The ATM That Kept the Card
A free A1-level English story for language learners, readable online in English, with an option to listen via the free Storyteller app.
A broken ATM swallows Bashir's card right before his trip, so he tracks down a working machine nearby.
Bashir needs cash before a weekend trip. He walks to the ATM near his apartment. He puts in his card.
He types his code and presses "Cash." The screen freezes for a long moment. Then it goes completely dark.
Bashir waits and presses buttons again. Nothing happens on the screen. His card does not come back out.
He calls the number printed on the machine. A recording tells him to wait. Bashir taps his foot and waits.
After some time, a person answers the phone. "My card is stuck in your machine," Bashir explains. "I need it for my trip."
"I can help with that," the woman says. "There is another branch two blocks away."
Bashir thanks her and walks down the street. He finds the second bank quickly. A different ATM stands by the door.
He tries his card in the new machine. It reads the card right away. Bashir breathes out and relaxes.
He gets his cash and puts it away. He calls the first bank about his card. They promise to mail a new one.
Bashir walks home with his cash. His trip is still on schedule. He checks his watch and smiles.
