“No, but why are you talking to me?
I’m ugly and clumsy.
Slow and freckle-faced!
And you!
Why, you’re so beautiful!
Why are you talking to me?”
The words rushed out of Joshua’s mouth faster than a roller coaster races down a steep hill.
“Because you were crying and looked so sad.” the rose replied.
“I wanted to know what could possibly be bothering you while you were sitting in the midst of such a beautiful, peaceful spot.”
“I just told you!” Joshua stormed.
“I’m so ugly and clumsy.
So slow and freckle-faced.”
“Well,” said the rose, “I don’t think you’re any of those things.
Why do you think you’re anything other than beautiful?”
