Reader 25
The Package by the Door
Nina was leaving her apartment when she noticed a package outside the door. At first, she thought it belonged to her brother, Malik. Then she looked at the label.
“This isn’t ours,” she said. “The address says Apartment 3D, but we’re in 3B.”
Her neighbor Carla was walking down the hall. She stopped and looked at the box. “Maybe the delivery driver dropped it off at the wrong door.”
Malik opened the apartment door and joined them. “Should we take it to 3D?”
“Yes,” Nina replied. “I don’t want anyone to think we held on to it. The person may be looking for it.”
Nina carefully picked up the package while Malik knocked on the door of Apartment 3D. A man named Eric answered.
“This package turned up by our door,” Nina explained, “but the label says it belongs to you.”
Eric checked the name and address. “Yes, it’s mine. Thank you! I received a delivery notice, but I couldn’t find the package. I was about to call the delivery company.”
“It was left two doors down,” Malik said. “We just wanted to clear up the mix-up and make sure you received it.”
Eric thanked them again, and Nina handed him the package. Nina and Malik then returned to their apartment.
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 checking the label change Nina’s understanding of the situation? Explain what this reveals about the importance of checking an initial assumption.
Nina gives two reasons for wanting to return the package promptly. What do these reasons suggest about her concern for both her neighbor and how her own actions might be understood?
How does Eric’s explanation reveal the effect of the delivery mistake? Explain how Nina and Malik’s actions resolve more than simply having a package outside the wrong door.
LISTEN
Listen to the recording and respond in complete sentences.
What did the speaker say?
Do you agree or disagree with the speaker? Why?
