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Outside the school’s big red door on a sunny morning, Vera grips Daddy’s hand, looking up with a nervous smile. Other children laugh nearby on the steps, colored backpacks catching the light.
Vera held Daddy's hand tight. Today was her first day at the new school. Her tummy felt funny. Coco, her orange dog, had licked her face that morning. "You'll be brave," Daddy had said. Now they stood at the big red door. Vera saw other children laughing and playing. She took a deep breath. "I can do this," she whispered. Daddy squeezed her hand. "I know you can, sweetheart." Vera smiled a little smile.
In the sunlit classroom, Vera and Maya sit cross-legged on a rainbow rug stacking wooden blocks into a tall, wobbling tower. Shelves of books and toys glow under ceiling lights while a smiling teacher waves from the doorway.
Inside, the classroom was bright and colorful. A teacher with a warm smile waved hello. "Welcome, Vera! We're so happy you're here." Vera saw blocks, books, and toys everywhere. A girl with pigtails walked over. "Hi! I'm Maya. Do you want to build a tower with me?" Vera's nervous feeling got smaller. "Yes, please," she said quietly. They sat together and stacked blocks high. The tower wobbled but didn't fall. Maya giggled. Vera giggled too.
Under bright noon sunlight in the sandbox of the school playground, Vera tips a blue bucket of sand beside Maya as they shape tall castle towers. Two boys crouch nearby, and swings and slides frame the background.
At recess, Vera followed Maya outside. The playground had swings and slides and a sandbox. Two boys were digging in the sand. "Can we play too?" Maya asked. "Sure! We're making a castle," said one boy. Vera found a blue bucket and helped scoop sand. They worked together, making towers and walls. "This is the best castle ever!" Vera said proudly. Everyone cheered. Vera felt happy and warm inside. Making friends wasn't so scary after all.
In the cozy evening living room lit by a warm floor lamp, Vera kneels on a rug hugging Coco close, her school backpack dropped beside them. Soft shadows stretch across the furniture, showing her grin and Coco’s contented eyes.
When Daddy picked her up, Vera ran to him with a big smile. "How was your day?" he asked. "It was wonderful! I made three new friends and we built a castle!" she said excitedly. At home, Coco jumped and wagged his tail. Vera hugged him tight. "I was brave, Coco, just like you said!" That night, Vera told Coco all about her day. She couldn't wait to go back tomorrow. Her new school felt like home already.