Rima lived a quiet, stable life. But she felt deep regret every day. She often thought of one moment. It happened ten years ago now. She stood with her closest friend. The friend asked one small question. Rima knew the right word was “Yes.” She wanted to say the truth first. However, the word did not come out. Rima felt the sudden, cold fear. The friend turned and walked away. Rima’s mind went back to that day. The word was just “banana.” She tried to speak “banana” again. She tried this every morning. The world moved forward always. But Rima lived for the banana word. She needed a do-over for the fruit. Rima needed peace from the silence.
📚 Story Vocabulary and Phrase
In this section, you will review five key words and phrases from the story. Learn the meaning, the part of speech, and see a simple example sentence for each item.
| Word / Phrase | Description | Example |
| do-over (n.) | An opportunity to do something again from the start; a new chance. | I made a mistake, so I asked for a do-over. |
| stable (adj.) | Not changing quickly; staying calm and balanced. | My job is very stable now, so I feel calm. |
| regret (n.) | A feeling of sadness about something you did or did not do in the past. | My biggest regret is not calling my friend last week. |
| closest (adj.) | Being the dearest or best; having the best relationship. | My closest friend always knows my secrets. |
| silence (n.) | Complete absence of sound; a state of being very quiet. | We like to work in total silence in the morning. |
📝 Story Exercise: True or False?
Read the story carefully and decide if the following statements are True or False.
- Rima felt deep regret about a major argument with her friend.
- The key moment Rima regrets happened recently.
- Rima wanted to tell her friend the actual truth about the matter.
- Rima’s daily life is stuck in the past, and she cannot move forward.
- The single word Rima couldn’t say was “banana.”
Answers
- False. She felt deep regret about one moment and one small question.
- False. It happened ten years ago now, not recently.
- True. She wanted to say the truth first (which was the word “banana”).
- False. The world moved forward always, but Rima’s mind was stuck in the past moment.
- True. The word was just “banana”.
🗣️ Let’s talk about it
Let’s discuss the story’s themes. Use the ” Answer Tip” to help you start your sentences.
What makes you feel stable in your own life?
Simple Answer Tip: “My family and stable job make me feel safe.”
What is the most famous regret that you know from a movie or book?
Simple Answer Tip: “The most famous regret is seeing my closest friend walk away.”
If you could have a do-over for one small moment, what moment would you choose?
Simple Answer Tip: “I would choose a do-over for the silence before my big speech.”
