Only one chit remained.

Aashi picked it up with trembling hands.

"What is something you've never told anyone?"

She stared at the words for a long time before speaking.

"I didn't transfer schools because my father got a new job."

Everyone looked at her.

"That's what I tell people because it's easier."

She took a deep breath.

"I was bullied in my previous school."

The room fell silent.

"Every day, someone had something to say about the way I looked, the way I spoke, even the way I laughed. At first, I ignored it. Then I started believing them."

She smiled sadly.

"By the end of the year, I stopped raising my hand in class. I stopped making friends because I thought they'd eventually leave too."

She looked around Room 17.

"When I came here, I promised myself I wouldn't get close to anyone again."

A small laugh escaped her.

"I guess I failed."

"No," Ayaan said softly.

"I think this is the first test you've passed."

Everyone smiled.

For the first time since leaving her old school, Aashi realized she wasn't afraid of belonging anymore.

Sometimes, the bravest new beginning isn't joining a new school.

It's trusting people again after they've given you every reason not to.