The young boy stepped into a new classroom. Everything looked bright and different. He had never seen these faces before.
Bright desks lined the room. Tall bookshelves reached the ceiling. Something felt exciting. A small smile appeared.
He walked to his desk. It sat by the window. The room felt very big.
From his bag, he pulled a smooth wooden toy. His fingers traced its familiar shape. He watched the other children playing.
All around him, kids talked and laughed. Their voices filled the space. He stayed quiet at his desk.
Then he noticed a boy sitting alone in the corner. His eyes were fixed on the floor.
Léo walked over and held out the wooden toy. The shy boy looked up slowly. His eyes grew wide.
The toy made a soft musical twang! Both boys jumped — then burst into laughter.
"That sounds like a frog!" said the shy boy. His face lit up like a sunrise.
They sat together at the desk. The wooden toy rested between them. They looked around the colorful room.
Strangers became friends in that moment. The new room felt different now. It felt like home.
Léo smiled at his new friend. The first day of school didn't seem so scary anymore.