The Footprints in the Snow
A free A2-level English story for language learners, readable online in 7 languages, with an option to listen via the free Storyteller app.
Kwame finds fresh footprints crossing his backyard every snowy morning and discovers a neighbor delivering newspapers on a shortcut.
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Every snowy morning, Kwame saw fresh footprints in his backyard. They crossed from one side of the yard to the other. He never saw anyone make them. The footprints always appeared before he woke up.
One snowy Saturday, Kwame decided to find out who made them. He woke up very early and looked out his window. It was still dark outside. He waited by the window and watched the yard.
After a while, a man walked across the yard. He carried a bag over his shoulder. Kwame recognized him as Amos, a neighbor from two houses down. Kwame opened his back door and stepped outside.
"Excuse me!" he called. "Can I ask you something?" Amos stopped and turned around, surprised.
"I'm sorry," Amos said. "I didn't mean to wake you." "It's okay," Kwame said. "I just want to know why you cross my yard every morning."
Amos smiled. "I deliver the newspapers on this street," he said. "My usual street is closed for repairs right now. Your yard is a quick way to reach the next block."
"That makes sense," Kwame said. "I thought it was a mystery." Amos laughed. "No, just an old man with a heavy bag," he said.
Kwame thought for a moment. "I can leave the side gate open for you," he said. "It will be a simple path for you."
"That's very kind of you," Amos said. "Thank you, Kwame."
The next morning, Kwame watched for Amos again. When he saw Amos cross the yard, he opened the door. He waved, and Amos waved back and continued down the street.
