Maria had not seen her sister for two years. They lived in different cities and both had busy lives. One Friday afternoon, Maria made a decision. She would surprise her sister with an unannounced visit. Maria packed a small bag and drove for three hours. She felt nervous and excited at the same time. 'What if she is not home?' Maria thought. But she continued driving anyway. The sun was setting when she arrived in the city. Maria parked her car outside a familiar apartment building. Her heart was beating fast as she climbed the stairs. She stood in front of the door and took a deep breath. Maria knocked three times and waited. She heard footsteps inside the apartment. The door opened slowly. 'Maria!' her sister Elena screamed with joy. They hugged each other tightly for a long time. Elena pulled Maria inside the warm apartment. 'I cannot believe you are here!' Elena said. Maria smiled and wiped a tear from her eye. 'I missed you so much,' Maria whispered. Elena made tea and they sat on the couch together. They talked about everything that had happened. Maria learned that Elena had started a new job. Elena heard about Maria's plans to move to a bigger apartment. The hours passed quickly as they shared stories. 'Remember when we were children?' Elena asked. Maria laughed and nodded her head. 'We used to play in grandmother's garden,' Maria said. 'Those were the best summers,' Elena replied. They looked at old photographs from their childhood. Some pictures made them laugh, others made them cry. The clock showed midnight, but neither wanted to sleep. 'You should have called me,' Elena said softly. 'Then it would not have been a surprise,' Maria answered. Elena prepared the guest room for her sister. The next morning, they had breakfast together. Elena cooked pancakes, just like their mother used to make. They decided to spend the weekend exploring the city. They visited a museum and had lunch at a small café. Maria bought a gift for Elena's birthday next month. On Sunday evening, it was time to say goodbye. 'Promise me you will visit more often,' Elena said. 'I promise,' Maria replied, hugging her sister once more. The drive home felt shorter because Maria's heart was full.
English Story (A2)The Surprise Visit
This A2 English story is designed for elementarys learning English. It includes simple vocabulary and short sentences to help you improve your reading and listening skills. Click any word to see translations and hear pronunciation.
About this story
Maria decides to surprise her sister Elena with an unannounced visit after two years apart. They spend a heartwarming weekend together, sharing stories, looking at old photographs, and reconnecting. The visit reminds them both of the importance of family and making time for the people we love.
Translations in English
Linked wordUnderlined wordOther words
Comprehension Questions
4 questions
1
How long had Maria not seen her sister Elena?
2
How long did Maria drive to reach her sister's city?
3
What did Maria and Elena do when they stayed up until midnight?
4
What did Elena cook for Maria the morning after she arrived?
Vocabulary
30 words from this story
