Reader 13
The Shift Change
Jasmine was scheduled to work at a small café until 4:00 p.m. Marco was supposed to arrive at 4:00 and take over the evening shift. At 3:55, Jasmine noticed that he had not arrived.
A moment later, Marco called her. “I’m running behind,” he said. “Can you cover for me for about twenty minutes?”
Jasmine looked at the line of customers waiting to order. “I can stay a little longer, but I need you to be straight with me. Will it really be twenty minutes?”
Marco was quiet for a moment. “It may be closer to forty,” he admitted. “Traffic is moving very slowly.”
Jasmine looked at her coworker Beth. “I don’t want to leave the team short-handed during the afternoon rush.”
“I can stay at the counter while you finish the drink orders,” Beth offered.
Jasmine thanked her, and they continued serving the customers together. Marco arrived thirty-five minutes later and immediately put on his apron.
“I’m sorry I was late,” he said. “Thank you both for coming through for me.”
“Next time, call as soon as you know you’ll be delayed,” Jasmine replied. “It’s easier to make a plan when we know what to expect.”
Marco agreed and took over the counter so Jasmine could leave.
VOCABULARY
Write the words or expressions from the story that are new to you or that you want to review,
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Share your thoughts. Use details from the story to support your answers.
How does Marco’s revised estimate change what Jasmine must consider? Explain why she needs an honest answer, even if he cannot give an exact arrival time.
What competing responsibilities does Jasmine face when her shift is about to end? How does Beth’s offer help her manage the situation?
Marco thanks his coworkers for helping him, while Jasmine asks him to communicate earlier next time. What does this exchange suggest about the connection between teamwork and individual responsibility?
LISTEN
Listen to the recording and respond in complete sentences.
What did the speaker say?
Do you agree or disagree with the speaker? Why?
