Disclaimer: Don't own any of it.

"Who are you?"

Who are you...

That question echoed around in her head. I know who I am, she told herself and went to say her name.

Then she paused.

She suddenly realized that she was no longer Ella. She was no longer that naive, innocent girl that was highly optimistic. She was no longer carefree, but she was noticing a new strength and maturity in her character. She was more confidence and was seeing things in a different light than what she used to before the confrontation with her stepmother.

In fact, she was starting to feel a small snippet of sympathy for her. While the Lady Tremaine's actions were horrifying, she finally understood. Finally understood why she did that.

And she found herself able to say the three words she didn't think she could.

I forgive you.

Who are you...

Then she had a sudden burst of clarity and the answer appeared right before her. The name, the identity that her step family had given her, to burn her, torment her, was who she was. Yes, she had been scorched. Yes, she was burned. But she had risen from the ashes stronger than before.

Time and time again.

She had become what her step family taunted her with, albeit not in the way they expected, or wanted.

A large smile appeared on her face and she took a deep breath.

"I am Cinderella."

I wanted to write this after my mother expressed confusion over why Ella identified as Cinderella in that simply beautiful scene. I believe that was very deliberate and crucial and the above story is my attempt at explaining how I see Ella's decision to identify as Cinderella.

Please do not request for a continuation as this is strictly a one-shot.

Have a great day/night!