It was the first day of school for Ben the Bunny at Bennington Elementary school.  Halfway through the day, the door opened unexpectedly. Ben looked up and saw the new student at the same time as Mrs. Carrots introduced him to the class.“Class,” she explained, “We have a new friend joining us this year.” Turning to the new student, she asked, “Would you like to introduce yourself? What’s your name?”

“Zack” growled a booming voice as the new student saw himself to the seat behind Ben. Zack was a big rabbit, he had grey fur and a mean looking smirk. As he walked to his self-assigned seat he looked at Ben with a mean smile.

Suddenly, Zack fell to the ground. Ben got out of his seat to see if Zack was ok, but as Ben got close Zack said, just loud enough for the teacher to hear, “No, get away.”

Some of the other bunnies noticed Zack on the floor. They looked at each other in confusion. Then Zack shouted, “He tripped me!" and pointed at Ben.

After class once everyone left, Mrs. Carrots spoke to Ben, “Ben I don’t know why you did that, do you have anything to say for yourself?” 

Ben shook his head, he didn’t want any trouble. “I’m going to give you one chance.” she told him, “Only because you are usually such a nice kid. This time, I’ll let you off with a warning. Please head home, Ben. Let’s have a better day tomorrow.”

As Ben walked home he passed a new house he hadn’t seen over the summer. There was a moving truck in the driveway and the lights were on. He grew more curious and crossed to the same side of the street as the house. As he slowed his walk Ben heard people talking. 

 “I know you need new shoes.” replied an unknown voice, as Ben peered into the windows he saw a female bunny talking to Zack the new bunny. 

As Ben listened closely he heard, “... but ever since your father passed money has been tough. We were very lucky to be able to buy this house.”

Ben heard Zack’s reply saying “You’re right, I’m sorry mom.” 

Ben walked home and thought hard about what he heard.

During the next couple of weeks as Zack and Ben saw each other at school, Zack would keep being mean to Ben. He would trip Ben, when Ben wasn’t looking, and tease him for being small. Clearly, the two bunnies were not going to be friends. Ben couldn’t figure out why Zack didn’t like him. 

On the weekends, Ben had been picking up jobs when he could, like mowing lawns or walking dogs. He buckled down and worked harder than ever and soon his neighbors were lining up to give him jobs. After a while, Ben had saved up just enough to buy the newest, coolest and fastest sneakers in Bunnington City. 

Determined to be friends, Ben approached Zack Monday morning at school. “What do you want runt?” Zack asked.

“Can you come hangout after school?” Ben asked him.

“What? Why?” asked Zack suspiciously. 

“I just want someone to play baseball with” replied Ben. 

Zack turned and walked away, saying nothing.

Ben walked back to class feeling frustrated.