"Aladdin," began Jasmine, addressing her husband of two years. "I never asked you this before, but where did this scar come from?"

Jasmine traced a long scar along Aladdin's right arm.

"It was the day before I met you," he said. I'd just stolen a loaf of bread and made my escape with Abu. We'd settled behind this wall when I looked over and saw a little girl and boy picking through the trash. I gave them my half of the loaf, even though I hadn't eaten for some time, and left to see what the commotion was in the street. A pompous prince was riding by. I heard someone say that he was another suitor for the princess. As I continued to watch, the two children I'd given my bread to ran out into the middle of the street, right in the horse's path. The prince raised his whip to strike them, but I got there first. His whip wrapped around my arm, instead. I said to the prince, "If I were as rich as you, I could afford some manners." He pushed me into the mud and everyone laughed. As he rode away, I said to Abu, "Look at that, Abu. It's not every day you see a horse with two rear ends." The prince turned around and said, "You are a worthless street rat. You were born a street rat, you'll die a street rat, and only your fleas will mourn you." Then the palace gates shut in my face."

While Aladdin had been recounting his story, Jasmine had continued to trace the scar.

"That was a very noble thing to do, Aladdin," said Jasmine. "First giving your bread to those children, even though you must have been starving, and then standing between them and that prince's whip. You're so brave. You are NOT worthless."

She snuggled closer to him. "I think I remember that prince. I don't remember his name, but Raja tore his pants, causing him to storm out of the palace. I was glad to be rid of him. I'm sorry he hurt you."

"He didn't hurt me. I was used to the insults by that time."

"I meant the whip too. I can't even imagine…" her voice trailed off, trying to imagine the feeling of being lashed. She shuddered.

"Hey," said Aladdin, tightening his arm around her. "It's alright. It was a long time ago. The past is the past."

"I know. I'm still sorry that you were ever hurt, by the lash of someone's tongue or the lash of someone's whip."

"That part of my life is over. You are my future," said Aladdin, bending down to kiss her.

"I love you, Aladdin," whispered Jasmine, surrendering to his touch.