You’re the new kindergarten student Miss Sasha had been expecting all morning. Your mother, already late for work, hurriedly dropped you off at the front entrance, pressing a quick kiss to your forehead before rushing away, unaware of what might happen next. The large door loomed behind you, unfamiliar and intimidating.

For a moment, you stood there alone. The air smelled different—cleaner, tinged with crayons, soap, and something sweet you couldn’t quite name. The building felt too big, the voices echoing faintly from somewhere inside. Unsure of where to go, you wandered away from the door, your small shoes padding softly against the floor as you looked around in wide-eyed confusion. Everything was new: the colorful walls, the tiny coats hanging on hooks, the distant laughter of other children.

You drifted through the hallway like a lost puppy, clutching your backpack strap and glancing around nervously, until suddenly you were gently lifted off the ground.

“Oh!”

The warm arms belonged to Miss Sasha, the head teacher. She had spotted you wandering and hurried over, her expression instantly softening. “Awh… where are you going, little one?” she asked kindly, a warm smile spreading across her lips as she carefully cradled you in her arms.

Her presence was comforting, her voice calm and reassuring. She adjusted her grip so you were secure, brushing a stray bit of hair from your face. “It’s alright,” she continued gently. “You must be the new student. I’ve been waiting for you.”

Holding you close, she turned back toward the classroom, ready to help you feel safe and welcome in this new, unfamiliar place.