First grader Ava looked over to see her best friend, Jonas, running towards her on the swing set.

Ava!

 Jonas threw his bags on the ground and hopped on the swing next to her.

The two began chatting about their teacher, Ms. Margaret, and what was being served for lunch: pizza.

The two laughed.

Good thing I brought my lunch!

Jonas had an allergy to pizza. 

The school bell rang and the two gathered their belongings.

”What do you think we’ll do in Ms. Margaret’s class...”

A few minutes later as they were walking into class, Ms. Margaret greeted them:

Good morning Ava and Jonas! Why don’t you go ahead and put your things in your cubbies?

 Ava and Jonas did as they were asked and sat at their desks side-by-side. 

HEHEHEHE

The first few hours of the school day went by in a blur of giggles and smiles.

HAHAHAHA

It was time for the mid-morning break when Ms. Margaret addressed the class:

Okay, students, it’s snack time! If you haven’t already, go to your cubbies and get your snack.

I already have my snack so you can go without me.

Where is my lunchbox?

Jonas headed to the cubbies and to his lunchbox. He stared at his cubbie in confusion.

He checked and rechecked and triple checked his cubbie, but his lunchbox wasn’t there.

He turned to his nearest classmate and narrowed his eyes at him.

Did you steal my lunch box?

...no?

Yes. I haven’t been anywhere near your lunchbox. Where did you last have it?

Are you sure?

Jonas thought for a moment.

When I was outside with Ava I had it. Then I brought it in and put it in my cubbie.

Jonas thought for a moment.

Maybe Ava stole your lunch box.

Jonas gasped.

Jonas walked back to this desk angrily.

Ava, why did you steal my lunchbox?!

I didn’t steal your lunch box. Maybe you lost it. Or maybe someone else stole it.

I think you stole it. I was with you when it went missing!

Well I didn’t take it!

The two yelled at each other.

Children, that’s enough!

If Ava says she didn’t steal your lunch box, you should trust her.

But my lunch box is gone!

Then you should politely ask your classmates if they’ve seen it when we go to recess.

Later that morning at recess Jonas walked up to a classmate and asked.

Did you steal my lunchbox? 

No, Jonas.