The classroom doors stood wide open. Bright lights streamed inside.
Pip clutched his small green backpack and pulled his head inside his shell. Everything felt too loud.
A girl with bright blue ribbons bent down and set an apple slice on the floor. Click.
From behind his quills, Pip watched the apple glisten under the bright classroom lights.
His shell made a soft click. Then another click as he shifted.
Pip peeked out one eye. Then he tried to step forward.
The backpack strap caught on his quills. Squeak. He wiggled and pulled but could not move.
The girl giggled. She knelt down and helped untangle the strap.
The strap came free. Pip took one tiny step.
One step. Then another. Until he stood beside the apple slice.
Pip reached out a small paw and touched the cool fruit.
'I saved this for you,' the girl said with a smile.
