The Detour Through the Orchard
A free A1-level English story for language learners, readable online in 7 languages, with an option to listen via the free Storyteller app.
A closed trail sends Hiro and Leila through a working apple orchard, where the farmer invites them to help with the harvest.
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Hiro and Leila hike the same trail every month. They know each rock and every turn well. Today, a sign blocks their usual path. It says, "Trail Closed. Please Use Detour."
The detour arrow points through a large orchard. Hiro and Leila look at each other, surprised. "I did not know an orchard was here," Leila says.
They walk between rows of apple trees. Red apples hang low on every branch. The air smells sweet and a little dusty.
A man walks toward them with a basket. "Hello there," he says. "I am Gareth." "This is my family's orchard," he explains.
"We are just using the trail detour," Hiro says. "You picked a good day," Gareth says, smiling. "Today, we pick apples for the market."
Gareth hands them each a small basket. "Would you like to help today?" he asks.
Leila and Hiro look at each other and grin. "We would love to help," Leila says.
They spend an hour picking ripe apples. Gareth shows them which apples to pick.
At the end, Gareth gives them a small bag. "Take some apples home with you," he says.
Hiro and Leila thank him and wave goodbye. They walk back to find the main trail. Two bags of apples swing at their sides. Leila bites into a red apple right away. "This is our new favorite trail," she says.
