Nia's First Week

Not a public highlight reel—a small family time capsule made from preparations, artwork, after-school rituals, and the details that disappear faster than anyone expects.

She chose the backpack herself, changed the first-day shoes twice, and asked for the same lunch she had on the last day of second grade.

The family portrait had everybody holding hands beside the bus. The gold star mattered enough to survive the whole ride home.

Snack first, backpack emptied second, homework at the kitchen table. By Friday she no longer needed anyone to walk her to the classroom door.

Best part: reading corner. · Hardest part: waking up. · New friend: Amari. · What she wants to remember: “I wasn't scared after Monday.”