderella. 

It was quite early in the morning before the sun even woke, but Cinderella had quite a streak rising earlier than the sun did, due to the amount of work she did.

She was just sweeping the floor while thinking of the cat's words, who continuously tried to make her feel better by praising her on her beauty, how she looked stunning even in rags.

She heard her stepsisters' heavy feet trek down the stairs and she hurried to the kitchen to set breakfast for them. Passing her, the two stuck their feet out, meaning to trip her. However she was ready, for this was a daily thing. She stepped swiftly over their feet. Glaring at her, the two sat down and gobbled the porridge down, with it dribbling down their chins. Cinderella watched them curiously, they never ate that fast or that messily, even for them.

She soon found out why though, for beautiful dresses came by as soon as the sisters had cleaned up. Cinderella watched from behind, her curious eyes sweeping over the silky fabric of the dresses, and she couldn't help wishing that she could have one of her own.

The stepsisters spent the day modeling in front of the mirror, making their hair and practicing dancing. Cinderella hid in a corner and watched part of it. She couldn't resist smiling, for they looked hilarious. She couldn't believe they even thought they looked good. The cat was right. Her spirits boosted a little, she continued with her long list of housework.

Evening came and Cinderella watched sadly as the four left the house. Her stepmother snickered at her, before shutting the door. Even outside, she could hear the family, as if they were in the room, sneering at her.

She sat by the fire, her head in her arms. 

"Oh dear, I'm so unhappy! I wish-" She cut off at that. Before her mother was so cruelly taken away from her, she remembered what she used to always say: "Be careful about what you wish for."

The cat meowed at her, before resuming to his sleep. Cinderella picked up the broom and began sweeping the floor once again.

Suddenly, there was a burst of light that blinded Cinderella for a second.

"Who-Who are you?" She stammered.