Lila, a small girl with brown curls and bright eyes, tries to focus on her math worksheet, but her heart feels heavy and her stomach is full of butterflies. She glances at the clock, wishing the day would hurry up and end. Around her, other children laugh and chatter, but their voices sound distant and far away.

She bites her lip, feeling a lump in her throat. Her palms grow sweaty as she passes the big, colorful mural of the school mascot. She thinks about turning back, but remembers her teacher’s gentle words: Ms. Rivera, the kind classroom teacher, had suggested she visit the counseling office when she felt afraid.

Mrs. Green, the school counselor, is sitting at her desk with a friendly smile. She looks up and waves gently. "Hello, Lila. I’m so glad you came to visit me today. Would you like to sit down and talk with me?" Lila hesitates, then slowly nods, sinking into a squishy bean bag chair.

"Sometimes, when I feel scared, I like to hold this bunny. Would you like to try?" Lila accepts the bunny and hugs it close. "I feel scared a lot at school. I worry I’ll make mistakes, or that other kids won’t like me," she whispers. "Thank you for telling me. Everyone feels scared sometimes, even grown-ups. It’s brave to talk about your feelings," Mrs. Green replies gently.

"What helps you feel better when you’re scared?" Lila thinks for a moment. "My mom hugs me, or I take deep breaths," she says quietly. "Those are wonderful ideas! Let’s practice taking deep breaths together. Imagine blowing up a big, bright balloon," Mrs. Green suggests, and together they breathe in and out, slowly and deeply.

"Remember, you can always come talk to me, or use your deep breaths when you need to. You are much braver than you think," Mrs. Green says with a wink. Lila smiles, clutching the stuffed bunny for one last squeeze before returning to class, ready to face the day with courage.