How it all began

I had an oral exam that had me tense since the week before. I don’t sleep well when I have to speak in public; my mouth gets dry and my voice trembles. That morning I left home with my backpack a little heavier, without knowing why.

The unexpected gift

During the break between classes, when I opened my backpack to grab my bottle, I felt something soft on top of my notes. It was a little Puffy, wearing a simple shirt, smelling like clean laundry and home.

My sister had left it there before I left; she didn’t say anything — she just left a note in the kitchen that I found when I got back: “Take it with you.” I don’t know if she meant to give me confidence or just make me smile for a bit. It did both.

The little ritual I did

Before going into the classroom I covered it with my hand, as if it were a charm. I didn’t keep it in plain sight, just rested it on the desk in front of me. When my turn came, I placed my hand on its head and counted to three silently. It helped me center my voice.

• Early morning Me reviewing notes and her leaving the Puffy on the table.
• Break I find it in my backpack and let out a little laugh alone in the hallway.
• Before my turn Hand on the Puffy, deep breaths, and then in.
• After I came out with the odd feeling that it wasn’t the exam that had changed, but me.

When I came out, she was waiting for me at the door with a knowing smile. I don’t think either of us said much; there was no need.

— Lucía, Madrid

What remained

I don’t remember every answer from the exam, but I do remember that the Puffy stayed in my room for a while afterward, placed on the shelf. It didn’t take my nerves away, but it let me go in with less rush and more like myself. Small details, great company.

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