One early morning, Esmé shed tear after tear as her mother got her ready for school. 

“I don’t want to go, Mommy,” Esmé cried.

 “You will have fun and learn more about letters and numbers,” said Mom.

.

.

.

As Mom drove to drop off Esmé at school, Esmé would find any excuse to avoid being dropped off.

“Mommy, I can go to work with you and help you,” 

said Esmé. 

“Sweetie, your job is to learn and be a smart, bright girl,” replied Mom. 

As they joined the car rider line, Esmé began to feel increasingly nervous and scared.

 "But Mommy, Evelyn always bullies me and scares me. I can't make any new friends," Esmé said, tearing up. 

"Esmé, why didn’t you tell me about Evelyn being a bully? You need to stand up for yourself in a kind way, and I will make sure to let the teacher know. Also, don’t be afraid to reach out to your classmates; I’m sure you will make a friend," said Mom.

The teacher escorted Esmé into the classroom, where in the corner, she saw a girl sitting alone with a sad expression. 

Esmé slowly approached her and asked, "What's wrong?" 

The girl looked up at Esmé and replied,

"Evelyn won't stop calling me names, and now nobody wants to be my friend."

I want to be your friend, and we should stand up for ourselves when Evelyn comes our way.