Friendships are complicated—sometimes they bring joy, and other times they hurt. 

Sometimes they feel full, and other times lonely. 

But just staying by someone’s side—just being part of their life—that matters. 

The morning bell rang

just like it always had.

Backpacks lined the wall,

bright pink, sky blue,

zippers half open

with pencils and erasers inside.

A teacher wrote quietly

on the chalkboard,