“Hey, you made it!” Maya shouted, weaving through the crowd to pull Emma into a hug. The warmth of the embrace steadied Emma’s nerves. “Ready for the new semester?”
She turned to Maya, who was already gathering her things. “What a day,” Emma said, a smile spreading across her face.
“Hey, newcomers! We’re planning auditions for the spring play. You should come by the theater after school if you’re interested,” Jenna invited.
Emma nodded, feeling a surge of confidence. “Let’s do this.” Their homeroom was a bright, sunlit space with large windows that framed the school’s sprawling lawn. Mr. Patel, the English teacher, greeted them with a calm smile and a stack of colorful syllabi. He had a reputation for turning classic literature into lively discussions, and his enthusiasm was contagious.