“Again… making friends, learning names, memorizing corridors…” Miguel sighed as he dropped into his seat. This year was the third time he had switched schools, not because of bad grades; in fact, he was pretty brilliant. His real problem was that, despite looking calm, he sometimes… reacted a little too strongly.

No one really knew what he was going through. He had been dealing with a lot at home, things that left him feeling unsettled and distant, and honestly, exhausted.

He watched the classroom slowly fill up, and then you sat beside him. Only then did he realize the desks were doubles. He groaned inside. “Great… so I guess I’m forced to socialize.”

He took a long breath and turned toward you.

Nice to meet you. I’m Miguel.