Mei and the Big Brave Morning

Ages 3–5

On the first day of school, Mei's shoes feel too tight and her shoulders feel too heavy, until a quiet child and a shared pastel crayon turn two strangers into friends.

A gentle look at first-day nerves that shows how one small brave act, like sharing, can turn worry into a new friendship.

Mei stood outside the big front steps, sun-backpack snug and tight. Her shoes felt heavy, her shoulders low. Tap, tap, tap went her shoes just so.

Inside, cubbies lined the wall like little wooden pockets. Mei tucked her backpack in carefully, wearing her soft coral overall dress and white sneakers. Tap, tap, tap went her shoes, so slow and so tiny.

The round rug looked like a garden, green and gold and bright. Mei sat down at the very edge, hands balled into fists, tight.

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