The Usual Route

Every Wednesday, Marta and Ben walked from their office to the bus station. The route crossed a small park and took about twenty minutes. That evening, Marta had a dentist appointment near the station at six. Ben planned to take the bus home. They left work together at five twenty-five, which normally gave both of them enough time for their plans.

A Closed Gate

At the park entrance, a sign said the main path was closed for repairs. The side gate was also locked. Marta checked the time and became worried. Ben knew another route along River Street, but it was longer and had several turns. Marta had never used it. They decided to walk together instead of separating, and Ben sent the route to her phone.

One Wrong Turn

They followed River Street until they reached a pharmacy. Ben turned left, but Marta noticed that the station sign pointed right. They stopped and compared the phone map with the street names. Ben had remembered an old shop that was no longer there. Marta found the correct street on the map. Their quick check saved them from walking farther in the wrong direction.

A Short Phone Call

At five fifty, they were still ten minutes from the station. Marta called the dental office and explained the delay. The receptionist said her appointment could begin ten minutes later. Marta relaxed and stopped rushing. Ben also checked his bus time. Another bus would leave fifteen minutes after the first one, so he did not need to run or leave Marta alone.

Ready for Next Week

They reached the station at six. Marta thanked Ben and walked to her appointment. Ben bought a drink and waited for the later bus. The next morning, they marked the River Street route on a small office map. They also added the expected walking time. If the park gate remained closed the following Wednesday, they would leave work ten minutes earlier.