Fear,

Today is the first day I will attend the class of the fourth grade. I know nobody, nobody knows me and I'm a little anxious. My mom packed me some lunch, so that I don't have to deal with the lunch line, and I'm very happy about that. The added stress of bullies on my first day of school wouldn't help too much, now would it? Forgive me for not introducing myself. I'm William Shefford. I really like being called Will instead though, William is too proper, me being only nine. I'm writing to you, Fear, because I think you of all people will understand this day in my life the best. My parents don't actually have a good reason for ripping me from my life back in Washington to place me here, in Minnesota, other than that they really like it here. My dad didn't get a job here, my mom doesn't have family here, and most importantly, I have no friends here. I'm lost and I feel very alone. I wish I at least had a reason for my life starting back on page one for me to rewrite. Maybe my love for musical arts will score me some friends at school. The best way to make a surface-level connection with someone is sharing interests. I've found this out over my years. It's a great way to start a new relationship. But that doesn't mean I actually have the courage to do it, no no. Every time my foot hits the pavement outside the school, moving me ever closer to the front door, my heart beats faster, and sweat starts to bead on my forehead. There's no way I'm ready for this, and there is no way I can talk myself out of how afraid I am to go to a new school for the first time.

The bell is deafening.
I pick up my pace. At least the teachers will be impressed that I'm on time to my classes, and I'm all about first impressions. I feel a bit hypocritical right now. I'm wishing you'd go away, Fear, but at the same time, here I am, writing you a letter, which only keeps you in the forefront of my mind. I'm going to my first class now. It's a math class, and I really don't think that I'm very good at math. Sorry to cut this letter so short, but I need to go now.

Sincerely, Will

I am smart. I don't mean to brag, but in comparison with the other kids at my age, I am a genius. I can't even hold a decent conversation with any of them.
"Hi, I'm Will Shefford. What's your name?"
"Alex."
"Nice to meet you, Alex. So, what do you do for fun? Music, reading, sports? What do you fill your extra time

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