She ...

She sat in the waiting room. It was filled with patients, queuing at the various reception counters or seated on the cold hard metal chairs.  Each person came in, dutifully went to their respective specialist’s counter and handed in their appointment cards.  Acknowledging that many people had travelled long distances to access this subsidised service, she was prepared for a long wait.  Armed with a puzzle book and pencil she settled in and awaited her turn.

So she sat, and she waited.  She watched people come and go.  Her appointed time came and went, and still she waited.  She could afford to be a patient patient because she was certain that her turn would come.  To pass the time, she toyed with her puzzles, alternating with people-watching.  How much longer would she have to wait?  When would her number come up?  Tick-tock, tick-tock ... and so the time passed.

But sure enough - just as she was sure it would - her number came up and finally it was her turn.

"The two most powerful warriors are patience and time."  

-  Leo Tolstoy

Teaching Notes:

This story is written in the third person singular, using the past tense. Can you rewrite it using the present tense?  Here is an example to get you started;

    She sits in the waiting room.  It is ...

• How do you think the story ends?
• What kind of waiting room would you like to sit in?