Owen's First Day of School

Sample story

Owen stands at the edge of the schoolyard, gripping the straps of his bright blue backpack so tightly his knuckles turn white. The morning bell hasn't rung yet, but the playground is already buzzing — sneakers slapping against pavement, laughter bouncing off the brick walls, voices calling names he doesn't recognize. His stomach does a somersault. Everything smells like fresh paint and cut grass and something warm drifting from the cafeteria. He takes one small step forward. "You can do this," he whispers to himself. Inside the classroom, colorful posters cover every wall. A tall teacher with kind eyes and a sunflower pin on her jacket smiles right at him. "Welcome, Owen! We've been waiting for you." She points to a desk near the window where sunlight spills across a brand-new notebook. Owen slides into the chair. His heart is still pounding. Then the boy next to him leans over, eyes wide with curiosity. "Hey — is that a dinosaur keychain on your backpack? I love dinosaurs!" Owen feels a grin spreading across his face, warm and unstoppable, and suddenly...