Ana lives in a town by the sea. She works at the library. She enjoys her job because she meets people and reads many books.

One Tuesday, Ana finds a bicycle outside the library door. It looks old but clean. There is no lock on it. There is no note and no name. She waits all day, but no one comes to get it.

After work, Ana takes the bicycle to the police station. Officer Lee writes a report. “We will keep it here for thirty days,” he says. “If no one asks for it, it is yours.”

Ana feels hopeful. She always wanted a bicycle. She saves money for a helmet and a basket.

Ana visits Officer Lee each week. No one asks about the bicycle. On day thirty, Officer Lee calls Ana. “You can have the bicycle now,” he says. He gives her a paper.

Ana is happy. She buys a helmet and a basket. She rides the bicycle to the pier after work. The wind is strong, but she smiles. She feels free.

On Saturday, an old woman stops Ana near the pier. “That bicycle was mine,” she says. Ana feels nervous. “I took it to the police,” Ana says. “They said I could keep it.”

The old woman smiles. “I left it there because I cannot ride now,” she says. “I wanted a kind person to find it. You were honest. You waited. Please enjoy it.”

Ana thanks the woman. Her name is Ruth. They sit and talk about the town.

Now, Ana and Ruth meet every Saturday. Ruth rides a bicycle too. Ana rides the bicycle from the library. They talk and laugh. Ana has a bicycle, and she also has a new friend.

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Vocabulary Notes

On purpose
Meaning: You do something because you plan to do it, not by accident.
Example: “I left it there on purpose,” she says.
Similar words: intentionally, deliberately, planned
More examples:
He broke the cup on purpose.
I did not call you on purpose. I was busy.

Honest
Meaning: You tell the truth and do the right thing.
Example: “You were honest. You waited.”
Similar words: truthful, fair, trustworthy
More examples:
An honest person returns money they find.
Please be honest with me.

Nervous
Meaning: You feel worried or afraid about something.
Example: Ana feels nervous.
Similar words: worried, anxious, uneasy
More examples:
I feel nervous before I speak in public.
She was nervous about the test.

Report
Meaning: An official paper with information about something. It can also mean to tell someone in authority.
Example: Officer Lee writes a report.
Similar words: record, document, statement
More examples:
The police made a report about the bicycle.
You should report a problem to your teacher.

Enjoy
Meaning: You like doing something and it makes you happy.
Example: “Please enjoy it.”
Similar words: like, love, appreciate
More examples:
I enjoy riding my bicycle.
Did you enjoy the movie?

Story written by Meta.

Image created by Meta.

CC Music: Drifting at 432 Hz – Unicorn Heads.

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