Sam, a small boy with tousled brown hair and wide, anxious eyes, sits up in bed, clutching his knees. His heart thumps in his chest as he glances at his school uniform, neatly laid out and waiting for him. The taste of nerves is sharp in his mouth, and he wishes he could stay beneath the covers forever. "What if no one talks to me? What if I get lost?" he whispers to himself, voice trembling in the quiet room.
Mom, warm and reassuring, stands by the stove, flipping pancakes with practiced ease. Sam drags his feet to the table, shoulders hunched. "Big day, huh? I remember my first day—I was so nervous I wore my shirt backwards!" she teases softly, sliding a plate in front of him. "Did you make any friends?" he asks, hope flickering in his voice. "Eventually. And you will too. Just be yourself, okay?"
Sam walks beside Mom, his backpack feeling unusually heavy. His gaze darts between unfamiliar faces, anxiety tightening around him. "See that big red door? That's where your adventure begins," she says, squeezing his hand gently. "But what if I can't find my classroom?" he worries aloud. "There's always someone to ask for help. Even teachers get lost sometimes," she reassures, smiling.
Ms. Carter, the teacher with a kind face and cheerful voice, stands at the front, greeting each student as they enter. Sam hesitates in the doorway, clutching his backpack straps, scanning the sea of unfamiliar faces. "Welcome, Sam! We're so glad you're here. Would you like to pick your seat?" she says, her eyes warm. "Um... okay," he replies, voice barely above a whisper.
Lucy, smiling nervously herself, leans over. "Hi, I'm Lucy. Are you new here too?" Sam nods, surprised to find someone who seems just as unsure. "Yeah. I don't really know anyone yet," he admits. "Me neither. Maybe we can figure things out together?" she suggests, a hopeful grin spreading across her face.
Sam no longer feels the same tightness in his chest. Instead, he smiles as Lucy tells a silly joke, both of them giggling over their shared nervousness. As Mom waits outside, Sam runs to her, eyes bright with excitement. "I made a friend today! I think tomorrow won't be so scary after all," he announces, hope and pride shining in his voice.
