Coco[/@ch_1], who nervously scans the room, his reading glasses catching glints of light.] Coco watches as students rush in, chatting in a swirl of languages. The crisp air smells faintly of orange juice and pencil shavings. For Coco, everything feels new—new country, new classmates, and a new world of questions that seem stranger by the minute.

Coco[/@ch_1] sits alone on the edge of a sandbox, clutching a book while watching other kids.] A boy approaches, curious. He grins and asks "Do you eat peanut butter with noodles where you’re from?" The question surprises Coco, who shakes his head, unsure if it’s a joke or a genuine curiosity. Another child pipes up, "Is it true you have pet lizards at home?"

Coco[/@ch_1] sits at a table, his book open but his mind racing with questions.] Coco wonders why his friends ask such odd things. He flips through a world cultures book, hoping to find explanations. The librarian pauses nearby, noticing his puzzled look, and asks gently, "Are you looking for something special, Coco?"

Coco[/@ch_1] sits with his parents, trying to make sense of the day.] "Mom, why do they ask me if I eat weird food or have strange pets?" His mother smiles, explaining that sometimes people are curious about things that are different. She reassures him that questions, even strange ones, are ways to learn about each other.

Coco takes a deep breath and talks about his favorite foods and the games he played in his old country. Other children listen, and some nod with excitement. "That sounds delicious! Can you show us how to play that game sometime?" one student asks.

Coco[/@ch_1] feels more at ease, joining a game and answering questions with a smile.] He realizes that the strange questions aren’t meant to tease, but to connect. As he teaches his new friends about his culture, he learns about theirs in return. The world feels a little bigger—and friendlier—than before.