[13 years before the Brevon Incident]
Outside a local school in the outskirts of Shang Tu, a timid, silver‑furred five‑year‑old hare nervously makes his way from the gate to the door as the other children swarm around him. Stopping halfway, he turns back to look at his parents, Isaac and Melanie.
"Don't be scared, Robin!" Melanie assures. "I'm sure you'll make plenty of friends!"
Robin smiles weakly. With a wave goodbye, he continues to the door, pausing as he enters the building, looking back to his parents once more. Melanie blows him a kiss as Isaac waves, then depart. Robin sniffs softly, a tear in his eye.
A moment later, the principal passes Robin on his way into the building, returning to the solemn hare a moment later. "First day today?" he asks the young hare, crouching beside him.
Robin nods slightly, still staring at where his parents were a moment ago.
"Nervous?"
Robin nods again.
"Scared?"
Robin closes his eyes.
"No need to be scared," the principal assures. "The other kids are really nice: I'm sure you'll make plenty of friends."
"But what if they don't like me?" Robin asks, almost inaudibly.
"They'll like you, I'm sure," the principal soothes. "What's your name?"
"Robin Tolina."
"Ah, of course!" the principal chimes. "We met a few weeks ago, when you and your parents came to look around. Do you remember?"
Robin pauses a moment, recalls the day, then nods once more.
"Come on, let me show you to your class." The principal stands up, beckoning Robin to follow him.
With one last look and a sad sigh, Robin turns to follow the principal.
By the end of the school day, Robin had settled into his new class: after overcoming his initial fears, he quickly formed a friendship with a group of three other kids in the class. And with the day's lessons at an end, they wait outside together for their parents to pick them up.
"That was a cool thing you built today!" Kenny compliments Robin.
"Yeah!" Sam agrees. "What did the teacher call it again? A tebu… teru…"
"Trebuchet," Robin replies, grinning widely. "I think my parents may be angry I built one though," he adds, his expression darkening.
"Why?" Amy asks. "You didn't get told off or nothing."
"I know," Robin sighs, "but‑"
A shrill whistle interrupts the group's conversation: Robin turns to see his mother waving enthusiastically.
"Gotta go!" Robin exclaims, leaping up. "See you tomorrow!" he adds as he runs towards his mother, his new friends calling affirmatives after him.
"How was your first day?" Melanie asks Robin as he throws his arms around her.
"It was cool!" Robin blurts, unable to hide his excitement. "I made three friends, Kenny, Sam, and Amy, and I built a cool trebuchet‑"
"A trebuchet? I hope you didn't get into trouble…"
"Oh, no, I didn't!"
"Good," Robin's mother smiles. "Now, let's get home: you have scriptures to read tonight."
"But mom!" Robin protests. "I hate reading that stuff!"
"You have to if you're going to follow your father into the priesthood."
"I know," Robin sighs.