< Reading Passage (Level: CEFL B2 ) - A Journey of Firsts #1 ->

<Character>

Alex   

• Age: 21
• Ethnicity: Japanese
• Occupation: College student (Business Administration major)
• Personality: Adventurous, Ambitious, Shy, Determined, Friendly, Enthusiastic, Curious
• About Alex: Alex is a shy yet deeply curious young man with a quiet determination. Despite his reserved nature, he possesses an insatiable thirst for knowledge and adventure, constantly seeking out new experiences and exploring the world around him.
  Reserved and introspective, Alex prefers solitary activities like reading and exploring nature. He’s fascinated by different cultures and dreams of travelling to far-off lands to broaden his horizons.
  Despite his shyness, Alex is empathetic and a good listener. In his spare time, he enjoys creative pursuits like photography and playing musical instruments.

<Story>

Chapter 1: Heading to the airport

[Alex, a young Asian college student, rushes out of his house, backpack bouncing on his shoulders. He checks his watch and quickens his pace, determined to make it to the airport on time.]

Alex: Alright, Alex, don’t panic. This is it. Your first time traveling abroad, and you’re off to LA, Las Vegas and Arizona. Let’s make this trip unforgettable!

The brisk spring air rushes past Alex as he navigates the familiar streets of his neighborhood. Every step carries a mix of excitement and nerves, a palpable energy propelling him forward. His mind buzzes with anticipation, his thoughts racing ahead to the adventures awaiting him in the bustling cities of the American West. But amidst the thrill, a nagging worry lurks in the recesses of his mind – the fear of missing his flight.

He glances down at his watch for what feels like the hundredth time, the numbers ticking away with relentless speed. Time is slipping through his fingers like grains of sand, and Alex can’t afford to let it slip away. He adjusts the straps of his backpack, feeling the weight of his belongings pressing against his shoulders. His passport, his ticket – they’re all safely tucked away inside, a lifeline to his dreams of exploration.

As he rounds the corner onto the main road, the sight of the distant airport terminals spurs him on. The clock is ticking, and Alex knows he must keep moving. His heart pounds in his chest, a steady rhythm matching the beat of his hurried footsteps. Each passing moment is a countdown to his departure, a countdown to the unknown adventures awaiting him beyond the horizon.

Finally, with the airport looming ever closer, Alex pushes himself to go faster. He can almost taste the freedom that lies just beyond the terminal doors, the promise of new beginnings and endless possibilities. Nothing will stand in his way – not traffic, not delays, not even his own doubts.

With a final burst of determination, Alex charges forward, his eyes fixed on the destination that beckons him onward. This is his moment, his chance to spread his wings and soar. And as he races towards the airport, he knows that no matter what challenges lie ahead, he’s ready to face them head-on. Vegas, LA, Arizona – here he comes, ready to embrace the adventure of a lifetime.

Chapter 2: Check-in Counter

[Alex approaches the check-in counter, a nervous knot forming in his stomach. He presents his passport and boarding pass to the ground staff member, who greets him with a warm smile.]

Ground Staff: Good afternoon, sir. How can I assist you today?

Alex: Hi there. I just received my boarding pass, and it seems there might be a mistake with my seat assignment.

Ground Staff: Let me take a look for you. types on the computer Ah, I see. You’ve been assigned a window seat.

Alex: Yes, I actually requested an aisle seat because I have a bit of claustrophobia. Is there any chance I could switch?

Ground Staff: I completely understand, sir. Let me check if there are any available aisle seats for you.

[Alex anxiously waits as the ground staff member furrows her brow, scrolling through the seating chart.]

Ground Staff: I’m sorry, but it looks like all the aisle seats are already taken. However, I can add you to the waiting list in case there are any last-minute changes.

Alex: Oh, I see. That’s okay. Thank you for checking.

[Alex tries to hide his disappointment, but the thought of being stuck in a window seat for the duration of the flight makes his chest tighten.]

Ground Staff: Of course, sir. I’ll make a note of your preference, and if anything opens up, we’ll be sure to accommodate you. In the meantime, please enjoy your flight, and don’t hesitate to let us know if there’s anything else we can do for you.

[Alex manages a small smile, grateful for the ground staff member’s understanding.]

Alex: Thank you, I appreciate your help.

[Alex takes his boarding pass and heads towards security, trying to remain hopeful that his seat situation will improve before takeoff.]

Chapter 3: A Chance Encounter

[Alex has just passed through security and finds himself in the bustling restricted area of the airport. With an hour and a half until boarding, he decides to explore the area. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee catches his attention, and he heads towards a nearby coffee shop.]

Alex: I’ve got plenty of time. A frappuccino sounds perfect right now.

[Alex enters the coffee shop, orders a frappuccino, and finds a quiet corner to sit and enjoy his drink. He takes in the surroundings: travelers hurrying by, families chatting excitedly about their upcoming vacations, and businesspeople typing away on their laptops.]

Alex: This place is like a microcosm of the world. So many stories converging in one spot.

[After a brief rest, Alex decides to stretch his legs and roam around the terminal again. The vibrant displays in the duty-free shops catch his eye, with luxury perfumes and high-end electronics lining the shelves.]

Alex: Maybe I should get something for my parents. They’d love those chocolates.

