

"Wake up, Gabby!" called Mom. Gabby sat up, her heart fluttering like butterfly wings. "Today’s the day," Gabby whispered, hugging her soft blue backpack tight.

At breakfast, Gabby poked her pancakes. "Will I make friends?" she asked softly. Dad smiled, "Of course! You’re brave and kind."

Gabby’s hair was brushed, shoes tied tight, and her favorite pink headband sparkled. "Do you know where to go?" Mom asked. Gabby nodded—sort of.

Hand in hand, Gabby and Mom walked past blooming flowers. "Look for the red door," reminded Mom. Gabby spotted it ahead, heart pounding.

In the classroom, kids laughed and played. Gabby stood by the cubbies, feeling shy. A boy smiled and waved, "Hi, I'm Leo!"

Ms. Wong bent down and smiled, "Welcome, Gabby!" Gabby whispered, "Hi." The classroom walls were bright with colorful letters and pictures.

Gabby found her name on a cubby. "That’s you!" said Leo. She tucked her backpack inside, feeling a little braver.

Kids sat in a circle on a bright rug. Ms. Wong asked, "What’s your favorite color?" Gabby answered, "Purple!" Leo grinned, "Me too!"

Outside, Gabby watched kids on the slide. Leo waved, "Come play!" Gabby climbed the ladder, laughing as the wind swirled around them.

Gabby sat beside Leo in the lunchroom. "Your sandwich looks yummy," he said. Gabby smiled, offering him half her cookie.

Gabby colored a big, bright sun at art time. She whispered, "I think I like Kindergarten." Ms. Wong smiled, "You’re doing great, Gabby."

Mom waited at the red door after school. Gabby rushed into her hug and said, "I made a friend!" Mom squeezed her tight, proud.