Aadhan watched the new boy, Tom, sit alone at lunch.

He noticed Tom's sandwich was plain bread; his apple was bruised.

Aadhan remembered his first lonely school day; his stomach felt funny.

The next day, Aadhan sat next to Tom, offering some of his snack.

Tom smiled faintly, revealing a gap where a tooth had been.

They talked about their favorite games. Tom liked puzzles.

Tom was good at solving them. Aadhan asked for help with one.

Working together, they finished the puzzle and laughed.

Aadhan invited Tom to play at recess. Others joined too.

Tom was shy but soon was running and playing tag.

After school, Aadhan introduced Tom to his own friends.

Together, they planned to work on a big puzzle project.