Sequencing Events in a Story

The Lost Pendant

Maya rushed through the school gates, her heart pounding. She had just realised her grandmother's silver pendant was missing from around her neck. It had been a gift on her twelfth birthday, and she wore it every single day.

Retracing her steps, Maya remembered taking it off during PE when Coach Williams had reminded everyone to remove jewellery. She had carefully placed it in her bag's front pocket—or so she thought. After PE, she had gone straight to the library to return an overdue book, then to the canteen for lunch with her friends.

Maya sprinted to the gymnasium first, checking the benches where she had changed. Nothing. Her stomach churned with worry. Next, she hurried to the library, asking the librarian if anyone had handed in a silver pendant. The librarian shook her head sympathetically and checked the lost property box, but there was no sign of it.

Feeling desperate, Maya made her way to the canteen. She searched under the table where she and her friends had sat. Just as tears began to well up in her eyes, she heard a familiar voice. "Looking for this?" It was her friend James, holding up the glinting pendant. "It fell out of your bag when you grabbed your lunch money. I've been trying to find you all afternoon!"

Maya's relief flooded through her as she clasped the pendant tightly. She thanked James profusely and fastened it safely around her neck, vowing never to be so careless again.