The What-If Tummy

“Ring-a-ling!”

The first school bell rang while Mia stood beside Mom at the big front doors. The sound was bright and loud, like a spoon tapping a glass. Mia held Mom’s hand. Her fingers felt warm, but her tummy felt wiggly.

What if I cannot find my room? What if I need Mom? What if I make a mistake?

The school smelled like crayons, soap, and toast from the breakfast room. Children’s shoes squeaked on the shiny floor. Doors opened and closed. Voices bounced all around Mia.

“You are safe,” Mom said softly. “We can take one small step at a time.”

Mia looked through the glass doors. The hallway seemed long. A blue sign hung near the ceiling, but the letters looked as tiny as ants. A child hurried past with a red backpack. Mia squeezed Mom’s hand harder.

“What if the hallway is too busy?” Mia whispered.

“We will notice what is here,” Mom said. “Then we will name what you feel. Then we will breathe.”

“Notice, Name, Breathe,” Mia said.

Mom nodded. “That is your little path.”

Mia tried the first step. Her shoes touched the cool floor. A cart rolled by with a soft clatter. Mia jumped back.

“I can’t,” she said.

Mom did not pull her. She stayed close. “Let’s notice.”

Mia looked around. She saw a green plant, three yellow stars on the wall, and a fish picture near the office. She heard feet, voices, and the hum of lights.

“Now name it,” Mom said.

“My tummy feels wiggly. My chest feels tight. I feel worried.”

“That makes sense,” Mom said. “Now breathe with me.”

They breathed in like smelling warm cocoa. They breathed out like cooling it. Mia’s shoulders dropped a little.

Together, they walked down the hall. At the classroom door, Mia stopped. Her hand was still in Mom’s, but she could see a table covered with paper, glue, and bright crayons.

Mrs. Lee smiled from inside. “Good morning, Mia. I saved you a spot.”

Mia looked at Mom. “Will you stay?”

“I will walk in with you,” Mom said. “Then I will wait by the door while you stand in your spot.”

Mia took one more breath. She stepped inside. Mom’s hand slipped away, but Mom’s smile stayed.

Mia stood in the doorway by herself. She had made it.

Then Mrs. Lee rang a tiny bell for morning time. Mia’s heart began to race again.

She pressed one hand to her tummy. “Notice, Name, Breathe,” she whispered.

Mia was worried, and she was safe. What color would you choose for her wiggly tummy?