The entrance area in front of the school filled with students before classes started. In my old school, I would have gritted my teeth. Faded memories became sharp. My invisible armor slipped away. Old insecurities pressed through the cracks. My throat tightened. My muscles tensed. I remembered the other kids never spared me from taunts: “Look who we have here. The zebra? No wait, it’s a cow. Do you know how to say moo?”
“Hey, Jessie!” A girl greeted me, and I didn’t even know her name. That was all she said. No snide remark, no mean comment. Even her tone surprised me. Nothing in her voice said hate or sarcasm. A spark of hope lit my soul. Maybe this school gave a damn about me.
On my way to see Mr. Litmen, a big yellow poster captured my attention, overshadowing the Poker Club’s announc
