The Lost Lunch Box

1      Bella loved her new lunchbox. It was bright blue with shiny silver stars, and her grandmother had given it to her for the first day of school. She packed it carefully every morning with a sandwich, fruit, and a little note her mom tucked inside.

2      One day at recess, Bella set her lunchbox on the bench while she ran to play tag. When the bell rang, she hurried back—only to find the bench empty. Her lunchbox was gone!

3      Bella’s stomach growled, and her eyes filled with tears. She searched under the bench, behind the swings, even by the slide. Nothing.

4      Just then, her friend Diego ran over. “Is this what you’re looking for?” he asked, holding up the shiny blue lunchbox.

5     Relieved, Bella laughed. “Where did you find it?”

6      “It rolled under the monkey bars when the wind blew,” Diego explained.

7      Bella hugged her lunchbox tightly. “Thanks, Diego. You’re a real hero.”

8      At lunchtime, she shared her cookies with him as a thank-you. Bella learned that even when something important goes missing, friends can help you find it again.