The bell rang loud in the hall. Leo stopped at the bright blue classroom door.
A paper star slipped from his hand. “Oh,” Leo whispered. He bent down and smoothed its crinkled points.
Leo stepped inside and picked a seat. Then the teacher said, “Find a partner.”
Chairs scraped. Everyone moved at once. Leo held tight to his backpack strap and looked at the busy tables.
A classmate tapped the empty chair beside him. “You can sit here,” he said.
Leo followed him to the cubbies, the sink, and the rug. He watched and copied each step.
Crayons rattled in a jar. Paint smelled sweet from the art shelf. Leo hung up his backpack.
He said, “Hi.” Later, when the teacher called his name, Leo answered, “Here.” His voice was soft, but it came out.
At art time, Leo carried a tray of markers to the table. One box popped open.
Colors skittered everywhere like little race cars. Leo froze for one blink.
Then his classmate dropped to the floor too. “Quick—grab the runaway purple!” he said.
Leo laughed. Together they chased the markers under the table.
At recess, Leo stood by the playground. “Come on,” said his classmate. “I’ll go with you.”
Leo climbed the steps. The wind flapped the slide flag above him.
Then Leo whooshed down the slide with a big grin.
When the bell rang again, Leo walked back beside his classmate. This time, he did not stop at the door.
