Blooming Friendships

The moment Hazel finished speaking, the room erupted into applause.

The teacher beamed. "Hazel just joined our class. Let's all be friends with her, okay?"

"Okay!" the children chimed in unison.

Hazel's small hands clenched into fists. Her bright eyes swept over the sea of unfamiliar faces, excitement flickering in them.

The teacher glanced around the room before pointing to an empty seat. "Hazel,