The Long Way Around
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 coast road sends Ursula and Wendell on a scenic detour through small towns on their way to a beach vacation.
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Ursula and Wendell drove down the coast road on vacation. Heavy rain fell all night before their trip.
A police officer stood at a barrier ahead. "The road is closed past this point," he said. "Water covers the road near the bridge," he explained.
"Is there another road?" Ursula asked.
"Yes, but it takes an extra hour," the officer said.
Wendell looked at the map on his phone. "Let's try it. We are in no rush," he said.
They turned the car around and followed the officer's directions. The new road went through small quiet towns.
They passed farms, fields, and a row of old barns. Wendell rolled down his window and smelled the wet grass.
Ursula pointed out a rainbow over the hills. "Look at that," she said, and slowed the car.
They stopped for a few minutes to take a picture. The detour road joined the highway near the coast again.
They reached the beach house just after sunset. They laughed about the long detour over dinner.
