The Phone That Died on the Trail
A free A2-level English story for language learners, readable online in English, with an option to listen via the free Storyteller app.
Tavian's phone dies halfway up a hiking trail, so the pair rely on the paper map Perrin brought along.
Tavian and Perrin hike up to a popular viewpoint every summer. Today, they use Tavian's phone for directions. About halfway up, Tavian checks his phone. The screen stays black, and nothing happens.
"My phone is dead," Tavian says. "I forgot to charge it last night." Perrin stops walking and looks at him.
"Don't worry," Perrin says. "I brought the paper map, just in case." She pulls a folded map from her backpack.
"You actually brought that old thing?" Tavian asks, surprised. "I always bring it," Perrin says. "Phones die sometimes."
They open the map together and find their location. Perrin traces the trail with her finger. "We're close," she says. "The viewpoint is just past this bend."
They fold the map and continue walking. Ten minutes later, they reach the viewpoint. The valley spreads out below them, green and quiet.
Tavian looks at Perrin and smiles. "Thanks for bringing that old map," he says. They sit down together and rest.
