The Lost Key and a Clever Solution

なくした鍵と賢い解決策

英語ストーリー

It was a dark and stormy night. I was rushing home from work, tired and stressed. As I fumbled with my keys at the front door, I realized with a sinking feeling – I couldn’t find my house key! I searched my pockets, my bag, even under the welcome mat. Nothing. Panic started to set in. I was locked out, and the rain was getting heavier. My phone battery was almost dead, and I didn't have a spare key. Then, a brilliant idea struck me. I remembered my neighbor, Mrs. Gable, always kept a spare key for me in her garden shed. She was a kind, elderly woman who often helped me with small favors. I cautiously approached her house, feeling a little foolish for forgetting my own key. I knocked on her door, and she greeted me with a warm smile. After explaining my predicament, she readily gave me the spare key. I was immensely relieved! Back inside my warm, dry house, I felt a wave of gratitude towards Mrs. Gable. It was a simple problem, but her kindness made all the difference. I learned a valuable lesson that night: always have a backup plan, and be thankful for the kindness of others.

日本語訳

重要単語・熟語

predicament

窮状、板挟み

"She found herself in a difficult predicament."

immensely

非常に、ものすごく

"I was immensely grateful for their help."

fumbled

もたもたする、不器用に扱う

"He fumbled with the lock, trying to open the door."

文法・構文解説

Past Perfect Tense (過去完了形)

過去の出来事の中で、さらに過去の出来事を表現する際に使われます。had + 過去分詞の形で表されます。

"I had already eaten dinner when he arrived."

Passive Voice (受動態)

動作を受ける側を主語にする文。be動詞 + 過去分詞の形で表されます。

"The door was locked."