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Outside the school gates on a sunny morning, Sofia in a crisp new uniform clutches her backpack while Sofia's mom with warm smile gently squeezes her hand.
Sofia stood at the school gates, her heart beating fast. The big building looked scary. "What if nobody likes me?" she whispered to her mom. Mom squeezed her hand. "Be yourself, and you'll be wonderful," she said with a smile. Sofia took a deep breath. Her new school uniform felt stiff and strange. She saw other kids laughing and playing together. They all seemed to know each other already. Sofia walked slowly toward the door, feeling very small and alone.
Inside the sunny classroom, Sofia sits at an empty desk looking shy while Emma, curly red hair gleaming, turns in her chair with a bright grin and holds up a sheet of butterfly sketches.
In the classroom, Sofia sat at an empty desk. A girl with curly red hair turned around. "Hi! I'm Emma. Is this your first day?" she asked brightly. Sofia nodded shyly. "I'm Sofia," she said quietly. Emma smiled wide. "Want to be my partner for art class? We're making butterflies!" Sofia felt a warm feeling in her chest. "Yes, please," she said, smiling back. Maybe this new school wouldn't be so scary after all. Emma was really nice and friendly.
In the bustling cafeteria at noon, Sofia laughs as Maya slides a small packet of crackers across the table, while Jack leans forward mid-joke, a tray of sandwiches visible beside them.
At lunch, Sofia didn't know where to sit. Emma waved from a table. "Sofia, come sit with us!" Three other kids smiled at her. "This is Maya, Jack, and Lily," Emma said. They all said hello. Maya shared her crackers. Jack told a funny joke that made everyone laugh. Lily asked Sofia about her old school. Sofia talked about her cat and favorite books. "You're really nice," Lily said. Sofia realized she was having fun. She had made four new friends in one day!
Outside the school doors in golden afternoon light, Sofia beams while embracing Sofia's mom with warm smile, a paper butterfly painting crinkled in her hand and playground behind.
After school, Sofia ran to her mom with a big smile. "How was your day?" Mom asked. "It was amazing! I made friends with Emma, Maya, Jack, and Lily! We painted butterflies and played at recess!" Sofia said excitedly. Mom hugged her tight. "I told you that you'd be wonderful," she said. Sofia felt proud and happy. The new school wasn't scary anymore. It was fun and full of friendly faces. Tomorrow, she couldn't wait to go back and see her new friends again!