To make the plot linear, the best change would be to move D to the beginning. This way, the sequence of events would logically flow as follows:
- D: While Marla is eating breakfast, her little sister finds Marla’s work shoes in the bedroom closet and walks away in them.
- A: After she finishes breakfast, Marla rummages through her bedroom closet looking for her work shoes.
- B: Marla can’t find her work shoes, so she pulls on a pair of slippers.
- C: Marla runs to the bus stop in her slippers and gets on the bus to work.
This chronological order would create a coherent progression of events.