Sota was assigned to the information desk at the school festival.

At first, he thought the job would be simple. He only had to hand out pamphlets and explain the schedule. Then his teacher added one more sentence.

"Some visitors from our sister school may come, so please be ready to help in English."

Sota looked at the pile of pamphlets on the desk. Suddenly, every page seemed heavier.

A bright voice came from beside him.

"You look like you are about to fight the pamphlets."

Sota turned and saw Lena Brooks, the exchange student from his class. She had light brown hair, a cheerful smile, and a ribbon that matched the festival decorations.

"I might lose," Sota said.

Lena laughed and picked up one pamphlet. "Let's practice. Ask me what kind of booth I am interested in."

Sota took a breath. "What kind of booth are you interested in?"

"Good," Lena said. "Now, if I say food, what would you recommend?"

Sota checked the map. "I would recommend the pancake booth. It is on the second floor, next to the music room."

"Perfect. Add one friendly detail."

Sota thought for a moment. "It is popular, so you may want to go early."

Lena gave him a thumbs-up. "That sounds natural."

After that, the first visitors arrived. Most were students and parents, but near noon, two guests from the sister school stopped in front of the desk. Sota's hands became cold.

One guest asked, "Where can we see the dance performance?"

Sota almost looked at Lena for help, but she only smiled, as if to say, You can do it.

He opened the schedule. "The dance performance starts at one thirty in the gym. If you go straight down this hallway and turn left, you will see the entrance."

"Thank you," the guest said. "Is there anything you recommend before that?"

This time, Sota did not freeze.

"If you have time, I recommend the calligraphy booth," he said. "You can try writing your name in Japanese."

The guests smiled and followed his directions.

When they left, Sota finally breathed out.

Lena leaned closer. "See? You were helpful."

"My grammar was not perfect," he said.

"Maybe not," Lena replied. "But your information was clear, and your face was kind. That matters more at an information desk."

Sota looked at the colorful pamphlets spread across the table.

They no longer seemed heavy.

They looked like small doors he could help people open.