Gracie loved going to school. She had a blast getting to see her friends, play on the playground, and learning. She had all sorts of friends, from Luke down the street all the way to Emily across town. Everyone in Gracie’s class loved her.

One day the teacher asked the students, “What’s your favorite thing you have? It could be anything!” They went around the room telling each other different objects from their homes. 

“I got the brand new American Girl doll yesterday!” One girl yelled. 

“I got a new hoodie for my birthday,'' another boy said. Once they got to Gracie, she said,

 “Well I have this little stuffed dog that I got from my dad when I was born. That’s what my mom said anyway,”

A girl in the back of the class snickered. “That’s it? You don’t have anything new?” 

“Well no, I guess not but-”

“Why not?”

“I don’t know, we don’t really go get new stuff that much. I mean look at my shoes,” Gracie plopped her foot up on the desk to show everyone her shoe that was falling apart. There was a fit of laughter from the class before the teacher spoke up.

“Guys quiet down, hey it’s okay. Why do guys not like Gracie’s stuffed animal?”

“Cause it’s old and probably stinky,” High pitched ew’s roared and the teacher had to shush the class again. 

“I’m sure Gracie keeps it very clean. What’s its name Gracie?” The teacher asked.

“Her name’s Lucy. She’s got long ears, a little button nose, and brown fur. She’s the only stuffed animal I’ve ever had so I take good care of her,” Gracie said. She slumped down into her chair as she heard little giggles from some girls across the room. 

Later at recess, all the kids she normally played with stayed away from her. “Hey guys!” Gracie shouted as she tried to join their game of tag. The group looked at each other and they all ran the other way. That happened every time for a week.

Monday when Gracie got to school there was another girl she’d never seen before sitting in the seat next to her. “Hi! My name’s Gracie! What’s your name?” She said excitedly as she sat down. 

“Oh hi! I’m Lucy!” Gracie gasped in excitement, 

“That’s the name of my favorite stuffed animal! She’s a puppy!”. The girls spent what felt like hours telling each other about themselves. Lucy told about her favorite stuffed animal named Ted. He was a soft, tan bear that had been with her since she was born. The two got along great!