The Shortcut to the Airport
A free A1-level English story for language learners, readable online in English, with an option to listen via the free Storyteller app.
When traffic blocks the road to the airport, a taxi driver finds a quiet side route so Lena can catch her flight.
Lena jumps into a taxi outside her hotel. "The airport, please. My flight leaves soon," she says. The driver, Ibrahim, looks at the clock and nods. He pulls out into the busy street. Cars sit still in a long line ahead. "An accident up there," Ibrahim says, and points. Lena checks her watch. She feels worried. "Is there another way?" she asks. Ibrahim turns the wheel and takes a side street. He drives past a market and a small park. The streets here are quiet and empty. "This way has no traffic," he says. Lena watches the buildings pass by the window. Ibrahim turns again onto a road near the river. The airport signs appear ahead of them. He pulls up outside the departures door. "Thank you very much," Lena says, and pays him. She grabs her bag and runs toward the doors. Ibrahim waves and drives off to find another passenger. Lena arrives at the gate right on time. She shows her ticket and steps onto the plane.
