Sa’ori gazes out at the endless city, her wide eyes catching glimpses of murals and bustling streets. The air feels different—warmer, louder, and full of possibility.
"Mommy, is this our new home?"
Sa’ori’s mother nods, her hand gently squeezing Sa’ori’s shoulder, offering reassurance in the midst of change.
Inside the classroom, bright posters line the walls, and desks are scattered in friendly groups. Sa’ori’s name is written neatly on a desk, welcoming her to a new beginning. She glances around, searching for a friendly face.
"I hope someone wants to be my friend," she whispers to herself, her nerves fluttering like butterflies.
Maria, the girl, smiles shyly. She sits beside Sa’ori, offering half a cookie. Their laughter breaks the ice, and soon they are sharing stories of favorite animals and silly dreams.
"Your name is pretty," Maria says.
"Thanks! Are you new too?" Sa’ori replies.
Maria shakes her head but looks worried, glancing over her shoulder.
Sa’ori overhears Maria talking quietly about her parents and feeling scared. Sa’ori’s heart pounds, unsure what it all means. She wants to help but doesn’t understand.
"Mommy, am I a immigration?" Sa’ori asks later, as she walks home.
Her mother pauses, kneeling to meet Sa’ori’s eyes, and smiles softly.
"You’re an American, sweetheart. But everyone is important, no matter where they come from," her mother says.
Sa’ori nods, still confused but comforted by her mother’s words. She thinks about Maria and wonders what she can do to help her friend feel safe.
"You can sit with me," Sa’ori says.
Maria squeezes her hand, relief flooding her face. Together, they face the challenges of their new world, finding strength in friendship and hope beneath LA’s endless sky.
