Freminet curled up on the floor, knees drawn and Pers tucked to his chest. The stuffed penguin significantly dwarfed his own tiny frame, his arms tightly wrapped around the plushie as he sought solace and comfort from the only ‘friend’ he truly had.

School was always a struggle for Freminet. He listened to his schoolmates play and laugh, the sounds of their elated hollers doing little to quell Freminet’s mounting anxiety. It wasn’t until Freminet heard feet approaching him that he lifted his little head, eyes wet with unshed tears.

“… Hello?” Freminet squeaked, peering up at the figure standing before him. He sank further within himself, a weak tremor to his voice.