Isabel is coming to school.

Isabel grabbed her backpack and hurried downstairs, her bare feet padding softly against the wooden steps. The smell of toast and coffee filled the kitchen as her mother glanced up from the counter. "Running late again?" she teased, handing Isabel a granola bar. Isabel shoved it into her pocket with a quick "Thanks, Mom!" before slipping into her sneakers by the door.

As she stepped outside, the morning air was crisp against her skin, the fabric of her dress fluttering slightly against her thighs. She quickened her pace down the sidewalk, the straps of her backpack digging into her shoulders.

She couldn't help but feel a bit self-conscious in her outfit, but it was her favorite and she loved the way it made her feel.

Her heart raced as she approached the school, the familiar sound of lockers slamming and laughter echoing through the halls.