Annabelle glanced at her reflection one last time before heading out the door. The mirror showed a girl draped in a vibrant, oversized anime hoodie adorned with her favorite characters. She felt both exhilarated and terrified. Today marked the beginning of middle school, a world where the unknown loomed larger than the artwork on her sleeves. As she stepped outside, her heart raced. The air felt charged with anticipation, as if the universe held its breath for the first day of something monumental. The school loomed ahead, a massive building buzzing with students. Laughter echoed in the hallways, mingling with the distant sound of a digital clock ticking down to the bell. What if the kids laughed at her outfit? What if they teased her for being the “weird anime girl” on the first day? But what if they loved her style? What if someone recognized her hoodie and struck up a conversation? With her backpack slung over her shoulder, Annabelle took a deep breath and stepped into the whirlwind of middle school life.