B2-56 / CEFR B2 / EPISODE 56

Reply to the Doctor

Finding a concrete action while waiting for a reply

SceneIt's morning at the café. Frank is waiting for a reply from the doctor who created him, a father figure in his life. Tina helped him draft the letter.

The friends talking over morning drinks in a cafe. — Select the illustration to view it at full size in a new tab.

Narrator

It's morning at the café. Frank is waiting for a reply from the doctor who created him, a father figure in his life. Tina helped him draft the letter.

午前中のカフェ。フランクは、自分を作った博士からの返事を待っている。博士は彼にとって父親のような存在だ。送った手紙の文面は、ティナと一緒に考えた。

Frank01

It's been a week since I sent the letter. Still no reply.

手紙を送って、もう1週間だ。まだ返事が来ないな。

Tina02

You're still worried he'll take the part about visiting as a refusal?

訪問について書いたところを、断りだと受け取られないか、まだ気になってるのね？

Frank03

Yes. I wrote that I want to see him, but can't promise a date. What if he only remembers the second part?

うん。会いたいけど、日程はまだ約束できないって書いたよね。後半だけが印象に残っていたらと思うと。

Tina04

You also explained that you're nervous. You didn't just say you couldn't come.

緊張してるっていう理由も書いたでしょう。ただ会いに行けないとだけ伝えたわけじゃないわ。

Frank05

I know. Writing it felt like a relief. Waiting to hear what he thinks is harder.

分かってる。書けたときは、ほっとしたんだ。でも、博士がどう思ったか分かるまで待つほうがつらいよ。

Tina06

You told him you want to see him. Give him time to reply.

会いたい気持ちは、ちゃんと伝えたもの。返事が届くまで、少し待ってみましょう。

Frank07

I know. But I've checked my mailbox five times today.

分かってる。でも、今日もう5回も郵便受けを見に行ってる。

Tina08

Five? Has the mail even arrived yet?

5回？そもそも、今日の郵便はもう配達されたの？

Frank09

No. It usually comes after lunch.

いや。いつも昼食の後に来るんだ。

Tina10

Then let me put it this way: checking again won't make his letter arrive sooner.

じゃあ、こう考えてみて。今また見に行っても、返事が早く届くわけじゃないでしょう。

Frank11

So what should I do while I wait?

じゃあ、待ってる間は何をしたらいいかな？

Tina12

Wait until after lunch to check. Meanwhile, start a list of things you'd like to tell him in person. Just one thing today.

郵便受けを見るのはお昼の後にして、その間に、会ったら話したいことを書き出してみたら？今日は一つだけでいいから。

Frank13

Item one: I check my mailbox too often.

一つ目。郵便受けを見に行きすぎること。

Browse all 60 B2 episodes

STORY English with optional Japanese translations