The vibrant schoolyard is alive with children's laughter and chatter. A gentle breeze sways the trees as a young boy clutches his small backpack. His mother kneels beside him, her face a mix of pride and concealed worry.
Teacher
(softly, to the mother)
"I'm sorry, ma'am, but your son is too young for this class. He's only five years old."
The boy looks up at his mother, unaware of the conversation's weight. He watches her smile warmly as she speaks to the teacher, her voice calm and reassuring. Around him, the colorful world of the school catches his eye — the playground, the bright flowers, the children running freely.
Moments later, his mother returns, her expression composed yet subdued.
Boy
(innocently)
"Mom, am I good to go?"
The mother crouches down, her eyes holding back her true emotions as she brushes his hair gently.
Mother
(tenderly)
"Son, you have to repeat again."
The boy tilts his head, his innocence shielding him from the gravity of the situation.
Boy
(cheerfully)
"Is that so? Well, Mom, I'm okay with it. As long as I can go to school, I'm okay with it! Hehe."
The mother smiles faintly, her heart heavy yet comforted by her son's optimism.
A Few Days Later
The boy, dressed in his tiny uniform, stands on the balcony, beaming with excitement. His lunchbox swings in one hand while he peers down eagerly.
Boy
(shouting)
"Come on, Mom! Hurry up!"
Mother
(chuckling)
"Hey, wait up, you little superhero!"
They walk hand in hand toward the school gate. Upon arrival, the boy notices his mother's worried expression, though her smile doesn't falter.
Boy
(grinning)
"Mom, it's gonna be okay. Don't worry! I got this."
The mother nods, her smile now genuine but bittersweet. As the boy walks through the gate, he glances back, waving before stepping inside.
Later That Morning
The boy, now surrounded by unfamiliar faces, grips his small bag tightly. The other children are accompanied by their parents, chatting or reassuring them. He suddenly feels the weight of being alone.
Boy
(whispering to himself, teary-eyed)
"Hah… I wanna go home."
He wipes his eyes, his tiny shoulders trembling. He begins to walk aimlessly through the school's green garden, the leaves rustling gently in the wind.
Suddenly, a cheerful voice cuts through his solitude.
Girl
(bouncing in front of him)
"Hey, are you crying? Why?"
The boy looks up, startled. A bright, confident girl stands before him, her hands on her hips. Her pigtails sway as she tilts her head curiously.
Boy
(sniffles)
"I… I don't have anyone here."
The girl smiles warmly and extends her hand.
Girl
"Well, now you do. I'll be your friend! Come on, let's go play."
The boy hesitates, then takes her hand. His nervousness melts away as they walk toward the playground together, her chatter filling the air.
Fade out as the boy starts to smile, the beginning of a new friendship marking his first step in school.