The Fallen Tree Detour
A free A2-level English story for language learners, readable online in 7 languages, with an option to listen via the free Storyteller app.
A fallen tree blocks Marta and Rafael's usual road to the coast, sending them down a new route with an unexpected stop.
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Marta and Rafael drove the same road to the coast every summer. They knew every turn by heart.
This year, they left early and packed snacks for the drive. The radio played soft music.
Twenty minutes from the coast, traffic stopped completely. A large tree fell across the road.
A police officer stood near the tree and waved cars around. "The road is closed," he said. "Please take the next exit."
Marta looked at the map on her phone. "There's another road," she said, "but we never used it before."
Rafael turned onto the narrow road. It curved through fields and past old farmhouses.
After a few minutes, they saw a small stand by the road. A sign said "Fresh Peaches."
"Let's stop," Marta said. "We have time now anyway."
They bought a bag of peaches from a friendly farmer. He told them about his family's farm.
The detour added twenty minutes to their trip. But they arrived at the coast with peaches and a good story.
Rafael parked the car and looked at Marta. "We will take this road every year," he said.
