Eugene was a bright young child, with dark hair that curled at the end, sparkling eyes like the night sky, and a heart full of dreams. Today was his first day at a new school, and he had butterflies as wild as squirrels in his tummy.

The school was tall, a building of brick so red, it looked like a giant’s big loaf of bread. 'Go make friends,' his mom said, and gave him a lunchbox shaped like a panda bear’s head.

Inside, he found a classroom as bright as the morning sun, with pictures and charts and colors by the ton. But oh, how his feet felt as heavy as lead when he saw all the kids—none of whom he had ever met.

Mrs. Hummingbird, the teacher, greeted him with a smile, 'Hello, Eugene! Come in, stay for a while.' Her voice was warm, like honey on toast, and she made him feel welcome, from coast to coast.

As Eugene found his seat, next to a boy named Sam, the room was filled with a thundering WHAM! The kids turned to see what made the sound and found a train of books tumbling down!

It was Sally, who tripped carrying too much, and the class erupted in laughter and such. Eugene gave a giggle that was quite a chime, and soon he and Sally were best friends in no time.

At recess, they played games like tag and hop, and Eugene’s joy bubbled, it just wouldn’t stop. They chased and cheered and twirled around, their laughter echoing like a joyful sound.

During lunch, Eugene shared his tofu snack, and Sam introduced him to mac and cheese in a pack. They traded bites and tasted anew, foods from their cultures, making something brand new.

Art class brought colors, as magical as dreams, with paints, glues, and papers shiny as beams. They drew a big mural, all hand in hand, of a world where everyone could understand.

The day ended too soon, with hugs and cheer. Eugene’s heart was no longer filled with fear. With friends like Sam and Sally by his side, he knew he no longer had to hide.

As he hopped off the school bus and ran to his mom, his heart bubbled with joy like a tinkling bomb. 'I made friends today, we laughed and played,' he said, 'And in this new place, I’m no longer afraid.'

That night, as he drifted into dreams, of laughter and fun and bright, beaming beams, Eugene knew that with open hearts and open minds, the world is kinder, more beautiful, and intertwined.