Tres stood by the edge of the playground, his eyes scanning the bustling scene. He was new to the school, and the challenge of making friends loomed large in his mind. With a deep breath, he decided to approach a group of kids playing tag nearby. "Hey, can I join you?" Tres asked, his voice hopeful.

Jake, one of the boys in the group, shrugged nonchalantly. "Sure, but you gotta keep up," he said, a hint of challenge in his tone. Tres smiled and nodded, eager to prove himself. As the game resumed, he ran with all his might, determined not to be left behind.

Tres felt a pang of discomfort as Jake shoved past him roughly. "Hey, that wasn't nice," he protested, trying to keep his voice steady. Jake smirked, "If you can't handle it, maybe this game isn't for you," he taunted, his words stinging more than the push.

Tres realized that making friends wasn't just about fitting in; it was about being respected. He watched as Jake and his friends continued their game, their laughter carrying a different tone now. Tres decided it was time to find friends who valued kindness and respect over competition and bravado.

Tres approached the girl, feeling a sense of calm. "Hi, I'm Tres. What are you reading?" he inquired, genuinely interested. The girl looked up, her eyes bright and welcoming. Lila, her name was, and she loved stories about adventure. They chatted easily, discovering shared interests and a mutual respect that formed the foundation of a budding friendship.

Tres felt a sense of accomplishment and peace. He had learned an important lesson: true friends would respect him, and he didn't have to settle for anything less. "Thanks for letting me join you, Lila. I'm glad we talked," he said, his heart light. "Me too," Lila replied with a smile, as they disappeared into the school, ready for the adventures that awaited them both.