Level: A1-B1 | Genre: Everday Life / Modern Fiction
Introduction
Moving to a new city can be exciting – and a little scary. This is the first part of Emma’s story. She has just moved to London to start a new job, and this is her very first morning in her new home.
Story
The soft light of morning slipped through the thin white curtains. Emma opened her eyes slowly, unsure for a moment where she was. Then she remembered – London. Her new home.
The small apartment was quiet, except for the sound of a bus passing outside. Boxes stood near the door, still half-open. She sat up, brushed her messy hair back, and smiled nervously.
“New city, new job, new everything,” she whispered.
The floor felt cold under her feet as she walked to the kitchen. The air smelled like fresh paint and coffee. She found the small jar she had unpacked the night before, poured water into the kettle, and waited.
Outside the window, the street was already busy – people walking fast, buses passing, a man calling to his dog. It felt strange and thrilling at the same time.
She took a sip of her coffee and checked her phone.
8:03 a.m.
“Oh no,” she muttered. “I’m going to be late on my first day.”
Emma rushed to the bathroom, brushed her teeth, and pulled on a simple dress. Her hair wasn’t perfect, but there was no time to fix it. She grabbed her bag and opened the door — almost bumping into someone in the hallway.
“Oh! I’m so sorry!” she said quickly.
The young woman in front of her laughed. “No worries! You must be new here.”
“Yes,” Emma said, catching her breath. “I just moved in yesterday. I’m Emma.”
“Nice to meet you, Emma. I’m Lucy,” the woman replied warmly. “If you’re going to work, the bus stop is right around the corner. Number 12 goes straight to the city centre.”
“Perfect,” Emma said with a grateful smile. “Thank you so much.”
“No problem. Good luck on your first day!”
Emma stepped outside. The air was cool and the city was waking up. She took a deep breath, looked around, and smiled to herself. Her first day in London had just begun.