A Friendly Face Across the Street

向かいの家の優しい顔

英語ストーリー

I recently moved into a new neighborhood and was initially hesitant to interact with my neighbors. I'm a bit of an introvert, preferring my own company. However, last week, I saw Mrs. Gable, the woman who lives across the street, tending her magnificent garden. She had a plethora of vibrant flowers, a sight that truly captivated me. Feeling a little bolder than usual, I decided to approach her. I complimented her garden, mentioning how much I admired her expertise in cultivating such beautiful blossoms. To my surprise, she was incredibly welcoming and invited me to take a few cuttings for my own small balcony garden. We chatted for a good half hour, discovering a shared love for classic literature. This seemingly small interaction has profoundly changed my perspective. Mrs. Gable's kindness and willingness to engage with a newcomer like myself have made me feel much more at home. I'm now looking forward to more interactions with my neighbors and building a sense of community in this new place. I even borrowed a ladder from Mr. Henderson next door to clean my gutters; that was another positive interaction. I realize that reaching out, even if it feels a little daunting initially, can lead to unexpected friendships and a stronger sense of belonging.

日本語訳

重要単語・熟語

cultivating

耕作する、育てる

"She's been cultivating her garden for years."

hesitant

ためらう、躊躇する

"I was hesitant to ask for help."

plethora

豊富、多量

"There was a plethora of choices available."

文法・構文解説

Present Perfect

現在完了形は、過去に始まった動作や状態が現在まで続いている、または過去に起きた出来事が現在に影響を与えていることを表します。

"I have lived here for a month."

Participial Phrase

分詞構文は、副詞節を簡潔に表現するもので、分詞(ing形またはed形)を使って、主節との関係を表します。

"Feeling a little bolder, I decided to approach her."