Click any sentence to jump to that moment
Tap an underlined word to see what it means.
Sakura worked at a night market. She sold fresh fruit juice at a small . Every week, there was a big meeting for all the owners. The meeting was always very long. It started at ten o'clock at night. Sakura was always tired by that time. She stood all day and made juice for many customers. Her legs were and her eyes were heavy. Tonight, the meeting was about new rules for the market. The market manager, Mr. Leon, talked very slowly. Sakura sat on a plastic chair and tried to listen. The warm air made her feel . She closed her eyes for a moment. Then she opened them quickly. She did not want anyone to see her sleeping.
She sat up straight and looked at Mr. Leon. Mr. Leon talked about prices and rubbish collection. He showed a long list on a big piece of paper. Sakura quietly behind her hand. The woman next to her , "Are you okay?" Sakura nodded and said, "Yes, I am just a little tired." She her arm to stay awake. She looked around the room. Other people looked too. A man in the corner had his eyes closed. Sakura smiled a little. She was not the only tired person here. She drank some water from her bottle. The cold water helped a little. Mr. Leon was still talking.
He moved to a new topic about parking spaces. Sakura took a deep breath and tried to . After a long time, Mr. Leon finally said, "Does anyone have questions?" Nobody raised a hand. Everyone wanted to go home. "Good, then the meeting is finished," he said. Sakura stood up quickly. Her friend Tomas walked over to her. "That was so long," he said. Sakura laughed and said, "I almost fell asleep three times." Tomas said, "Me too. I need some coffee." They walked together to a coffee that was still open. Sakura ordered a small cup of coffee. She felt happy the meeting was over. She drank her coffee and enjoyed the cool night air. "Same time next week," Tomas said with a tired smile. Sakura and said, "Please, do not remind me." They both laughed and said goodnight.
a small shop or table in a market where things are sold
"She bought some vegetables from a stall at the market."
to open your mouth wide because you are tired or bored
"He started to yawn during the long film."
feeling tired and wanting to sleep
"The baby looks very sleepy tonight."
to speak very quietly so others cannot hear easily
"She whispered the answer so the teacher would not hear."
to press your skin tightly between your finger and thumb
"He pinched his leg to stop himself from falling asleep."
to give all your attention to something
"It is hard to focus when you are very tired."
to make a low sound because you are unhappy or in pain
"She groaned when she heard about more homework."
painful, especially from too much use or effort
"My feet are sore after walking all day."
stay awake
to not fall asleep
"I drank coffee to stay awake during the film."
sat up straight
moved your body to sit in a tall, correct position
"She sat up straight when the teacher looked at her."
fell asleep
started sleeping, often without planning to
"He fell asleep on the sofa while watching television."
took a deep breath
breathed in slowly and deeply to feel calm or alert
"She took a deep breath before she started her speech."
raised a hand
put a hand up to ask a question or get attention
"Nobody raised a hand when the teacher asked a question."
a little tired
slightly tired, not extremely tired
"I am a little tired but I can still go for a walk."
moved to a new topic
changed to talk about something different
"The teacher moved to a new topic after the break."
do not remind me
please do not talk about it because I do not want to think about it
""We have a test tomorrow." "Do not remind me!""
Finished the A2 version? Challenge yourself with the B1 intermediate story.
One short story every morning at your level, with audio, key words and a quiz. Free. Unsubscribe any time.