The school doors were open. Bright colors and happy sounds poured out.
Milo stood at the door of Room 3. He stepped backward and pressed his back against the cool brick wall. His tail curled tight around his legs.
He tiptoed back to the door and lifted one paw onto the threshold. But the noise swelled and the colors flashed. Milo whipped his paw back.
He hurried down the path. Autumn leaves crunch loudly under his paws.
Milo kept his head down and hurried past the fence. The school looked bright and big behind him.
Near the back fence, a young fox with a red striped backpack paced. He kicked pebbles that clicked and clacked against the ground.
Milo offered a small smile. The other fox grinned back and took a deep breath.
Milo followed his new friend toward the school. They walked side by side now.
They passed through the door into a bright classroom. Animals waved and laughed. Milo found an empty desk at a table.
A rabbit with floppy ears slid a red crayon across the desk toward him.
Milo sat down. He held the crayon. This didn't feel so bad.
The classroom was loud and busy. But Milo was here now.
