Exploring this new classroom reminded Nova of her very first day in her very first school. She was five years old and small and scared. She and Bridget had just moved in with their very first foster family, who said it was “high time” Nova started school. Nova did not want it to be “high time.” She hated not knowing what to expect. She hated new and unfamiliar places. And she hated being away from Mama. But Bridget was there. Bridget rode the bus with her. Bridget walked her to her classroom. Bridget held her hand the whole way.

“I am right down the hall if you need me,” Bridget promised. “Room two twelve. Can you remember that? Two twelve.”

“Mm,” said Nova.

“Don’t say ‘mm,’ Nova. Say yes. You can do it. Yes.”

“Yeh.”

Bridget smiled and kissed Nova’s forehead.

“Good job! You are so smart. Don’t let them tell you you’re not smart. I know you’re smart and you know you’re smart, but if you only say ‘mm’ they’re gonna think you’re not smart. Say ‘yes’ and ‘no.’ You can say ‘no,’ right?”

“Yeh.”

“Say it now. ‘No.’ Your turn.”

“No.”

“Great job!” Bridget hugged her again. “Kindergarten will be great. It’s all coloring and singing and nap time and stories and playing with blocks. You’re good at all of those things, right?”

“Mm.”

“Not ‘Mm’! Yes. Listen, I’m right down the hall in room two twelve. If anyone is mean to you, you come get me and we’ll leave, okay? We’ll walk right out of this school and never come back. Okay?”

“Kay.”

“Okay?”

“Kay-kay.”

“Oh-kay.”

“Oh-kay.”

“Good. I’m proud of you. Have fun, Super Nova.”

But Nova did not have fun. The teacher started by asking, “What is your name?” Nova did not answer.

“Don’t you know your name?” Teacher asked.

Nova did not answer.

“Are you shy?” Teacher asked.

Nova did not answer.

“Hel-lo?” Teacher sang, waving a hand in front of Nova’s face. Nova jerked away. The teacher was too close. Nova did not like anybody too close except Bridget. Or sometimes Mama. She screeched and swatted toward Teacher.

“Excuse me, young lady!” Teacher’s voice was getting too loud. “You need to answer!”

Nova backed up and flapped her hands in the air, making her squeaking noise. When Teacher reached toward her, she closed her eyes and covered her ears, trying to block out the world.

The kindergarten classroom was very noisy.

Pencil sharpener sharpening.

Marbles spilling out from a metal can onto the floor.

Crayons rolling from a cardboard box onto the table.

Birds chirping outside.

Kids chirping inside.

It was too much.

Nova dropped to her knees and rocked back and forth, squeaking, eyes still closed.

“Get up,” said Teacher, tugging at her arm.

“Bidge!” Nova screamed for her big sister to save her. “Bidge, Bidge, Bidge!”