One fine day, a young farm girl walked to the market.
Her name was Molly.
On her head, she carried a pail of milk.
"I am so excited!
The market has so much to see!
After I sell my milk, what should I buy?" she wondered.
"Hmm! Let me think!"
But Molly had only one pail of milk.
She could not sell it for a lot of money.
"I will buy one hen," she decided.
"What would I do with just one hen?
One hen would lay many eggs.
Then the eggs would hatch.
What would I do with all the chicks?
I would feed the chicks.
They would grow large and healthy.
Then they would lay more eggs.
The eggs would hatch, and I would have more chicks!
Oh yes! Then I would sell many eggs and chicks.
People would come from all around to buy them.
I would be rich!" Molly smiled.
"I would buy beautiful clothes, golden pins for my hair, and shiny shoes.
I would be the richest and most famous person in the village!
One day, I would be invited to the palace.
Everyone would envy me!
I would meet a handsome prince.
The prince would bow to me.
And I would bow to him.
I would say, 'Your Majesty,' and bow like this . . ."
When Molly bowed, the pail fell from her head.
The milk spilled everywhere.
Molly cried and cried.
The milk was gone.
And Molly's dreams were gone too.