[He stops to browse a bit, picking up a box of Swiss chocolates and a small bottle of perfume. The cheerful sales assistant wraps his purchases with a smile.]

Sales Assistant: Safe travels, sir!

Alex: Thank you!

[He continues his exploration, passing by a bookstore. The sight of a best-seller he’d been meaning to read stops him in his tracks.]

Alex: A good book could make the flight more enjoyable.

[He steps inside, skims through the book, and decides to buy it. With his new book in hand, he heads back into the terminal. The bustling atmosphere is almost overwhelming, with announcements echoing through the air and people rushing to their gates.]

Alex: Airports are fascinating. They’re like a crossroads where everyone’s on their own journey, but for a moment, we’re all here together.

[As he walks, he notices a beautiful girl standing near a gate, looking distressed. She seems to be trying to communicate with a passerby, but it’s clear there’s a language barrier.]

Alex: She looks like she’s in trouble. Maybe I can help.

[He approaches her with a friendly smile.]

Alex: Hi there, you look like you could use some help. Is everything alright?

[The girl, visibly relieved, turns to Alex. Her eyes are wide with anxiety.]

Girl: Oh, thank you! Yes, I’m really confused. My boarding pass says one gate, but someone told me it’s been changed. The new gate isn’t showing on the screens, and I can’t find anyone who speaks English to help me.

Alex: I see. That sounds frustrating. Let me check the airport map to find the information center for you.

[Alex pulls out his phone and quickly locates the information center on the airport map.]

Alex: Alright, I found it. It’s not far from here. I’ll take you there.

Girl: Thank you so much! I was starting to panic.

[Alex and the girl walk together to the information center. As they navigate the crowded terminal, the girl glances nervously at her watch.]

Girl: My flight leaves in less than an hour. I’m so worried I’ll miss it.

Alex: Hang in there, we’ll get this sorted out.

[They arrive at the information center, and Alex helps her explain the situation to the staff. The staff confirms the gate change and provides the correct information.]

Information Staff: Your new gate is Gate 32. It’s a bit of a walk from here, so you might want to head over there soon.

[Relief floods the girl’s face, but there’s still urgency in her eyes.]

Girl: Thank you so much!

[She turns to Alex, gratitude and urgency in her gaze.]

Girl: I can’t thank you enough for your help. I would’ve been lost without you.

Alex: I’m glad I could help. By the way, I’m Alex.

Girl: Nice to meet you, Alex. I’m Mia.

Alex: Nice to meet you too, Mia. Safe travels!

Mia: Thanks again, Alex!

[[Mia rushes off towards her new gate, weaving through the crowd with determined speed. Alex watches her for a moment, feeling an unexpected pang of longing. There was something about their brief interaction that felt significant.]

 

Chapter 4: Boarding

[Alex is boarding the plane, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves as he steps into the aircraft. He clutches his boarding pass, eagerly scanning the rows for his seat. The flight is full, with passengers already settled in, stowing their carry-ons, and getting comfortable for the long journey ahead.]

Alex: Alright, 25B should be right around here. My aisle seat.

[As he approaches Row 25, Alex notices an American guy sitting in what he believes is his seat. The man is comfortably settled by the window, earbuds in, oblivious to the world around him. Alex double-checks his boarding pass, then looks back at the man.]

Alex: Hmm, I think there might be a little mix-up with the seats.

[Gathering his courage, Alex takes a deep breath and taps the man on the shoulder.]

Alex: Excuse me, sir. I’m sorry to bother you, but I think there might be a mix-up with our seats. My boarding pass says 25B, which should be the aisle seat, but you’re sitting there.

[The American guy, a friendly-looking man in his early thirties, pulls out his earbuds and looks at Alex, then down at his own boarding pass.]

American Guy: Oh, really? Let me check. [He pulls out his boarding pass and looks at it, his eyes widening in realization.] Oh man, I’m so sorry. Looks like I’m actually in 24A. I must’ve mixed up the seats. My bad.

[Alex smiles, trying to put the man at ease.]

Alex: No worries at all. These things happen. If you prefer the window seat, you can keep it. I actually prefer the aisle seat myself.

[The American guy looks relieved and grateful.]

American Guy: Seriously? That’s really kind of you. Thanks a lot, man. I appreciate it.

[They both smile, and the American guy gathers his things to move over to 24A. Alex sits down in 25B, the aisle seat, feeling a wave of relief wash over him.]

Alex: Finally, everything worked out. Now I can relax and enjoy the flight.

[As he settles into his seat, the flight attendant approaches.]

Flight Attendant: Excuse me, sir. Is everything alright here?

Alex: Yes, we just swapped seats. He had the window seat but accidentally sat in my aisle seat. We’re all set now.

Flight Attendant: Great. Thank you for letting me know. Enjoy your flight.

[With everything sorted, Alex leans back in his seat, taking a moment to breathe and let the excitement of his first international trip sink in. The plane begins to taxi to the runway, and he looks around at the other passengers, each absorbed in their own pre-flight rituals.]

Alex: This is really happening. I’m finally heading to Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Arizona. This is going to be amazing.

[As the plane lifts off, Alex gazes out the window, catching a glimpse of the airport receding into the distance. The thrill of the journey ahead fills him with anticipation, and he can’t help but smile at the adventure that’s just beginning.]