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B2-21 / CEFR B2 / EPISODE 21

Alone Day

Explaining a need for time alone and offering another plan

SceneSaturday morning. Frank has texted Tina to ask if they can cancel today's plans. She calls him.

The friends talking by phone from separate rooms on Saturday morning.
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STORY English with optional Japanese translations

Narrator

Saturday morning. Frank has texted Tina to ask if they can cancel today's plans. She calls him.

土曜の朝。フランクはティナに、今日の予定をキャンセルしてもいいか、メッセージで尋ねた。ティナは彼に電話をかける。

Tina01

"I need quiet"? Are you okay?

「静かに過ごしたい」って？ 大丈夫？

Frank02

I'm fine. I've had meetings all week. What I need today is time alone.

大丈夫だよ。今週はずっと会議続きだったんだ。今日は一人で過ごす時間がほしい。

Tina03

But I was looking forward to the farmers market and the movie.

でも、ファーマーズマーケットと映画、楽しみにしてたのに。

Frank04

I'm sorry to change our plans this morning. Could we have coffee tomorrow instead?

当日の朝に予定を変えて、ごめん。代わりに明日、コーヒーでもどうかな？

Tina05

Sure. You used to say yes even when you needed a break.

いいわよ。前は、休みたいときでも誘いに乗ってたものね。

Frank06

I'm learning to say "not today." And since our fight, I'd rather explain than leave you guessing.

「今日はやめておく」って、だんだん言えるようになってきた。あの喧嘩以来、黙って君を悩ませるより、理由を伝えたいと思ってる。

Tina07

Good. So what does a Frank quiet day look like?

いいことね。それで、フランクの「静かな日」って、どんな感じなの？

Frank08

Coffee. A long walk. The library until it closes.

コーヒー。長い散歩。それから、閉館まで図書館で過ごす。

Tina09

Enjoy it. I'll ask my gym buddy to the market and movie instead. Oh — I met a puppy outside the gym this morning. I'll send you the photo tomorrow.

ゆっくりしてね。マーケットと映画には、代わりにジム仲間を誘うわ。あ、そうだ——今朝ジムの外で子犬に会ったの。写真は明日送るね。

Frank10

...What kind of dog?

……どんな犬？

Tina11

Tomorrow, Frank. Today's your quiet day.

明日ね、フランク。今日は静かに過ごす日でしょ。

Frank12

Right. ...But what's its name?

そうだね。……でも、名前は？

Tina13

Tomorrow. You're very talkative for someone who wants quiet.

明日ね。静かに過ごしたい人にしては、よくしゃべるわね。

WORDS & CONTEXT

Words & context

“the farmers market”

An American farmers market is an outdoor market, often held on weekend mornings in a park, square, or parking lot. Local growers and small businesses set up tents to sell produce, bread, honey, flowers, and more. Tasting samples or strolling with coffee is part of the appeal, making it a familiar outing with friends or family. Tina is disappointed because the market and a movie were her enjoyable Saturday plan.

“I'd rather explain than leave you guessing”

Leave someone guessing means to withhold explanations so they must keep wondering, often anxiously. During their argument, Frank's two days of silence troubled Tina. Having learned from that, he now explains his reasons. Compare leave the committee guessing in B2-46 and keeping everyone guessing in B2-57.

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