Once upon a time, in a cheerful classroom filled with colorful posters, Emma sat quietly, doodling hearts in her notebook. Her eyes glanced over to Mike, who was laughing with his friends.
Emma's friend, Lucy, leaned over and whispered, "Do you like Mike? Your drawings are full of hearts!"
Emma blushed and whispered back, "I do, but don't tell anyone. I'm too shy to talk to him."
Across the room, Samantha boasted to her friends, "I'm going to invite Mike to my party. He'll love it!"
Mike, busy with a science project, had no idea about the secret whispers and plans around him.
At recess, Emma watched from afar as Samantha laughed loudly by the swings, Mike pushing her gently.
Feeling sad, Emma wandered to the library, where the quiet books were better company than the noisy playground.
As Emma opened a book about friendship, she wondered if Mike would ever notice her the way he noticed Samantha.
The following day, Samantha paraded an invitation to her party, handing one to everyone, including Mike.
Emma received an invitation too and felt conflicted. Should she go to the party and face her fears?
When Lucy saw Emma's hesitation, she encouraged her, "You should go! Maybe Mike will get to know the real you."
After much thought, Emma decided to go to the party, hopeful that maybe, just maybe, things could turn out well.
Reflection Questions