Her surgeon had cleared her to resume more ordinary activity in stages, and she sometimes needed to stop and rest.

But she could eat full meals again.

Her laughter came more readily.

She walked around the block without folding in half from pain.

At school, Ms.

Avery arranged a gradual return and gave Sadie a private place to rest if she felt overwhelmed.

One friend, Nina, brought worksheets and stayed to watch a terrible movie with her.

Another sent a message saying the cafeteria was boring without her.