Lily clutched her backpack, heart racing as she approached the towering school building. New faces surrounded her, a sea of strangers. She took a deep breath, remembering Mom's encouraging words.

The bell rang, startling her. Lily followed the crowd inside, searching for her classroom. A kind-faced teacher greeted her at the door, easing her nerves slightly.

As she settled into her desk, a girl with curly hair smiled at her. "I'm Emma," she whispered. "Want to be friends?"

Lily nodded, tension melting away. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad after all. She opened her notebook, ready for a new adventure.