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Inside the bustling school hallway, Cora stands near blue lockers handing a fallen notebook to Nova. Morning sunlight streams through tall windows, highlighting Cora's pink bow and Nova's yellow feathers and glasses as other birds chatter in the background.
Cora adjusted the bow on her head and looked at the tall school building. Her tummy felt funny. "I'm nervous," she chirped to her mom. "You'll do great," Mom said with a smile. Cora took a deep breath and walked through the big doors. The hallway was full of chattering birds. She didn't know anyone. A yellow bird with blue spots flew past, dropping her notebook. Cora picked it up and handed it back. "Thank you!" the bird said warmly.
In the bright classroom art corner, Cora and Nova sit at a paint-splattered table under fluorescent lights, each brushing colorful strokes onto paper. Wet paint pots, brushes, and Cora's backpack on a hook create a lively, focused scene.
"I'm Nova," said the yellow bird, adjusting her glasses. "Are you new here?" Cora nodded, her bow bobbing. "I'm Cora. It's my first day." Nova's eyes sparkled. "Want to sit together at lunch?" Cora felt her worries shrink a little. "Yes, please!" In class, Nova whispered directions when Cora got confused. She showed her where to put her backpack. During art time, they painted pictures side by side. Cora started to smile more. Maybe this new school wouldn't be so scary after all.
On the sunny playground grass, Cora kicks a red rubber ball while Nova and a bright red cardinal with cheerful grin watch by the chalked bases. Afternoon light casts crisp shadows on the cheering birds and nearby fence.
At recess, Cora watched other birds playing games she didn't know. She stood alone by the fence. A bright red cardinal swooped down beside her. "Hi! I'm Red. Want to play kickball with us?" Cora hesitated. "I don't know how." Red grinned. "That's okay! We'll teach you." Nova joined them too. They showed Cora the rules. When Cora kicked the ball, everyone cheered. She laughed and flapped her wings happily. "This is fun!" she chirped. Having friends made everything better.
Outside the school at dusk, Cora and Nova stand on the sidewalk waving toward a bright red cardinal with cheerful grin across the playground. Warm evening light reflects on Cora's bow and Nova's glasses while parents gather beside yellow buses.
By the end of the day, Cora felt different. The school didn't seem scary anymore. Nova walked with her to the pickup area. "Will you be here tomorrow?" Nova asked. "Yes!" Cora said excitedly. Red waved from across the playground. "See you tomorrow, Cora!" When Mom picked her up, Cora couldn't stop talking. "I made friends! Nova and Red are so nice!" Mom smiled. "I knew you could do it." Cora touched her bow happily. Starting something new was hard, but she had been brave. And now she had friends.