The Ugly Duckling was written by Hans Christian Andersen, and published for the first time in 1843. In Italian, stories are generally recounted using two main past tenses: the passato remoto and the imperfetto, so even if you are "too old" for these kinds of things, this story, told by Arianna, is an excellent way to get some practice.

This story teaches us how important it is to accept those who might not look like us and to be patient about finding our place in the world. And sometimes something that seems like a defect, can be a gift.

Paolo is a professional photographer, and quite popular with the ladies, but he gets himself into trouble, too.

Paolo starts out to go to work, but nothing is as it should be. Thinking of himself and only himself seems to be what he does best.

The girl whose bicycle was stolen gets to work late and is then teased when she tells why. Meanwhile Paolo is having a rough time at the airport, picking up his young nephew who comes from Belarus.

Natoli is not thrilled at all with Paolo's apartment, nor with his idea of what's for dinner.

Once again destiny throws Paolo and his neighbor Manuela together. Natoli is definitely a handful, but an observant one.

Both Paolo and Natoli are trying to make the best of the situation. This time Natoli needs some clothes. Then Paolo goes to the office and receives some news he has trouble handling.

In this episode, we start seeing a different side of Paolo, and a different side of Natoli, too, as their challenges multiply.

Paolo is famous for not remembering his girlfriends' names, but he goes over the top. Natoli knows where to go when it's time to make himself scarce.

Someone goes to school, someone goes to work, and someone goes to play "president."

Paolo finally gets to see the inside of the family business. It's tough for him to play at being the boss.

Natoli starts listening to Paolo, but there is room for interpretation... Paolo hears some important news.

Natoli is processing the tragic news. There's a meeting at the factory to commemorate Aldo.

Events have awakened a true transformation on Paolo's part, but even with all his good intentions, he's running up against some brick walls regarding Natoli.