Michael takes a deep breath, clutching his new backpack tightly. The polished floors gleam and the scent of crayons and paper drifts through the corridor. Around him, children hurry past, some laughing, others calling to friends, while teachers greet students at open classroom doors. "Okay, Michael. You can do this," he whispers to himself, stepping forward with hesitant hope.

The teacher, Mrs. Bell, stands at the front, her smile warm and inviting. She gestures for Michael to join her, and the class quiets, curious eyes turning toward him. "Hello, everyone. I'd like you to meet our new friend, Michael," Mrs. Bell announces, her voice gentle and encouraging. Michael waves shyly, his cheeks turning pink as he scans the room filled with unfamiliar faces.

Michael stands alone by his desk, unsure where to go or how to join in. Nearby, a group of kids laughs as they build a paper rocket, while another draws a huge rainbow. "Would anyone like to invite Michael to join their group?" Mrs. Bell asks, glancing around the room. A girl named Emma looks up and smiles. "You can work with us, if you want! We're making a rocket that can fly to the moon," she says brightly.

Michael picks up a silver marker, joining Emma and her friends. He suggests adding stars along the rocket, and soon everyone is drawing their favorite constellations. The group chats about space, sharing ideas and stories, and Michael begins to feel a little more at home. "This is fun! I love space. Did you know Pluto used to be a planet?" he says, and the others giggle, eager to learn more.

Michael sits with his new friends, opening his lunch to find a note from home tucked inside. Emma grins and offers him a cookie, and everyone begins to swap treats and jokes. Laughter and kindness fill the space, and Michael feels the worries of the morning fade away. "I think I'm really going to like it here," he says, smiling for the first time that day.

Michael runs alongside his new friends, feeling the breeze and the soft grass beneath his shoes. As the school day ends, he waves goodbye, his heart full of hope and excitement for tomorrow. "See you all tomorrow!" he calls, already looking forward to the adventures ahead.