Maryam clutched her favorite doll, her eyes wide with a mix of excitement and apprehension. "Will I make new friends here, Mama?" she asked softly. Mama smiled reassuringly, her voice warm and comforting. "Of course, Maryam. Just be yourself—kind, honest, and helpful. Allah will guide you."

Maryam hesitated as she watched them, her heart fluttering with nerves. "What if they don’t like me?" she wondered silently. Taking a deep breath, Maryam stepped forward and greeted them. "Assalamu Alaikum!" she called out bravely.

Zayd, with an easygoing demeanor, responded warmly. "Wa Alaikumussalam! Do you want to play with us?" Maryam returned his smile, albeit shyly. "I’d love to, but I’m not very good at soccer," she confessed. Zayd chuckled and gestured for her to join. "That’s okay! I can teach you," he assured her.

Maryam bit her lip, cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "Sorry, everyone! That was my fault," she admitted, honesty ringing in her voice. Zayd grinned, waving off her apology. "It’s okay, Maryam. Let’s get it together," he said, leading the way to retrieve the ball.

"You’re really nice, Maryam. Will you play with us again tomorrow?" Zayd asked, his eyes twinkling with newfound friendship. Maryam nodded eagerly, her earlier doubts forgotten. "Of course!" she replied, her voice bright with happiness.

"I was confident, friendly, honest, and helpful—just like you said!" Maryam exclaimed, her heart full of joy. Mama wrapped an arm around her shoulders, a proud smile on her lips. "And you see, Maryam, when you trust in Allah and be yourself, you’ll always find good friends."