The First Word
The girl across the lane was called Pia.
Lena learned this on the third day, at a bus stop. Lena had been walked to the bus stop by her mother, who was nervous in a different way than Lena was nervous. The bus stop already had three children at it. One of them was Pia.
Pia did not pretend not to know who Lena was.
"You're the new one," she said.
"Yes."
"I've seen you in your window."
"I've seen you in yours."
There was a small, considering silence.
"I'm Pia. I'm in Year Six. You?"
"Lena. Year Six too. I think."
"Then we're in the same year. Probably the same class. Mrs Tannen. Sit by me at break, if you want. Or don't. It's fine either way."
Pia did not say it like a favour. Pia did not say it like a charity. Pia said it the way you say *want a biscuit?* — open offer, no pressure.
Lena, who had not known how this would go, felt something inside her chest unclench.
"Yes," she said. "I'll sit with you."
The bus came. They got on. Lena sat with Pia.
The first day was hard. Lena was introduced. Lena had to explain where she had moved from. Lena was looked at by twenty-five faces and was acutely aware that half of them were quietly checking her out and the other half were already bored.
But Pia sat with her at break. Pia introduced her to two other girls — Hanna (different Hanna from the one Lena had left) and Esme — who were friendly. By the end of the first day,