Mia, a young girl with curly brown hair and wide, thoughtful eyes, sits on the edge of her bed, hugging a plush bunny tightly. She glances at the clock and sighs, her small feet dangling above the floor. Today feels heavy in her chest, like a cloud that won’t quite drift away.
"I wish I didn’t feel so worried all the time," she whispers to her bunny.
Mom, wearing a yellow apron and kind eyes, pours orange juice into a glass. Mia enters, her bunny tucked under her arm, head bowed.
"Good morning, sweetheart. Did you sleep well?"
"Not really, Mom. My tummy hurts, and I keep thinking about school. What if I mess up in front of everyone?"
Mom[/@ch_2] pulls out a chair, inviting Mia to sit beside her. The world outside seems to slow, making space for their quiet conversation.]
"It’s okay to feel nervous," she says softly, tucking a curl behind Mia’s ear. "Even grown-ups feel anxious sometimes. But you know what helps me? Taking big, slow breaths and talking about what’s bothering me—just like you’re doing now."
"Really? Grown-ups get scared, too?"
Mia[/@ch_1]’s drawings, bright and full of hope.]
Mom sits cross-legged on the rug, inviting Mia to join her. She picks up a soft blue stone from a small bowl and presses it into Mia’s hand.
"Whenever I’m anxious, I hold this worry stone and count to ten. Sometimes I draw or write about what I’m feeling, too. Would you like to try?"
"Can I use my bunny instead? He’s always with me," Mia asks, a tentative smile forming.
Mia[/@ch_1] stands with her bunny, eyes closed, breathing deeply as her mother counts softly beside her.]
"Breathe in, one… two… three. Now out, one… two… three. You’re doing so well, Mia," Mom encourages.
"I think I can do this, Mom. My tummy feels a little better," Mia says, her voice steadier.
Mia[/@ch_1]’s room in a warm, golden glow. The once-cloudy feeling has lifted, replaced by a soft, fluttery excitement. Mia lines up her school supplies, her bunny perched beside her, ready for a new day.]
"Tomorrow I’ll take brave little steps. I’ll remember my big breaths, my bunny, and how talking makes things better," she whispers, her eyes shining with hope. The sky outside is clear, and Mia feels a gentle confidence blooming within her, ready to face whatever comes next.
