Mike's Magnificent School Tour

Today was Mike’s first day at Sunshine Elementary in the big city. He felt like a small fish in a giant ocean. He stood in the hallway, clutching his backpack tightly. Everything felt too big and too loud. Suddenly, a boy with a bright smile and a yellow shirt walked up to him.

'Hi! I’m Leo,' the boy said cheerfully. 'Don’t worry, I can show you everything. This school is huge, but it is very fun!'

They started their walk down the bright corridor. 'First, look over here,' Leo pointed to a pair of large wooden doors. 'There is a massive library. There are thousands of stories on these shelves. But remember, there isn’t any shouting allowed!' Mike looked at the tall bookshelves and felt a bit better. He loved stories.

Next, they ran toward the back of the building where they heard the sound of sneakers squeaking. 'There is a gym,' Leo explained. 'It’s great for playing tag and basketball. There isn’t a swimming pool inside, but there is plenty of space to run and jump.' Mike saw children jumping and laughing, and he started to smile too.

As they walked further, a delicious smell of tomato sauce filled the air. 'There is the cafeteria,' Leo said, rubbing his tummy. 'There isn’t any ice cream for lunch today, but there is yummy spaghetti. It is the best in the city!'

They passed a room where the walls were covered in rainbow splashes. 'There is the art room,' Leo whispered. 'There isn’t a single white wall in there because we paint everything!' Mike laughed. He was starting to realize that being the new boy wasn't so bad when you had a guide.

'Now,' Leo said, looking very serious and mysterious. 'I will show you the most secret, exclusive room in the whole school. Only the coolest people know about it.'

Mike’s eyes went wide. Was it a secret garden? A hidden game room? Leo led him to a small, grey door at the very end of the hall. 'Here it is!' Leo whispered. He pulled the door open with a grand flourish.

There wasn't a cinema. There wasn't a game room. Instead, there was a very small, dark closet filled with mops, buckets, and a very surprised janitor named Mr. Higgins. Mr. Higgins was sitting on an upside-down plastic bucket, eating a giant pickle and wearing a bright purple party hat.

'Oh, hello boys,' Mr. Higgins said, waving his pickle. 'Want a bite?'

Leo turned bright red. 'Oops! I think there is a mistake. This isn't the VIP lounge, it's the broom closet!'

Mike burst out laughing. He wasn't nervous anymore. He had a new friend, a funny story, and he knew exactly where to find a pickle if he ever needed one.