The Little Woman
Once there was a woman. She felt horribly little. And she was. She begged too often to be of use to anyone. Largely, passersby ignored her.
But then, someone took pity on her. Gave her food, a place to sleep. A job.
The little woman went out into the world then. But she worked too hard to be of use to anyone. Largely, her co-workers ignored her.
But then, someone took pity on her. Gave her books, a place to read. An education.
The little woman went to her learning then. But she was too smart to be of use to anyone. Largely, her academic world ignored her.
But then, a witch gave the woman her life to do over again.
Largely, she ignored everyone.
She loved them, though.
It was a fine life.