The Stuck Coin Slot
A free A1-level English story for language learners, readable online in English, with an option to listen via the free Storyteller app.
A jammed coin slot at the laundromat nearly ruins Karina's laundry day, until the attendant steps in.
Karina carried a big bag of laundry. She walked into the laundromat on Elm Street. Six machines stood in a row.
She put her clothes into a large machine. She pushed in three coins. The machine did not start.
She pushed the coins in again. The tray stayed stuck halfway. Karina sighed and looked around the room.
"Excuse me," she said to a man behind the counter. "This machine ate my coins."
The man's shirt had a name tag. It said Kofi. He walked over with a small tool.
"This slot gets stuck sometimes," Kofi said. He tapped the tray gently with the tool.
The tray popped open right away. Three coins fell into his hand. He gave them back to Karina.
"Try the machine next to it," Kofi said. "That one always works well."
Karina moved her clothes to the next machine. She put the coins in slowly. The machine hummed and started.
"Thank you," Karina said with a smile. She sat down with her book. Kofi went back to his counter.
Twenty minutes later, her clothes were clean. She folded them into her bag. She waved to Kofi on her way out.
"See you next week," she called back. She pushed the door open with her elbow. The street outside felt warm and bright.
