The Campfire That Took Three Tries
A free A2-level English story for language learners, readable online in 7 languages, with an option to listen via the free Storyteller app.
Nikolai and Harlow's damp firewood won't catch until Harlow finds dry tinder under a rock ledge near their campsite.
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Nikolai and Harlow set up camp near the lake before sunset. They gathered wood from the ground around their tent. The wood felt damp from the morning rain. Still, they wanted a fire for dinner.
Nikolai struck a match and held it to the wood. The wood smoked a little but did not catch. He tried a second match, and then a third. Nothing worked.
"This wood is too wet," Harlow said. "We need dry wood instead." They looked around the campsite for other options.
Harlow noticed a rock ledge near the trail. Under the ledge, the ground stayed completely dry. She found small twigs and dry leaves tucked underneath.
"Try this," Harlow said, and handed Nikolai the dry tinder. He placed it under the damp wood and struck another match. This time, a small flame caught and grew.
Nikolai added the dry twigs one by one. Soon, the fire burned steadily. The damp wood dried out on top.
Harlow smiled and pulled out the pot for dinner.
