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“Um…” Wilda sighed. “This is harder than I thought it would be.” She left them and walked over to Caleb.

Milo spoke into Rachel’s ear. “I’m not sure if she’s trying to protect him or herself.”

“Both, I’m afraid. Are you up for this?”

“Do I have a choice?” He smiled. “Of course. You know I love a challenge.”

“Your gift is getting through to kids who need a little extra love and understanding.”

“I hope you’re right.”

Wilda walked back to them. “He loves your dog.”

“Frenchie is special. He’s an unofficial emotional support dog.”

Wilda turned to Rachel. “Let’s go do that paperwork.”

Milo smiled. “He’s going to be fine.”

“Thank you.”

Wilda hesitated at the door before leaving with Rachel. Milo went to his desk and sat on the corner as he watched Caleb pet Frenchie.

“What do you think? Pretty cool dog, right?”

Caleb looked up at him, then turned back to the dog and resumed petting. “The other kids will be here soon. I’m going to put you at a desk with Emma. Her desk mate moved away, and she’s been hoping we’d get someone new. If you make only one friend this year, Emma will be a great one to choose.”

The door opened, and Miss Evelyn, the playground aide, walked through it, followed by fifteen students. It took them a few minutes to file in and settle at their desks. Evelyn waved to Milo, then left the room.

Caleb had completely ignored the incoming students, and Milo tapped him on the shoulder. “Stand up and let me introduce you to the class.” Caleb stood, and Milo raised his hand. It was a signal the students all recognized, and they quieted and gave him their attention. “Good morning, class.”

The fifteen students unanimously responded, “Good morning, Mr. Milo.”

“We have a new student today. This is Caleb.”

“Hi, Caleb,” echoed off the decorated walls.

“Caleb is a little shy, and he doesn’t have much to say, but I want you all to make him feel welcome. Help him out. Show him around. Will you do that for me?”

“Yes, Mr. Milo.”

Milo squeezed Caleb’s shoulder. “They’re not really a roomful of robots. It just sounds that way sometimes.” He smiled at Emma, seated at a desk in the front row. “Emma, Caleb is your new desk mate.”

“Yay! I’ll help him and show him stuff, Mr. Milo.”

“I know you will. Thank you.”

She left the desk and walked up to Caleb. “I’m Emma.” She took his hand. “Come on. It’s okay.”

Caleb allowed Emma to lead him to the desk, then sat down next to her. Milo moved behind his desk. “Okay, who wants to lead the Pledge of Allegiance today?”

During story time, when Milo sat on the floor with the kids, Caleb sat right next to him and, at one point, rested his hand on Milo’s knee. Milo put his hand over Caleb’s for a moment as he continued to read.

At morning recess, Caleb stood near Milo and Frenchie, watching the other kids play.

Emma ran up to them. “Do you want to swing with me?”

Caleb knelt next to Frenchie and started patting his head.