At the kindergarten door, Piplo held the backpack straps tight. "I want to go home," Piplo whispered.
Inside, Piplo stayed close to the wall. The room felt too loud and too new, Piplo thought.
Children painted at one table and built tall towers at another. Piplo watched and thought, Maybe I will just stay here for a little while.
At circle time, Piplo sat very still and barely spoke. The song began, and Piplo listened hard.
Then Piplo joined the clapping song. Little paws tapped to the beat, and Piplo thought, Oh! I can do this.
During playtime, Piplo touched the finger paint with one paw. It felt squishy and strange, Piplo thought.
Soon Piplo laughed at the messy colors. After that, Piplo started moving from table to table.
Outside, Piplo ran fast across the playground. The air felt big and happy.
Piplo dug in the sandbox and dashed through a chasing game. Piplo thought, I know where to go now.
When it was time to leave, Piplo looked back at the room. "Can I come again tomorrow?" Piplo asked.
