Cinderella

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Once Cinderella, the Prince and her kids lived happily. She loved them dearly. How she sighed, remembering those happy days before her helper went on her annual vacation to Philippines. Soon, Cinderella had to do all the housework. She was dressed in a raggedy frock, a faded IKEA apron and pink gloves.

Then one morning, as Cinderella was furiously working the froth into the glasses, pots and pans, she heard a loud alarm. It was a reminder flashing on her iPhone. "Project meeting with students at Graduate Room at 10". Cinderella's heart began to beat.

She ran up the kitchen steps, almost bumping into her Prince. "Darling, the project meeting in the Grad room! I can make it, can't I?"

But before the Prince could answer, something from inside her shouted out: "You? Go to the University dressed in your rags? Talk sense, Cinderella! You're only fit to stay at home!"

The Prince was in a tearing hurry and hastened off to meet his Council. Cinderella was so unhappy she could hardly bear it. Alone in the house, she sat by the gas, her sighs escaping her bosom.

Then, a dazzling glow of light seemed to fill up her insides, making her feel bright and warm. "Do not cry, Cinderella," came a soft voice from within. "I am here to help you."

"H-help me?" Cinderella stammered. "But, how? Who-who are you?"

"Your Fairy Godmother," came the reply. "And with my magic wand, I shall see that you go to the University!"

Before Cinderella could answer, the mop had been banished and the apron discarded. In an instant, her rags became a smart beige blouse, coffee brown Marks and Spencer skirt and suede shoes! She was ready to be whisked by her Honda to the school, to discuss the intricacies of intercultural communication.

"Thank you, Fairy Godmother!" Cinderella whispered.
"Just remember, the magic can only last until noon, when the kids have to be picked up from school!"

Well, what excitement when Cinderella arrived at the University! Cinderella and her students discussed the intricacies of intercultural communication. Was the Wasta system similar to the Chinese concept of Guanxi? Which negotiation styles could be considered while interacting with colleagues from China? They discussed the whole morning, enjoying the debates as each hour slipped by.

No one had a clue that the animated girl in the smart outfit was Cinderella!

On the first stroke of noon, Cinderella remembered what her Fairy Godmother had said. The kids had to be picked up from school at 1!

"I-I have to go!" she cried, and turned to run down the hallway....

This is a toast to the Queen of Cinderellas, my mom...
...And a standing ovation to the many Cinderellas I know, who harbour precious little Fairy Godmothers in their souls, juggling home and work so beautifully that one simply wouldn't recognize the smartly turned out office goer, teacher, researcher... to be a Cinderella!!!

This story has been adapted from Spurgeon, M. (2001). Cinderella. England: Brown Watson