Johny stands by his locker, his fingers nervously arranging pencils in a precise row. He glances across the bustling corridor where clusters of students gather, laughter bouncing between them. In the crowd, Stacie moves with easy confidence, her bright shirt a splash of color among gray sweatshirts. Johny watches her, heart fluttering, as she greets a friend with a warm hug.

Johny[/@ch_1] walks with his head down, clutching a stack of books, when his elbow catches on a doorframe and his supplies scatter in a clatter.] Stacie kneels down beside him, her ponytail bouncing. "Here, let me help you with those," she says, handing him a pen. Johny meets her gaze briefly, his voice catching in his throat. "Thank you, Stacie," he manages, feeling his cheeks warm as she smiles and returns to her friends.

Johny[/@ch_1] sits at the edge of the room, his notebook full of careful doodles.] He listens to Stacie and her friends nearby, their laughter bright and musical. He imagines himself sitting with them, sharing stories, and his heart aches with longing. Johny sketches a small greeting card in his notebook, imagining giving it to Stacie and her smiling back, just for him.

Johny[/@ch_1] carefully crafts a greeting card, decorating it with bright markers and stickers. He waits in the hallway, card in hand, until Stacie passes by.] He hands her the card, his hands trembling. Stacie accepts it with a polite but uncertain smile, glancing at her friends. A shadow of discomfort flickers across her face, and Johny feels his hope falter as she tucks the card away without a word.

Ms. Parker[/@ch_3], his social worker, sits across from Johny, her voice gentle but firm.] "Johny, I know you want to be friends with Stacie, but sometimes we need to think about how our actions make others feel," she explains. Mr. Lee, his favorite teacher, joins in with a warm nod. "Maybe you can practice making cards for other classmates first. We can help you learn what makes people comfortable,"

Johny[/@ch_1] sits with Ms. Parker, practicing making greeting cards for classmates and teachers. The air is filled with the scent of paper and hope.] He listens carefully as Ms. Parker gives gentle feedback, showing him how to keep messages simple, friendly, and appropriate. With each card, Johny grows more confident, watching as classmates smile and thank him. He begins to understand that friendship is about respect, patience, and learning from mistakes.

Johny[/@ch_1] walks past Stacie, who offers him a small nod and a friendly smile. In his pocket, he carries a new card, but he holds onto it, waiting for the right moment.] Johny feels hope blooming in his chest—not just for Stacie, but for all the friendships he might someday make. He knows the path is slow, and sometimes confusing, but he is ready to keep learning, one step at a time.