Lesson 2. More Useful Phrases

The car stopped in front of a small blue house with a wide porch and a garden full of flowers.

"Welcome to our house," Sarah said. "Your home for the next year."

They carried in Alejandro and Ana's luggage and put it in the living room.

"Follow me," Sarah said, "I'll show you to your rooms."

"I'll get dinner started," Eric said as he disappeared into the kitchen.

A cat sat on the stairs, watching them with the suspicious intensity of a security guard. “That’s Maple,” Sarah said. “She’s friendly… eventually.”

Maple blinked once, then trotted down the stairs and jumped onto the Sofa.

Sarah led them up the stairs, then she opened the first door along the hallway. “This one’s yours, Alejandro.”

Alejandro looked in the room. It contained a small bed, a desk, and a dresser.

Sarah opened up another door. “Here's the bathroom you two will share."

Finally, Sarah opened up a third door. “And here is your bedroom Ana. Get settled in. I’ll go help Eric with dinner.”

After unpacking a little, they joined Sarah and Eric in the kitchen. Eric handed them mugs of hot chocolate.

“Have a seat,” he said. “Dinner will be ready in a few minutes.”

After dinner, Eric said, “If you're up for it, we'll take a short walk to Kits Beach. Sunset is in half an hour. Perfect timing."

Just then, Maple walked by with a sock in her mouth.

“Hey!” Alejandro laughed. “I’ve been robbed!”

“That means she likes you,” Sarah said. “She only steals from people she trusts.”

They put on their jackets and stepped outside. The air was cool and smelled faintly of the ocean. As they walked, Sarah pointed out the neighbourhood landmarks: the tiny bakery on the corner, the community garden, the bus stop they’d use for school.

When they reached the beach, the sky was turning orange and pink. People jogged along the seawall, dogs chased sticks, and a group of teenagers played volleyball in the sand. The mountains across the water glowed in the fading light.

“This is beautiful,” Ana said softly.

Alejandro nodded. “I think I’m going to like it here.”

They walked slowly along the beach, listening to the waves and watching the sun sink behind Vancouver Island in the distance. They felt calm and hopeful. A new life was beginning, and it already felt full of possibility.