The school playground sparkled with color — slides, swings, and painted paths. Pip stepped onto it, his backpack bumping his knees.
His ears twitched at the loud shouts. He hugged his lunchbox tight and walked toward the school doors.
Pip tiptoed past the art table, the music corner, and the book nook. Every room looked bigger and busier than the last.
He peeked into the classroom but stayed in the hallway. 'I don't know if I can go in here,' he thought.
A friendly classmate waved from a table and patted the empty seat beside them. Pip took one slow step forward, then another.
The classmate opened their lunchbox and a bright orange lunchbox lid flipped open. Pip's matching one popped open too.
They stared at their identical lunchboxes, then burst out laughing.
They traded snacks and shared stories about their favorite things. The little fox told a joke, and they both giggled again.
Pip's tail wagged as he ate. He felt happy to have found a friend.
The classmate pointed at Pip's star sticker. 'I love that star!' they said.
Pip smiled. 'It's my favorite,' he said.
For the first time all morning, Pip felt like he belonged.
