C1 English Reading – Short Story & Grammar Quiz
Sarah was used to spending countless quiet mornings in her café. She would often enjoy her first coffee by the window, watching the city slowly awaken. Today, however, would become unforgettable for all the wrong reasons.
While she was watching the usual flow of rush-hour traffic, a screech of tires pierced the calm. She looked up just as two cars collided at the intersection. It wasn’t a brutal collision, but the sound alone made her stomach lurch. Her heart started to beat faster; it always did in moments of sudden chaos.
Sarah scarcely hesitated. She grabbed her phone and rushed outside. Other people were likely to be calling for help, she figured, but she wanted to be sure. The drivers seemed dazed but unhurt. Debris from the vehicles lay scattered across the asphalt. One car’s front fender looked completely crumpled, its metallic textures glinting under the morning sun. Rubbish was also spread all over the street since the cars had flipped over the dumpster on the side.
She stayed calm, guiding onlookers away from the immediate scene. She would usually feel helpless in such situations, but today, a quiet determination took over. Within minutes, the police were there, their sirens wailing. They quickly assessed the situation, taking statements. Sarah gave her account clearly, her voice steady. Her English was good enough since she’d been living in London for many years. The initial shock slowly faded, replaced by a sense of quiet relief. The aftermath of a collision was hardly ever easy, but seeing everyone safe was a small blessing.