Dali’s First Day

Today was Dali’s first day at his new nursery. He put on his painter’s beret and took a deep breath. His heart was beating fast: thump-thump, thump-thump.

1

At the nursery door, Dali stopped. “What if nobody wants to play with me?” he whispered. “What if I’m too slow?”

2

Bleta landed beside him. “How are you feeling, Dali?” “Scared,” said Dali quietly. “A little bit scared.” “That’s all right,” said Bleta. “New things often feel a bit scary at first. Come on, let’s go in together.”

3

Inside, in a corner, sat Nini, holding a leaf in front of her face. “Are you new here too?” asked Dali. “Yes,” whispered Nini. “And I’m a bit scared.”

4

Dali looked around. A little grasshopper was clinging to his mum. A tiny caterpillar was hiding under a cushion. “They’re scared too, just like me!” said Dali, surprised.

5

Dali had a think. Then, with his shiny trail, he slowly drew a big sun on the floor. “Slow and steady, nice and neat!” he said. Nini giggled. The grasshopper and the caterpillar came closer to look.

6

Nini gave the sun five dots, just like hers. The grasshopper drew grass, and the caterpillar drew clouds. Little by little, Dali’s fear melted away, and joy came in its place.

7

That evening, Bleta asked, “How was your first day?” Dali smiled. “Everyone feels a bit scared of new things. But when you find a friend, the fear gets much smaller. I’m coming back tomorrow!”

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