Cameron sat quietly at the back, his skin flickering between the colors of the leaves and the wooden desk. His heart raced as he listened to the teacher, desperately trying to keep his camouflage under control. "I-I think the answer is... photosynthesis," he whispered when called upon, his voice barely audible.

Cameron noticed Cami standing by herself and, gathering his courage, approached her. "Hi, I'm Cameron. I-I noticed you're always reading by yourself," he stuttered, his skin momentarily blending into the hibiscus's vibrant reds. "Oh, hello Cameron," she replied softly. "I enjoy the quiet. Sometimes it's hard to be around so many others."

"I understand how you feel," Cami said, her eyes thoughtful. "I also struggle with speaking in front of others. But it helps to have someone who understands." A warmth spread through Cameron's chest, knowing he wasn't alone. "Thank you, Cami. It's nice to know there's someone like me," he replied, feeling a little braver.

Cami, sitting in the front row, gave him an encouraging nod. "Just be yourself, Cameron. You can do it," she had said earlier. Taking a deep breath, Cameron began to speak, his words steadying as he focused on Cami's reassuring smile.

"Thanks to you, I think I can handle these presentations better," Cameron said, feeling a newfound confidence. "And I'm glad I have a friend who understands the quiet moments," Cami replied, her eyes reflecting the hues of the setting sun.

"Being different isn't so bad," Cameron mused to himself. With Cami's friendship, he had begun to accept his uniqueness and found strength in it. The jungle around him felt like home, and for the first time, he felt like he truly belonged.