Cover of The Changed Gate Number

Soraya waits at the airport for her flight. She checks the screen above the gates. Her gate number changes from twelve to twenty.

She looks around the gate area. A man sits asleep in a chair nearby. His ticket shows the old gate number, twelve.

Soraya walks over and taps his shoulder gently. "Excuse me, sir," she says.

Otto opens his eyes and looks up. "Your gate changed," Soraya says. "It's twenty now."

Otto looks at his ticket, then at the screen. "Oh no, thank you," he says, and stands up fast.

He grabs his bag and his cane. "I almost missed my flight," he says.

They walk together toward the new gate. Soraya carries his small bag for him.

"You saved me today," Otto says with a smile.

"I just have good eyes," Soraya says, and laughs.

They reach gate twenty. Boarding starts right away. Otto shakes her hand and gets in line.

"Safe travels," Soraya says, and waves goodbye.

🧠 Check your understanding

  1. What does Soraya notice about the gate?

    Show answer

    Answer: It changed from twelve to twenty

    Her gate number changes from twelve to twenty.

  2. Why does Soraya wake Otto?

    Show answer

    Answer: His ticket still shows the old gate number

    His ticket shows the old gate number, twelve, but the gate changed.

  3. How does Otto react to the news?

    Show answer

    Answer: He thanks Soraya and hurries to the gate

    Otto says, "Oh no, thank you," and stands up fast.

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