Wrong Appointment Time
A free A2-level English story for language learners, readable online in English, with an option to listen via the free Storyteller app.
Marcus arrives at the clinic confused about his appointment time, until the nurse clears up the mix-up.
Marcus has a doctor's appointment this afternoon. He checks his phone and sees the time: three o'clock. He leaves his house early because he wants to be on time.
He arrives at the clinic at half past two. The waiting room is quiet, so he sits down and waits. A few minutes later, a nurse calls his name.
"Marcus Cole?" she asks. "The doctor is ready for you now."
Marcus looks confused. "I think my appointment is at three o'clock," he says.
The nurse checks the computer. "Let me look at that for you," she says. She reads the screen carefully. "Actually, your appointment was booked for two-thirty."
"Oh, I'm sorry," Marcus says. "I read the message wrong."
"That's okay," the nurse says with a smile. "It happens more than you think."
Marcus feels relieved that he is not late after all. He follows the nurse down the hallway to the doctor's office.
The doctor greets him and checks his blood pressure. She asks him a few questions about his health. Marcus answers each one clearly and honestly.
"Everything looks fine," the doctor says. "Come back in six months for another check."
"Thank you," Marcus says. He stands up and shakes her hand.
Before he leaves, he opens his phone and sets a clear reminder. He writes the correct time in large letters: two-thirty, not three.
"I won't make that mistake again," he says quietly.
He walks out the door.
