The Yard Sale Announcement
A free A1-level English story for language learners, readable online in English, with an option to listen via the free Storyteller app.
A neighborhood yard sale is interrupted by a surprise marriage proposal between two regular sellers.
Every Saturday, the street held a small yard sale. Neighbors set up tables full of old things. Basil always helped his neighbors carry boxes outside.
This Saturday looked just like the others. Zofia sold old books at her usual table. Alkis sold tools from his garage nearby.
Around ten o'clock, Alkis walked over to Zofia's table. He held something small behind his back. The whole street slowly stopped to watch.
"Zofia, I have a question," Alkis said loudly. He got down on one knee in the driveway. Neighbors gathered near them. They forgot their tables completely.
"Marry me?" Alkis asked, holding out a small ring. Zofia covered her mouth with both hands. She nodded fast, unable to speak at first.
The whole street cheered together. Basil clapped loudly. His hands turned pink.
For the next hour, nobody sold a single thing. Everyone crowded around Zofia and Alkis instead. People took turns looking at the ring.
Basil raised his cup of juice high. "To Zofia and Alkis," he said. "What a yard sale."
Zofia laughed and hugged every neighbor on the street. Alkis packed up his tools early that day. Nobody minded closing the sale a little early.
The next Saturday, the sale returned to normal. Zofia sold her books again. Now she wore a ring on her hand. Alkis helped Basil carry boxes this time.
