The Doorbell That Forgot to Update
A free A2-level English story for language learners, readable online in 7 languages, with an option to listen via the free Storyteller app.
Gustavo's smart doorbell keeps greeting his mail carrier by his cousin's old name until he updates the saved photo himself.
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Gustavo installs a smart doorbell on his front door. It can recognize faces and say names through his phone. He sets it up in a hurry before work.
Every afternoon, the doorbell says the same thing. "Sarah is at the door," it announces. But Gustavo's mail carrier is not Sarah. Her name is Uma.
At first, Gustavo laughs about the mistake. He remembers now: his cousin Sarah lived in this house before him. The doorbell still uses her old photo.
One evening, Uma knocks and waits outside. "Sorry about the doorbell," Gustavo says as he opens the door. "It still thinks you're my cousin."
"That's a new one," Uma says. "No one ever calls me Sarah," she says with a laugh.
Gustavo opens the doorbell app that night. He finds Sarah's old photo saved inside. He deletes it and adds a new photo of Uma instead.
The next afternoon, the doorbell rings again. "Uma is at the door," it announces this time. Gustavo smiles and opens the door.
